3rd Place:
Nissan Sentra
Overview:
Nissan
originally billed its Sentra as a premium
compact car, and gave it a price to match that
billing, in an attempt to distinguish it from
Nissan's other compact sedan, the Versa. But at
the risk of redundancy in its model lineup,
Nissan has wisely discounted the Sentra to a
price point at which it is competitive as the
spacious but no-frills economy car it was from
the start. Its interior plastics are hard and
the handling is a bit clumsy for a small car,
but at just over $15,000 nicely equipped, the
Sentra's strong points stand out more than its
weak ones.
Driving the
Sentra:
The Sentra rides comfortably. It is steady on
smooth pavement, and is not overly upset by road
imperfections. However, the suspension is
clearly tuned in favor of ride comfort over
handling. The Sentra is handles safely enough,
but it never feels especially agile, and suffers
from pronounced body roll. The steering is not
particularly responsive, and lacks feedback. The
Sentra is reasonably quick. Its CVT keeps engine
RPMs constant, which helps the car achieve good
gas mileage, but it also keeps the engine at a
buzzy drone (though a relatively quiet one).
Wind and road noise are very well-subdued.
Inside the
Sentra:
The Sentra’s front and rear seats are wide and
roomy, but a bit too hard and flat. The interior
is well-constructed, but the hard plastics used
vary from durable to downright cheap. The gauges
are clear, and the instruments are well laid out
and easy to use, but their displays wash out
easily. Drivers sit comfortably and have
reasonably clear visibility. Entry/exit is easy.
The Sentra has a long wheelbase for its size,
which helps rear seat space but cuts into trunk
volume, but its trunk is still adequately roomy.
Sentra pricing:
The
Sentra is
relatively inexpensive at $15,386, well-equipped
with the group's expected features and active
head restraints.
Conclusion:
The Sentra is
spacious and all-around competent, and is priced
right. It's a solid compact sedan choice, unless
Nissan revokes the discounts that keeps its
price below superior competitors.
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