2006 Nissan Sentra Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 Nissan Sentra includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Nissan Sentra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Nissan Sentra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Nissan Sentra help you decide if a 2006 Nissan Sentra is right for you.

2006 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	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	4	5	6	4.4

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. Manual transmission in any Sentra suffers imprecise shift action.

Fuel Economy

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

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

Ride Quality

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	4	3	4.9

Mainstream 1.8 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	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	6	7	5.6

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--pulling to one side. 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	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	4	4	3	4.2

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	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.9

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	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
4	4	4	5	5.5

Typical small-car space. Seats nicely padded and shaped; special Spec V buckets 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	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	3	3	3	3.9

OK head room for those 6-ft and under, but very little leg or foot room if front seats are very far back. Narrow door bottoms cramp entry/exit.

Cargo Room

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
2	2	2	2	4.7

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	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	6	5	4	6.2

No Sentra matches Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta for refinement, Ford Focus for roominess, or Mazda 3 for balanced handling. But these are solid-enough small cars, and even the sporty SE-R and Spec V are competitively priced.

Total Score