Still trailing behind, but never closer
The Sentra has been with us for a very long time, since 1982 in fact. The 2007 car is the one ushering in the sixth generation of Nissan's compact car. Before the Sentra, as some of you might recall, was Datsun 210. Clearly this little car has quite a lot of history. Although that may be the case, the Sentra certainly cannot nor could it have ever claimed to be as popular as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. When I look back on the Sentra's history, I can find only one real flaw: it has never had any palpable flavour. Through the years, the Sentra rusted, leaked oil and was as noisy as the others. What defined the competitors was "fun behind the wheel" or "as reliable as old faithful".
The 1995-99 Sentra was perhaps the most reliable of the compacts of its time, much like the 1994-2001 Altima, in the midsize segment. Because these cars flew way below the radar based on their bland looks and milquetoast personas, they never measured up to their full potential. Since 2002, Nissan has undergone serious changes including exciting and distinct styling. The Sentra is the last Nissan of the old school and when it came time to restyle the little car, designers inspired themselves on some of the hottest Nissans including the 350Z.
A matter of taste
Although all of this may be true, I fear that I will never be able to say that the Sentra is good-looking. By contrast, the new Altima is very tasteful and the upcoming Rogue crossover is distinctive. Of course, one should never discuss tastes in polite company and many will bring up the Honda Civic and its avant-garde shape.
A literally visible shortcoming to the Sentra's design line are the very large "A" pillar bases. Their width complicates manoeuvring especially when turning left around a cement divider or parking in tight areas. Otherwise, visibility is fair.
Dropping into the Sentra discloses a clear and simple interior. It has many interesting features such as the clever "divide-n-hide" trunk system and available Bluetooth. Layout and access to controls is user-friendly. A positive note should be made on the selection of plastics; they are attractive as well as being properly assembled. Accomodating four adults is child's play in the Sentra's vast cabin. The front seats provide sufficient comfort although I would prefer longer lower cushions for improved leg and thigh support.
Mechanical breakdown
No, not of that sort. There are two engine choices at the moment and there are two transmissions to choose from. The basic Sentras get a 140 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder. The sporty SE-R gets a much more potent 200 hp 2.5L 4-cylinder. The basic transmission is a 6-speed manual which is very rare in this segment and the option is a CVT or a continuously variable transmission. The suspension is independent up front and semi-independent in the rear. 4-wheel disc brakes are standard only on the SE-R. The others get rear drums and they all share electric power steering.
The Sentra has been with us for a very long time, since 1982 in fact. The 2007 car is the one ushering in the sixth generation of Nissan's compact car. Before the Sentra, as some of you might recall, was Datsun 210. Clearly this little car has quite a lot of history. Although that may be the case, the Sentra certainly cannot nor could it have ever claimed to be as popular as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. When I look back on the Sentra's history, I can find only one real flaw: it has never had any palpable flavour. Through the years, the Sentra rusted, leaked oil and was as noisy as the others. What defined the competitors was "fun behind the wheel" or "as reliable as old faithful".
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| The 2007 Sentra is the sixth generation of Nissan's compact car. |
The 1995-99 Sentra was perhaps the most reliable of the compacts of its time, much like the 1994-2001 Altima, in the midsize segment. Because these cars flew way below the radar based on their bland looks and milquetoast personas, they never measured up to their full potential. Since 2002, Nissan has undergone serious changes including exciting and distinct styling. The Sentra is the last Nissan of the old school and when it came time to restyle the little car, designers inspired themselves on some of the hottest Nissans including the 350Z.
A matter of taste
Although all of this may be true, I fear that I will never be able to say that the Sentra is good-looking. By contrast, the new Altima is very tasteful and the upcoming Rogue crossover is distinctive. Of course, one should never discuss tastes in polite company and many will bring up the Honda Civic and its avant-garde shape.
A literally visible shortcoming to the Sentra's design line are the very large "A" pillar bases. Their width complicates manoeuvring especially when turning left around a cement divider or parking in tight areas. Otherwise, visibility is fair.
Dropping into the Sentra discloses a clear and simple interior. It has many interesting features such as the clever "divide-n-hide" trunk system and available Bluetooth. Layout and access to controls is user-friendly. A positive note should be made on the selection of plastics; they are attractive as well as being properly assembled. Accomodating four adults is child's play in the Sentra's vast cabin. The front seats provide sufficient comfort although I would prefer longer lower cushions for improved leg and thigh support.
Mechanical breakdown
No, not of that sort. There are two engine choices at the moment and there are two transmissions to choose from. The basic Sentras get a 140 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder. The sporty SE-R gets a much more potent 200 hp 2.5L 4-cylinder. The basic transmission is a 6-speed manual which is very rare in this segment and the option is a CVT or a continuously variable transmission. The suspension is independent up front and semi-independent in the rear. 4-wheel disc brakes are standard only on the SE-R. The others get rear drums and they all share electric power steering.
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| A 6-speed manual transmission comes standard while a CVT is optional. |