2010 Nissan Sentra Review

Overview

Buyers in the compact sedan segment expect a car with good fuel economy, durability, safety, reliability and affordability. Nissan's Sentra meets and exceeds all these expectations. It goes above-and-beyond providing a completely unexpected level of style, roominess, responsiveness and versatility - attributes that set Sentra apart in the segment. The 2010 Nissan Sentra is offered in six trim levels - 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR (With sporty exterior styling features), 2.0 SL and two performance-oriented models, SE-R and SE-R Spec V.

Power and performance

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes140-hp and is mated to either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. The SE-R and SE-R Spec V both have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 177-hp in the SE-R and 200-hp in the Spec V. The SE-R is offered only with a CVT transmission, while the Spec V is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 26/34 miles per gallon City/Highway with the CVT and 24/31 miles per gallon with the 6-speed manual transmission (Sentra 2.0 only). The SE-R Spec V delivers 21/29 with the manual transmission. The 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL, and SE-R offer a cargo volume of 13.1 cubic feet while the SE-R Spec V has only 12 cubic feet.

Body and styling

All 2010 FWD Sentras feature revised headlights and taillights. The 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SL come with new grille and front fascia designs. Three new exterior colors are also offered - Anodized Orange, Espresso Black and Aspen White. Interior has a revised seat cloth and door trim along with the revised instrument panel accents and illumination. Electric power-assisted steering, 15-inch wheels and tires, suede-like cloth interior, oversized glove compartment, power windows and door locks, rear folding seat, and a 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input are among the standard features. Sentra 2.0 S adds 16-inch wheels, P205/55HR16 tires, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD RDS audio system with MP3 playback capability, Interface System for iPod, upgraded cloth, Vehicle Security System, trip computer, cruise control, Remote Keyless Entry, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and more. The 2.0 SR takes its sporty styling cues from the high-performance Sentra SE-R, adding a unique exterior treatment including sport grille, driving lights and rear spoiler. It also offers 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The top-of-the-line Sentra 2.0 SL is available with standard cloth seats or optional leather-appointed seats. Standard SL equipment includes 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key with power trunk release, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), leather-wrapped steering wheel, 4.3-inch color audio head unit with iPod and Bluetooth controls, driving lights, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS) and "SL" badging on the rear decklid. Available options and packages include Convenience Package (2.0 S, 2.0 SR models), ABS and VDC Package (2.0), VDC Package (2.0 S, 2.0 SR), and four packages exclusive to the 2.0 SL - Navigation Package, 2.0 SL Premium Package, 2.0 SL Premium Package Plus and 2.0 SL Tech Package. Other major changes include the separation of leather seating into an optional package on the Sentra 2.0 SL model and the addition of new Technology and Navigation Packages for the SL model. In addition, the Convenience Package is added as an option for the 2.0 SR model and the Sentra 2.0 SL adds standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS). Wheel designs have also been revised for 2010, with new 16-inch wheel covers (2.0 S) and new 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (2.0 SL).

Safety Features

Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection; and front seat Active Head Restraints are among the standard safety features of the 2010 Nissan Sentra. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are added as standard equipment on the 2.0 SL (optional on all other models).