Good-Looking Sentra Lacks Power

2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL

model as tested $20,510

Test Drove 9/26/08 – 10/3/08
reviewed by Sherrice Gilsbach

I hesitated a bit before hopping into the 2008 Nissan Sentra. In all honesty, I was afraid the Saddle-colored leather seats, which were the color of mashed carrots, would rub off on my clothes. If I were younger and hipper, maybe I’d have found the odd color to be refreshing or cool. In fact, the Sentra’s entire interior had an edgy, young design, but I might be too old to appreciate it. How did I get so boring so fast?
The Sentra is a small sedan, and most trims fit into the under-$20,000 category. It’s a starter car, and it would be perfect for young adults who are just beginning their post-college lives. Even though it’s an economy car, it’s obvious that Nissan put real effort into making the Sentra look more mature. In addition to the cool design, the Sentra includes steering-wheel-mounted buttons for the radio and cruise control, as well as speed-sensitive volume for the stereo system, which has a CD player and XM Satellite Radio.
The only real bummer I experienced while driving the Sentra was its lack of power. With a wimpy 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, I was faced with the embarrassing situation of trying to pass another car and not being able to pull off the maneuver. Scary.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair

SENSE AND STYLE
Family friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair
Fun factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove on): Some

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