Acceleration

2.0 S, man.	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	5	7	4.6

The 2.0 models have decent around-town power, but passing punch is lacking. Test 2.0 S with manual did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph. Manual-transmission versions not significantly quicker than those with CVT. Manual suffers from imprecise shift, clutch action. CVT is smooth, responsive. SE-R Spec V stronger in all situations, though needs high rpm for best go. No opportunity yet to test base SE-R.

Fuel Economy

2.0 S, man.	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
7	7	7	6	6.5

Test 2.0 averaged 23.4 mpg in city/highway driving, including gas-eating performance runs. Sentra 2.0 uses regular-grade fuel. No opportunity to measure with SE-R or Spec V. Nissan recommends premium for SE-R and Spec V.

Ride Quality

2.0 S, man.	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.3

Solid structure means minimal tire slap and impact harshness. Large bumps and rippled pavement bring about some sloppy wheel patter and other unwanted motions. Spec V's ride is more controlled; stiffer, but never harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

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

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

Quietness

2.0 S, man.	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
6	6	6	5	4.4

Engine buzzes at full throttle but settles down while cruising. Some road noise intrudes, but cabin is well-isolated overall. Spec V has raspier, performance-oriented exhaust note, more road noise.

Controls

2.0 S, man.	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.9

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

Details

2.0 S, man.	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
6	6	6	6	3

Cabin makes good use of textured plastics and soft-touch surfaces, imparting a pleasant ambience for the compact-car class.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

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

Sufficient head, leg room for six-footers. Steering wheel tilts to aid in driver positioning. Good seat comfort, though some occupants will want more lumbar support. Spec V has snug, supportive sport seats.

Room/Comfort (rear)

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

Only comfortable for short trips with no more than two medium-sized adults aboard. Adequate six-footer head clearance, though knee space cramped even with front seats well forward. Narrow door sills hamper entry/exit.

Cargo Room

2.0 S, man.	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	3	3	3	4.8

Available trunk-wall divider useful for hiding items, though with it raised, trunk volume is subpar. Divider can be removed, creating class-competitive trunk space. Flip-forward rear seat cushions, 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.

Value within Class

2.0 S, man.	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
4	5	4	5	6

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, lackluster handling, and in 2.0 models, lackluster acceleration, make Sentra less appealing than the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Nissan's own Versa.

Total Score

2.0 S, man.	2.0 S, CVT	2.0 SL	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
53	54	53	56	55.9

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		42
Average Score		55
High Score		60