2005 Nissan Sentra Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Availability of satellite radio is among the few changes to Nissan's smallest sedan for 2005. Sentra comes in economy-oriented 1.8 and 1.8 S models, and in sporty SE-R and SE-R Spec V form. The 1.8 versions have a 126-hp 1.8-liter 4-cyl engine and a 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. SE-Rs have a 165-hp 2.5-liter 4-cyl and automatic transmission. The SE-R Spec V has a 175-hp 2.5 and mandatory 6-speed manual. SE-R and Spec V come with 4-wheel disc brakes instead of rear drums, plus sport suspensions and 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels, respectively. Other Sentras come with 15-inch steel wheels. Sixteens are available for the 1.8 S in a new Sport Appearance Package that also includes a rear spoiler, fog lights, and leather-rim steering wheel. ABS packaged with front side airbags is optional for all but the base 1.8. Satellite radio is also available for all but the base 1.8. The Spec V offers specific exterior and interior trim, sport seats, and available Brembo-brand brakes. All models get new upholstery fabrics for 2005, and the 1.8 S adds cruise control and a trip computer as standard.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

News

A redesigned Sentra is now expected in summer 2006 as a slightly early '07 debut. It's apparently been developed with French parent Renault, but Nissan stresses that underskin components will be its own work--and that Sentra will still be sourced from Japan, not France. Due sometime later is a hybrid version with a Nissan 4-cyl gasoline engine and Toyota-sourced electric-drive components. Nissan is one of several automakers that license Toyota's hybrid powertrain technology.

The next Sentra should be taller, longer and wider than the current model. That makes room for a smaller sedan and 2-dr hatchback that Nissan also confirms for '07. Sources say the hatchback will bow about the same time as the new Sentra, with the sedan following some six months later. Both will be built at Nissan's plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico. No word yet on design and engineering, but the hatchback is said to be inspired by the Sport Concept model seen at various auto shows in early '05. Sources say this new plan rules out a rumored U.S. version of the redesigned Japanese-market Cube miniwagon, which was expected to answer Toyota's boxy Scion xB. Even so, the new "sub-Sentras" will target the Scions, the Mini Cooper and Honda's upcoming Fit/Jazz as trendy, budget-priced wheels for young buyers. More news as we get it, so keep checking back.

2005 Nissan Sentra Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (SE-R)	Ride (SE-R Spec V)

Steering/handling (SE-R)	Rear-seat entry/exit

Fuel economy	Cargo room

	Noise

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	4	6	4.1

Test manual-transmission 1.8 S clocked a lazy 9.9 sec 0-60 mph; expect about 11 sec with automatic. Test Spec V took 7.9 sec. No opportunity yet to time the automatic-transmission SE-R. Manual transmission in any Sentra suffers imprecise shift action.

Fuel Economy

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
6	7	5	6.7

Test manual-transmission 1.8 S averaged 24.9 mpg; expect slightly less with automatic. A test Spec V averaged 18.2 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel for Spec V.

Ride Quality

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	3	4.6

Mainstream 1.8-liter models tend to bound over large moguls and jiggle on rippled freeways. SE-Rs have firmer, more-controlled ride motions. Stiffly sprung Spec V can fidget, even on apparently smooth pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	7	5.4

The 1.8 models have modest cornering grip but quick, responsive steering. SE-R has strong grip, agile handling, but brisk acceleration induces unwanted torque steer--unwanted pulling to one side in brisk acceleration. Spec V's standard limited-slip differential reduces torque steer, but doesn't erase it. Brakes feel strong, but non-ABS test models tended toward sudden front-wheel locking in simulated panic stops.

Quietness

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	4	4	4

Mediocre even for small cars. Tire roar higher than the class norm--especially in Spec V--and engines get fairly loud and thrashy-sounding in full-throttle work.

Controls

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
6	6	6	5.5

Neat, logical, unremarkable. Radio sits nice and high, but has small buttons. Interior materials solid and serviceable. Metal-look trim dresses up SE-Rs.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
4	4	5	5

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 tilt steering wheel and, save base 1.8, height-adjustable seat. Insufficient seat travel may cramp longer legs, though. Fine outward visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	3	3	3.6

OK head room for those 6 ft and under, narrow door bottoms cramp entry/exit.

Cargo Room

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
2	2	2	3.9

Subpar for class, with intrusive trunklid hinges and scant height beneath rear parcel shelf. Average-size trunk opening. Folding rear seatbacks included only on 1.8 S, SE-R. Decent interior storage.

Value within Class

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	6	5	5.8

No Sentra matches Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta for refinement or Ford's Focus for roominess. But these are solid-enough small cars, and even the sporty SE-R and Spec V are competitively priced.

Total Score

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
42	46	46	48.6

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		48
High Score		63

2005 Nissan Sentra Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/17/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

1.8 4-door sedan, manual	$12,900	$12,335	$580

1.8 4-door sedan, automatic	$13,700	$13,100	$580

1.8 S 4-door sedan, manual	$14,900	$13,858	$580

1.8 S 4-door sedan, automatic	$15,700	$14,602	$580

SE-R 4-door sedan, automatic	$17,800	$16,555	$580

SE-R Spec V 4-door sedan, manual	$18,000	$16,741	$580

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

1.8

Powertrain

1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, passenger-side visor mirror, rear defogger.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

195/60HR15 tires, wheel covers.

1.8 S adds to 1.8:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights.

SE-R adds to 1.8 S:

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder 165-horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 195/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.

SE-R Spec V adds to SE-R:

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder 175-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: split folding rear seat.

Spec V suspension, 215/45ZR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
1.8	$1,250	$1,085
Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player.

ABS and Side Airbags Pkg.
1.8 S, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$600	$520
Antilock brakes, front side airbags. SE-R, SE-R Spec V require Audio Fanatic Pkg., Sunroof Pkg.

Spec V Brake Pkg.
SE-R Spec V	$1,000	$867
Brembo uprated brakes, gold-painted front calipers. NA w/ABS and Side Airbags Pkg.

Sunroof Pkg.
1.8 S, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$700	$607
Power sunroof, illuminated visor mirrors. 1.8 S requires Special Edition Pkg., ABS and Side Airbags Pkg.

Audio Pkg.
1.8 S	$900	$780
Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, partial folding rear seat.

Sport Appearance Pkg.
1.8 S	$1,100	$954
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, rear spoiler, special grille, 195/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Special Edition Pkg.
1.8 S	$500	$433
Audio Pkg. and Sport Appearance Pkg.

Audio Fanatic Pkg.
SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$550	$478
Rockford Fosgate sound system, partial folding rear seat, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Interior air filter
1.8, 1.8 S, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$50	$40


Satellite radio
1.8 S, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$400	$347
1.8 S requires Audio Pkg. or Special Edition Pkg.

Floormats
1.8, 1.8 S, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$150	$113
Includes trunk mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
1.8 S	$370	$285

2005 Nissan Sentra Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Sentra 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	99.8

Overall Length, in.	177.5

Overall Width, in.	67.3

Overall Height, in.	55.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	2513

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	13.2

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.9

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.6

Rear Head Room, in.	37.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	33.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc I4	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	1.8 /110	2.5 /152	2.5 /152

Horsepower @ rpm.	126 @ 6000	165 @ 6000	175 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	129 @ 2400	175 @ 4000	180 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	28/35	--/--	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	--/--	23/29

4-speed automatic	28/34	23/28	--/--

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Sentra 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	2

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	Optional/--	Extra charge Security Plus plan.

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Mexico

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2005 Nissan Sentra Photos

Also in the 2005 Nissan Sentra Review:

Nissan Sentra

Nissan Sentra Road Test

Nissan Sentra Prices & Equipment

Nissan Sentra Specs & Safety

Nissan Sentra Photos

Nissan Sentra Full Review

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