Car Review: 2010 Nissan Sentra

By Sam Moses, New Car Test Drive

The Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan that offers much more than a first impression might suggest. It’s bigger than it looks, so it opens up to a roomy interior. It offers a commendable level of features, sophistication, safety and technology. And it’s fun to drive, so just because you’re saving money on gas doesn’t mean the commute, or the vacation trip, has to be boring. Finally, it’s stylish in a way that looks more expensive than the window sticker indicates.

The Sentra, available as a four-door sedan only (there is no hatchback or two-door model) was designed for the American market and American buyers. The Sentra is fun to drive, with a level of performance and handling that’s a pleasant surprise in a compact sedan. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder of 140 horsepower, which is matched to a very nice six-speed manual in the base car, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) optional in the base car and standard on all other trim levels. It is EPA-rated at 24 mpg City, 31 mpg Highway with the manual and a very thrifty 26/34 mpg with the CVT.

There are two high-performance versions: The Sentra SE-R has a 2.5-liter engine with 177 horsepower and the CVT; its fuel economy figures are 24/30 mpg City/Highway. The SE-R Spec V has a performance suspension and W-rated P225/45R17 tires. The even higher performance SE-R Spec V has the 2.5-liter engine, but upgraded to 200 horsepower and fitted with a six-speed manual; it is EPA-rated at 21/28 mpg City/Highway. Both SE-R models include Vehicle Dynamic Control, Nissan’s electronic stability control system, which includes Traction Control; anti-lock brakes; Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); AM/FM/CD/USB audio unit with six speakers, 160 watts and a 4.3-inch color display; and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SE-R models also have suspension modifications for sharper handling. Even though they offer higher levels of power and handling, they’re easy to live with, offer all the advantages of the standard Sentra and still deliver good fuel economy.

The SE-R Spec V ($20,080) comes with the 2.5-liter engine tuned to produce 200 hp and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a six-speed manual gearbox. The SE-R Spec V has a performance suspension and W-rated P225/45R17 tires. Optional is a Spec V Upgrade Package ($2,200), which is identical to the SE-R Upgrade Package except that it also includes a Helical Limited-Slip Differential.

Safety equipment includes dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, active front-seat headrests, and a tire-pressure monitor. Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are standard on all but the 2.0, where they are optional.

The Nissan Sentra represents a solid value. It’s roomy inside, the engine is modern and competitive, and the chassis provides good handling and a comfortable ride. We like the continuously variable transmission. All told, if you’re in the market for a compact sedan that offers a lot of value in a lot of areas, the Sentra deserves your attention.

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