Acceleration

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	5	7	4.9

The 2.0 models have decent around-town power, but passing punch is lacking. In Consumer Guide testing a 2.0 S with manual transmission did 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. Manual-transmission versions are not significantly quicker than those with the CVT. The manual suffers from imprecise shifter and clutch action. The CVT is smooth and responsive. The SE-R Spec V is stronger in all situations, though it needs high rpm for best performance. No 177-hp SE-R models have been made available for us to test.

Fuel Economy

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
7	7	7	6	6.4

In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission 2.0 averaged 23.4 mpg in city/highway driving, including gas-eating performance runs. A 2.0 with CVT averaged 25.1 mpg in city/highway driving. A test SE-R Spec V averaged 22.9 mpg in city/highway driving. Sentra 2.0 uses regular-grade gas. Nissan recommends premium for SE-R and Spec V.

Ride Quality

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
4	4	4	3	5.1

Sentra has a solid body structure, but a lack of suspension refinement means ride quality falls well short of the class leaders. Large bumps and rippled pavement bring about sloppy wheel patter and other unwanted motions. Spec V's ride is more controlled. It's stiffer but is never outright harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
4	4	4	6	5.8

Takes turns with moderate body lean and lots of tire squeal. The steering wheel returns to center with unusual force. Fast and bumpy turns upset stability. All models tested had ABS, and they had merely adequate stopping control. Spec V is relatively nimble, though not as much as a Honda Civic Si or Mazdaspeed 3.

Quietness

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	5	4	4.4

The engine buzzes at full throttle and doesn't completely settle down while cruising. Some road noise intrudes, but the cabin is well-isolated overall. Spec V has a raspier, performance-oriented exhaust note and more road noise.

Controls

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.7

The audio and climate controls are easy to operate. Instrument panel displays for fuel level, engine temperature, and radio wash out in direct sunlight.

Details

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.2

The cabin makes good use of textured surfaces, but most plastics throughout the cabin are hard and unyielding. The few padded surfaces are either wafer thin or too hard to be comfortable for extended periods of time. Aside from some badging and a little bit of interior stitching, SE-R Spec V has offers nothing of substance over lesser Sentra models.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.6

Sentra offers sufficient headroom and legroom for six-footers. Seat comfort is good, though some occupants will want more lumbar support. Spec V has snug, supportive sport seats.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	3	3	3	4

The rear seat is only comfortable for short trips with no more than two medium-sized adults aboard. Head clearance is adequate for six-footers, though knee space is cramped even with front seats well forward. Narrow door sills hamper entry and exit.

Cargo Room

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	3	3	3	5

The available trunk-wall divider is useful for hiding items, though with it raised, trunk volume is subpar. The divider can be removed which creates class-competitive trunk space. Flip-forward rear seat cushions and fold-flat rear seatbacks create convenient loading deck for bulky items. Good in-cabin storage includes an available portable CD holder that integrates with the headliner behind the sun visor. Note that SE-R Spec V does not offer a folding rear seat.

Value within Class

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
4	5	4	3	6.1

Sentra is a competent compact sedan with a number of upscale features, such as keyless starting and a wireless cell phone link. Its cramped rear seat, budget-grade interior materials, and in 2.0 models, lackluster acceleration and handling, make Sentra less appealing than the Honda Civic or Nissan's own Versa. The factory-tuned SE-R Spec V is more fun to drive than other Sentras, but it falls well short of rival hot-rod compacts from Honda, Mazda, and Volkswagen for handling response and refinement.

Total Score

2.0 S, manual	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL, CVT	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
50	51	50	50	58.2

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		58
High Score		71