The
2011 Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan accommodating five passengers comfortably with spacious seating. With six trims to choose from and many options, buying a Sentra is like ordering from a menu. Nissan Sentra 2.0 trims are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 140 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque, while the Sentra SE-R has a 2.5-liter engine that produces 177 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, and the Spec V ups the ante to 200 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0 Sentra base trim features a six-speed manual transmission, with an option to upgrade to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is standard on the 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL and SE-R, while the Spec V is comes with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
The Nissan Sentra boasts plenty of standard features, as well as a host of options, so that there's something for just about everybody. It is equipped with many of the standard safety features found in Nissans, and what's not standard can be added as an option. The Nissan Sentra gets great fuel economy in the range of 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway.
New for 2011
In 2011, the Nissan Sentra received a number of option packages and new standard equipment. New option packages include the SL Value Package, SL Audio Package, and Visual Audio Package, available on the 2.0 S and 2.0 SR. A navigation system is now standard on the SE-R Upgrade Package, while ABS and stability and traction control are now standard on the 2.0.
Essentials
Engines: 2.0L I-4, 2.5L I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Body Style: Sedan
Trims: 2.0 Sedan, 2.0 S Sedan, 2.0 SR Sedan, 2.0 SL Sedan, SE-R Sedan, SE-R Spec V Sedan
On the Outside
With a long 105.7-inch wheelbase, short overhangs, and large door openings, the Nissan Sentra looks somewhat stubby. New headlamps, tail lamps, and front fascia were carried over from 2011, and now the 2011 2.0 S and 2.0 SL have an SE-R-style rear spoiler.
From the Inside
The Sentra has 97.7 cubic-feet of passenger volume, comfortably accommodating five passengers. The 13.1 cubic-foot trunk provides generous cargo space, and an over-sized pass-through and a 60/40-split folding rear seat enlarges the space.
Driving Performance
Equipping with a 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower I-4 engine mated to a six-speed manual or CVT, the Nissan Sentra's suspension is comprised of front struts and a rear torsion beam. The Nissan Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V boost performance with larger 2.5-liter I-4 engines, delivering 177 (SE-R) and 200 horsepower (Spec V), respectively. While both feature sport suspensions and larger brakes, the Spec V is equipped with a limited slip differential.
Safety Equipment
Standard on the Nissan Sentra are front, front-side, side curtain airbags, and front-seat active head restraints, while the 2.0 SL, SE-R, and SE-R Spec V have stability and traction control.
Gas Mileage
2.0 (CVT): 26 mpg city/34 mpg hwy
2.0 (manual): 24 mpg city/31 mpg hwy
SE-R: 24 mpg city/30 mpg hwy
SE-R Spec V: 21 mpg city/28 mpg hwy
Plusses
- Zesty 2.5L engines
- Paddle shifters
- Spec V interior styling cues
- Low price tags
Minuses
- 2.0L engine buzz
- Klutzy six-speed transmission
- Rear torsion beam
- Forgettable styling
Rating
Affordable price, great fuel economy but lacks pizzazz
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