2007 Nissan Sentra [ 2008 ]
Nissan Sentra
Overall Score - 6.7 (Mediocre)
The Sentra delivers an affordable price with an emphasis on efficiency over style, but take a hit on its underwhelming overall performance. If you're in the market for an affordable small car, you should also consider the Honda Civic.
Redesigned for 2007, the Nissan Sentra moves into the "sporty" segment of the compact car class. The Sentra is no longer Nissan's lowest priced economy car, thanks to the new-for-2007 Versa taking that spot.
Despite being marketed as the more athletic sibling, the 2007 Sentra disappoints many reviewers with its acceleration and engine noise. It does, however, deliver on comfort and fuel efficiency (the Sentra's fuel consumption is on par with the economy Versa). "Even if the new Sentra falls a little short on the thrill scale, this enlarged compact proves pleasant and capable for everyday driving," says AutoMedia.com. Reviewers also call the interior styling of the Sentra plain. "If it weren't for the ugly styling and the cranky-sounding engine, Sentra would be an easy car to applaud, mainly for its driving feel and pleasant furnishings," says the Washington Post. For its shortcomings, USA TODAY warns that the Sentra is "not necessarily pick of the litter" when compared to the VW Rabbit, Honda Civic, Mazda3, and others.
For the price, however, Automotive.com considers the 2007 Sentra a "great value." IntelliChoice named the 2007 Nissan Sentra a "Best in Class" award winner for SmartChoice Maintenance Costs. IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Nissan Sentra an "Excellent" value rating for predicted five-year cost of ownership compared to other vehicles in its class.
The 2007 Nissan Sentra is available in five trims: the base 2.0, the 2.0 S, the 2.0 SL, the SE-R and the SE-R Spec-V. The 2.0 and the 2.0 S are available with either the base six-speed manual transmission or the optional automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 2.0 SL and the SE-R are only available with the CVT, while the SE-R Spec V is only available with the six-speed manual.
Sentra Performance - 6.4 (Mediocre)
The 2.0-liter engine of the 2007 Nissan Sentra has limited horsepower, torque and acceleration. "The 2007 Nissan Sentra is not a performance vehicle by any stretch of the imagination," says CNET. continue
Sentra Exterior - 6.6 (Mediocre)
Enthusiastic reviews about the Sentra's exterior are rare. Most find it modern and inoffensive, while some are disappointed in the overall packaging. "The Sentra is a nice-looking car -- young but not especially daring," says Cars.com. continue
Sentra Interior - 7.1 (Good)
The 2007 Nissan Sentra seats five. It's a bigger car than past Sentras, and most agree that seats are comfortable and ergonomics are well designed overall. But as the Detroit News points out, it "isn't going to win any prizes in the styling department." continue
Sentra Safety - 9.5 (Excellent)
The Sentra is missing standard Electronic Stability Control and anti-lock brakes. "For everybody's sake, this basic and important safety feature should be standard across the board," says U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman. continue
Sentra Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Nissan Sentra reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Nissan Sentra comes equipped with a three year/36,000-mile limited warranty. continue
