2001 Nissan Sentra: Road Test
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2001 Nissan Sentra ▼
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- MSRP: $11,749 -$15,799
- Invoice: $11,050 -$14,446
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Our road test for the 2001 Nissan Sentra includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Nissan Sentra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Nissan Sentra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Nissan Sentra help you decide if a 2001 Nissan Sentra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 3.7 |
Test manual-transmission GXE needed a lazy 9.9 sec 0-60 mph; automatics need about 11 sec. SEs are quicker, but really feel spunky only with manual. Sentra's manual suffers imprecise shift action and an overly sharp clutch engagement that makes smooth driving tricky.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
With manual transmission, a test GXE averaged 24.9 mpg and an SE 28.5. Expect slightly less with automatic.
RIDE QUALITY
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
XE/GXE have softish damping and tend to bound over large moguls and jiggle on rippled freeways. SE has firmer, better controlled ride, but can't match class-leading Honda Civic, Volkswagen Jetta.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 4.2 |
Safe, predictable front-drive handling with quick, responsive steering. XE/GXE have modest cornering grip. SE is more athletic and "tossable."
QUIETNESS
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Average in any model. Tire roar higher than the class norm, and full-throttle work makes the 126-hp engine fairly loud and thrashy-sounding.
CONTROLS
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
Neat, logical, but unremarkable. Radio sits nice and high, but has small buttons.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Typical small-car space. Seats nicely padded and shaped. Drivers enjoy standard seat-height adjustment (GXE, SE) and tilt steering wheel, plus good visibility, but insufficient seat travel may cramp longer legs.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
OK head room for those 6-ft. and under, but very little leg or foot room if front seats very far back. Entry/exit hampered by narrow door bottoms.
CARGO ROOM
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.3 |
Subpar for class, with intrusive trunklid hinges and scant height beneath rear parcel shelf. Average-size trunk opening too. Decent interior storage, though.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.6 |
Not as refined as Civic or roomy as Ford's Focus, but solid enough and priced right to merit a spot on your subcompact-car shopping list.
Total Score
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43 | 45 | 48 | 42.8 |
Total Score: 45
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