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Nissan Sentra scores in comforts and economy for a small car
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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When comparing the current array of subcompact sedans designed for economy in both purchase price and the long-term cost of operation, one particular label pops to the top of any list.
Nissan, it seems, provides an extremely likable 4-door design with Sentra.
This curvy car with interior space for five and fuel numbers that reach as high as 40 mpg measures smaller than Nissan's flagship mid-size Maxima and the compact Altima.
Park a Sentra between these two larger sedans and you may detect styling cues borrowed from both -- particularly overall fluidity in the design and softly rounded corners.
Previous iterations of Sentra, which traces back through three generational issues at Nissan, seemed unremarkable, evoking unflattering concepts like boxy, cramped, sluggish and small.
Yet at mid-year in 1995, Nissan's subcompact sedan reappeared in a fourth generational design with top-to-bottom revisions. Compared with the former model, Sentra's wheelbase was increased by four inches and its platform widened by another inch so riders gained interior space.
The new design wrapped Sentra in sensuously smooth sheetmetal. It measured larger, performed better and actually felt bigger than the dimensions of a subcompact would suggest.
For 1997 issues, Sentra extends all of the improvements effected in 1995 and still manages to hold a hard line on prices, which begin around $12,000.
At a glance, you could easily mistake Sentra for the larger Altima. A strong C-pillar statement flows forward into an expanse of glass that meets the sharp slant of Sentra's front hood. Curved headlamp clusters highlight the front, while at the rear in a blunt tail treatment the lamps wrap around each side.
Drive a Sentra, as I did in a week's worth of home tests, and you too may discover that its stylish exterior shape is only the first of many assets.
Climb aboard, and we'll go for a spin.
As you settle into the front bucket, note that both front seats feature contoured styling and concealed pelvic and lumbar arch support elements which work in concert to stem body fatigue. Seat upholstery, ranging from woven or knit fabrics to fancy velour in higher trim editions, looks sharp and feels good too.
Also, check out the amount of room you get for head, shoulders, knees and legs. With Sentra's wheelbase of 99.8 inches and a platform that's 66.6 inches wide, riders end up with plenty of room.
Specifically, in the rear seat there's more than 32 inches for knees and legs, plus shoulder room of 53 inches and 36.5 inches for head space.
Net effect: Sentra functions like a compact-class car.
Now buckle up and we'll try some pavement tricks.
As we power up and move out, Sentra draws on an efficient 4-cylinder engine, compact in 1.6-liter format with four valves in each cylinder and twin cams on top. It produces 115 hp and musters enough torque so you feel a kick in the pedal when moving through lower gears.
Off-the-line acceleration feels snappy with a 5-speed, although most buyers pick a Sentra equipped with optional 4-speed electronic automatic shifter. Tests using the automatic show that it's friendly, smooth and efficient, but Sentra's stick-shift zippiness diminishes slightly, as do the fuel economy numbers.
Sentra performs as an efficient set of wheels, by the way, scoring as high as 40 mpg with the manual transmission.
It also stocks a number of safety assets, beginning with a chassis which incorporates fore and aft crush zones to absorb impact forces from crashes. Steel beams in each door guard against side crunches, while the dash design conceals airbags for both front riders.
Perhaps the most surprising feature of Sentra relates to the smoothness of the sedan when in motion. A stiff chassis design aids in creating such an easy ride, as does independent front suspension.
Still, the most significant suspension contribution comes at the rear, where Sentra uses a multi-link beam borrowed from Maxima. The compact form of this beam permits the extension of Sentra's wheelbase, which in turn generates more rear seat room and a larger trunk.
Power rack and pinion steering puts a lively snap in this car's wheels -- you'll appreciate it most in the curvy stuff, as Sentra performs with an assurance that makes it seem almost sporty.
My original tests of Sentra in various trim editions occurred over rolling Texas back routes surrounding suburban lakes northwest of Dallas. Then I spent a week living out of a Sentra GXE, the trim version which accounts for a majority of all sales.
That Sentra, rigged with popular equipment, lists for less than $16,000 with automatic transmission aboard.
An entry-level model -- badged as Sentra Standard -- employs low-fatigue reclining front buckets separated by a center console.
This basic Sentra also includes convenience items like tilting steering column, tinted glass, rear window defogger and secondary power point.
Sentra XE adds air conditioning, power steering and AM-FM stereo sound with a cassette deck, plus intermittent windshield wipers, remote releases for fuel and trunk lids, and dual exterior mirrors.
The best-selling GXE Sentra packs extra equipment such as cruise control, power windows and door locks, a rear seatback that splits and folds to increase trunk cargo space, as well as exterior bodyside moldings.
An ultimate edition -- Sentra GLE -- covers seats in plush velour upholstery, then installs a remote keyless entry device, theft-deterrent system, tachometer and larger tires with alloy wheels.
Options for Sentra GLE include a power sunroof and 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock system.
Other options for all models range from a compact disc player and 3-disc changer to floor mats and a rear spoiler.
Loaded with all options, Sentra GLE totals to $19,000.
1997 NISSAN SENTRA
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 1997 NISSAN SENTRA Specs |
| Description: |
Subcompact sedan |
| Model Options: |
Subcompact sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
99.8 inches |
| Overall Length: |
170.1 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 1.6-L I4
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum,
opt. 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
M/5: 30/40 mpg
A/4: 28/37 mpg |
| Price: |
$ 11,920 to $ 19,000 |
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