2002 Nissan Sentra Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2002 Nissan Sentra includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Nissan Sentra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Nissan Sentra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Nissan Sentra help you decide if a 2002 Nissan Sentra is right for you.

2002 Nissan Sentra Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Rear-seat entry/exit

Acceleration (SE-R)	Ride (SE-R)

Steering/handling (SE-R)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

XE, auto.	GXE, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	4	7	3.7

Test manual-transmission GXE did 0-60 mph in a lazy 9.9 sec; automatics need about 11 sec. SE-Rs among quickest subcompact cars: 7.8 sec 0-60 for SE-R, 7.0 sec for Spec V, Nissan says. Manual transmission in any Sentra suffers imprecise shift action.

Fuel Economy

XE, auto.	GXE, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
6	7	5	6.7

Test manual-transmission GXE averaged 24.9 mpg; expect slightly less with automatic. SE-R Spec V averaged 18.2 mpg. Nissan recommends premium fuel for the Spec V.

Ride Quality

XE, auto.	GXE, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	3	4.1

XE/GXE tend to bound over large moguls and jiggle on rippled freeways. SE-R has firmer, better-controlled ride, with Spec V reacting sharply to most any surface imperfection.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XE, auto.	GXE, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	7	4.9

XE/GXE have predictable front-drive handling with quick, responsive steering but modest cornering grip. SE-R versions stick to the road, stop, and change direction with impressive athleticism, but suffer some torque steer--unwanted pulling to the side--during quick acceleration. Brakes feel strong, but non-ABS test models tended toward sudden front-wheel locking in simulated panic stops.

Quietness

XE, auto.	GXE, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	3	3	3.6

Average in any model. Tire roar higher than the class norm--especially in Spec V--and full-throttle work makes the XE/GXE engine fairly loud and thrashy sounding.

Controls

XE, auto.	GXE, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
7	7	7	5.6

Neat, logical, unremarkable. Radio sits nice and high, but has small buttons. Interior materials solid and serviceable. SE-R versions dress up with metal-look finishes and leather trim.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XE, auto.	GXE, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
4	4	5	4.4

Typical small-car space. Seats nicely padded and shaped; special Spec V buckets are very firm with prominent bolstering for great support in fast cornering. Drivers enjoy standard seat-height adjustment and tilt steering wheel, plus good visibility, but insufficient seat travel may cramp longer legs.

Room/Comfort (rear)

XE, auto.	GXE, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	3	3	3.2

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-R Spec V	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. All but the Spec V have folding rear seatbacks, and Sentras have decent interior storage.

Value within Class

XE, auto.	GXE, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
7	7	6	4.7

No Sentra is as refined as a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta, or as roomy as Ford's Focus. But these are solid enough small cars, and prices are competitive, even for the lively SE-R versions.

Total Score