2000 Nissan Sentra: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Nissan's subcompact sedan is redesigned for 2000, with a larger base engine, available front side airbags, and a higher level of standard equipment. Wheelbase is unchanged, but Sentra is 6.5 inches longer than before, with slight gains in width and height. Curb weight increases about 150 pounds. XE and uplevel GXE models return, but with a new 126-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine in place of a 115-hp 1.6 liter. The sporty SE model retains a 2.0-liter four with 145 horsepower, 5 more than before. Manual transmission is standard and a 4-speed automatic is optional with both engines. Sentra also offers a special CA model in California that meets that state's Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle requirements.
Antilock brakes combine with the front side airbags in an option package for GXE and SE models. The SE also comes with 4-wheel disc brakes and is the only model to offer a sunroof. Newly standard on the XE are 14-inch wheels in place of 13s and a height-adjustable driver's seat. GXE trades a cassette player for a CD player, though its split/folding rear seat is now an option. SE gains optional 16-inch alloy wheels in place of the standard 15s.

COMPETITION

This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized.
Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.