This latest-generation Sentra was designed for American buyers. As a result, the cabin is spacious and it's finished like a more expensive car, with wonderfully supportive seats in cloth or leather.
The Sentra is built on Nissan's C-platform which is larger than the subcompact Versa's B-platform and smaller the midsize Altima's D-platform. The current-generation Sentra is considerably larger than the pre-2007 model. From every angle, it looks like the latest-generation Nissans. With its crisp character lines, the Sentra resembles a scaled down Altima.
The Sentra is offered only as a four-door sedan. Hatchback buyers will want to look elsewhere, including to the smaller Versa.
The Nissan Sentra is a good choice for drivers who practically live out of their cars. For example, the locking glovebox is deep enough to hold a laptop computer. There is also an available integrated removable CD holder on the headliner above the driver's sun visor. The front of the center console has a tray for items such as cell phones, as well as two cupholders that are adjustable for 20-ounce bottles or 32-ounce mega cups. Pockets with see-through netting are provided on the backs of the front seats for passengers' cell phones and iPods.
With 97.4 cubic feet of cabin space, the Sentra offers more room than the Mazda3, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Chevy Cobalt, in that order.
The Nissan Sentra is a solid compact sedan that gets good gas mileage and offers a great value. The cabin is roomy and comfortable with nice seats and an attractive instrument panel.