2007 Nissan Sentra
 

Overview. Redesigned for 2007, the Nissan Sentra has been enlarged and improved. That's a good thing because the previous generation, on the market for seven long years, had little to offer in a segment that includes the competitive Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda3, and Toyota Corolla.

The Sentra is offered as a sedan in five trim lines. Without options, it starts at $15,375 for the base 2.0 and tops out at $20,525 for the sporty 200-hp SE-R Spec V.

We bought a mid-trim Sentra 2.0S, which stickered at $18,855 after the addition of the essential antilock brakes (requiring 16-inch alloy wheels), a convenience package, and continuously variable transmission (CVT). Stability control isn't available in any version, and we think the ABS should be standard.

Initial impressions. The Sentra feels peppy enough, and the CVT seems to wring all possible power from the 140-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Handling is responsive enough, but not as precise and sporty as, say, the Mazda3's. The ride is fairly comfortable for a small car, and the interior is quiet when you're cruising on the highway. Some might find the steering wheel too far away. The trip computer indicates that we're averaging a respectable 27 mpg in mixed driving.

The high roofline allows for an upright seating position, increased passenger space, and easier access. In particular, the rear seats are much roomier than the cramped quarters of the old car.

The airy interior brings some unusual furnishings, such as a headliner-mounted CD holder, a sliding cup-holder divider, and a huge glove compartment that will hold a laptop computer. Our car also has lots of electronic features, including some items that are rare in the class, such as a transponder key and Bluetooth compatibility, part of the convenience package.

CR's take: The Sentra is an efficiently packaged and sensible choice that stresses comfort over sport. We'll see how it stacks up against other recently redesigned small cars, including the Hyundai Elantra and Mitsubishi Lancer, in the October issue of Consumer Reports and in September at ConsumerReports.org.

Read the Consumer Reports Cars Blog for regular updates on vehicles CR is currently evaluating.

Source: [url=http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/news/2007/05/first-look-2007-nissan-sentra/overview/0705_first-look-2007-nissan-sentra_ov.htm]Consumer Reports[/url]