2008 Nissan Sentra Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Nissan Sentra is largely unchanged. Base 2.0, uplevel 2.0 S, top-line 2.0 SL, performance SE-R, and SE-R Spec V models are offered. The 2.0 models have a 140-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 2.0 S comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional on 2.0 S and standard on 2.0 and 2.0 SL is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The SE-R has a 177-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a CVT; Spec V also has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder but with 200 hp and a mandatory 6-speed manual. SE-R and Spec V have 4-wheel disc brakes, sport suspension, and specific exterior and interior styling cues. Available safety features include ABS, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. On 2.0 models, the rear seat cushion can be flipped forward, allowing the split rear seatback to fold flat with the floor. Leather upholstery, wireless cell phone link, and keyless access/starting are standard on SL.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 19 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Nissan Versa, and Scion xB. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Ford Focus, Saturn Astra, Subaru Impreza and Scion xB.

News

The addition of the sporty SE-R and SE-R Spec V complete the redesigned 2007 Sentra lineup. Since it's new, don't expect any major changes or additions in the near future.

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2008 Nissan Sentra Road Test

Pros	Cons

CVT-transmission performance	Engine noise

Interior materials	Rear-seat room

Ride	Steering feel

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

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2008 Nissan Sentra Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/29/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.0 4-door sedan, CVT	$16,040	$15,387	$660

2.0 S 4-door sedan, manual	$16,270	$15,181	$660

2.0 S 4-door sedan, CVT	$17,070	$15,926	$660

2.0 SL 4-door sedan, CVT	$18,970	$17,692	$660

SE-R 4-door sedan, CVT	$19,970	$18,623	$660

SE-R Spec V 4-door sedan, manual	$20,470	$19,088	$660

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

Model	Rebate & Incentives	Type	Expires

Sentra	$1500-$2500 cash back or 0.9%-2.9% financing.	Customer	06/30/08

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

2.0

Powertrain

2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 205/60HR15 tires, wheel covers.

2.0 S adds to 2.0:

Safety

Antilock brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, steering-wheel radio controls, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

205/55HR16 tires.

2.0 SL adds to 2.0 S:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless access and starting, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

SE-R adds to 2.0 SL:

Powertrain

2.5-liter 177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: keyless access and starting, satellite radio.

Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/45VR17 all-season tires.

SE-R Spec V adds to SE-R:

Powertrain

2.5-liter 200-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: split folding rear seat.

Performance suspension, 225/45WR17 summer tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
2.0 S manual	$650	$564
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless cell phone link, power trunklid release, trunk-wall divider, cargo net, portable CD holder.

Convenience Plus Pkg.
2.0 S CVT	$850	$738
Convenience Pkg. plus keyless access and starting. Std. 2.0 SL.

Sunroof Pkg.
2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$750	$651
Power sunroof, illuminated visor mirrors. S requires Convenience Pkg. or Convenience Plus Pkg. SE-R requires keyless access and starting. SE-R Spec V requires limited-slip differential or 225/45ZR17 all-season tires. NA 2.0.

Rockford Fosgate Audio Pkg.
2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$750	$651
Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. S requires Convenience Pkg. or Convenience Plus Pkg. and satellite radio. 2.0 SL requires trunk-wall divider. SE-R requires keyless access and starting. 2.0 SL, SE-R, SE-R Spec V require Sunroof Pkg.

Powertrain
Limited-slip differential
SE-R Spec V	$400	$347


Safety
Antilock brakes
2.0	$250	$217


Comfort and Convenience Features
Keyless access and starting
SE-R	$250	$217
Requires Sunroof Pkg.

Satellite radio
2.0 S, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$150	$131
Requires Rockford Fosgate Pkg., Sunroof Pkg.

Trunk-wall divider
2.0 SL	$150	$135
Requires Sunroof Pkg.

Automatic day/night rearview mirror
2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$125	$109


Floormats
2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$165	$130
Includes trunk mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL	$210	$167


Mudguards
2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$140	$106


Bodyside moldings
2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$150	$116


225/45ZR17 all-season tires
SE-R Spec V	$0	$0


Alloy wheels
2.0 S	$350	$304
Requires Convenience Pkg. or Convenience Plus Pkg.

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2008 Nissan Sentra Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Sentra 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	105.7

Overall Length, in.	179.8

Overall Width, in.	70.5

Overall Height, in.	59.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	2885

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	14.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.5

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

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc I4	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.0 /122	2.5 /153	2.5 /153

Horsepower @ rpm.	140 @ 5100	177 @ 6000	200 @ 6600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	147 @ 4800	172 @ 2800	180 @ 5200

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	24/31	--/--	21/29

CVT automatic	25/33	24/30	--/--

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	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

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	3/36,000	--

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

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Also in the 2008 Nissan Sentra Review:

Nissan Sentra

Nissan Sentra Road Test

Nissan Sentra Prices & Equipment

Nissan Sentra Specs & Safety

Nissan Sentra Photos