2012 Nissan Sentra Review by Cars.com Staff

2012 Nissan Sentra

Starting MSRP $16,430–$20,990

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By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National June 1, 2012

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat Sentra sits between the subcompact Versa and the midsize Altima in Nissan's sedan lineup. Regular Sentras come in base 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SL trim levels. The Sentra is an alternative to the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra.
The Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V are Nissan's representatives in the hotly contested sporty compact segment, and they compete against the Mazdaspeed3 and Honda Civic Si.

(Skip to details on the: SE-R and SE-R Spec V)

New for 2012
There are no significant changes for 2012.

Exterior
The 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL received redesigned grilles and front-end designs in 2010, as well as new taillights. The 2.0 SR separates itself from those models with sportier styling cues, including a unique grille, front and rear body parts, and side sills. Exterior features include:

Optional 16-inch wheel covers or aluminum-alloy wheels
Optional fog lamps
Optional power moonroof
Optional power mirrors

Interior
The Sentra offers some innovative features for a compact car, including rear cupholders that can hold 32-ounce cups and 20-ounce bottles; high-mounted front-seatback pockets for backseat passengers; and a configurable partition in the trunk that can form two compartments, one of which Nissan describes as "hidden."

The Sentra stands taller than conventional compacts. This improves forward visibility and entry and exit from the car by increasing the minimum seat height. A 60/40-split folding backseat is standard. The instrument panel has reddish-orange gauge illumination, chrome accents on the climate-control knobs and an optional iPod interface. Interior features include:

Standard air conditioning
Standard power windows and locks
Available cruise control and steering-wheel-mounted controls
Available keyless ignition system
Available satellite radio
Available navigation system with a 5-inch touch-screen and XM traffic information
Available backup camera
Available 4.3-inch color audio display with USB interface

Under the Hood
Sentra 2.0 models come with one engine and two transmission choices. Mechanical features include:

140-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 pounds-feet of torque
Six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission

Safety
Safety features include:

Standard side-impact and side curtain airbags
Standard stability system and traction control
Standard four-wheel antilock brakes
Available security system

SE-R and SE-R Spec V
The Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V are sporty variants with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The SE-R is built for mainstream consumers who want a sportier feel; the Spec V is geared toward the enthusiast crowd.

Both SE-Rs are distinguished from regular Sentras by exterior enhancements, including different nose and tail treatments, side sill extensions and a rear spoiler. The SE-R boasts numerous interior upgrades, including an oil pressure gauge, lateral g-force meter and cloth sport seats embroidered with the SE-R designation. The SE-R Spec V adds red seat belts.

The Sentra's MacPherson strut front suspension and, particularly, the semi-independent torsion-beam rear suspension are unlikely to please sport enthusiasts, but performance, not construction, is what matters most. The Spec V has a firmer suspension and larger brakes. Features include:

Standard stability system and traction control
200-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 pounds-feet of torque (Spec V)
177-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 172 pounds-feet of torque (SE-R)
Standard six-speed manual transmission (Spec V)
Standard CVT with paddle shifters (SE-R)
Premium gas recommended for Spec V
Standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Optional 340-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo
Optional moonroof, limited-slip differential, backup camera and navigation system (Back to top)