2008 Nissan Sentra

*est. $16,040 to $20,470
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2008 Nissan Sentra

Pros
  • Quiet cabin
  • Competent, predictable handling
  • Suspension absorbs most bumps readily
Cons
  • Lacks personality
  • Unimpressive interior and exterior styling
  • Fuel economy trails competition
  • Seat comfort

The Nissan Sentra saw a substantial restyle for the 2007 model year, and the '07 Sentra was the subject of far more head-to-head reviews than the 2008 version. Both Consumer Reports magazine and ConsumerGuide.com evaluate the 2008 Nissan Sentra on a number of performance measures, although their reporting and ranking methods differ somewhat. One-car reviews from Edmunds.com and CarCritic.com also cover the 2008 Sentra on performance aspects such as safety, driving impressions, historical reliability and predicted resale. A formal comparison review from Motor Trend magazine and two from Car and Driver magazine date from the 2007 model year but still offer excellent overviews of how both the more basic and the sport-tuned trims stack up with their closest rivals.

Reviewers describe the 2008 Nissan Sentra as a solidly average compact car, trailing behind the class-leading Honda Civic (*est. $14,800 to $23,250) and the sportier Mazda3 (*est. $13,995 to $20,295). While most sources appreciate the Sentra's improvements – including a larger body, more interior room, and a new engine – exterior and interior styling aren't distinctive, handling isn't exceptional, and opinions regarding rear-seat comfort are mixed. Most reviewers do say that the 2008 Nissan Sentra is a practical and very quiet car; they just don't find it much fun to drive. Even newer SE-R and Spec V trims, which are designed to be sportier, simply don't inspire a lot of driving enjoyment.

Where To Buy

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

Consumer Reports evaluates virtually every vehicle on the 2008 market, including the Nissan Sentra. One unique aspect of Consumer Reports' reviews is its analysis of predicted long-term reliability and overall owner satisfaction.

Review: 2008 Nissan Sentra, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. ConsumerGuide.com

The 2008 Nissan Sentra does not earn a recommendation at ConsumerGuide.com, where the Sentra's performance scores in independent testing fall below the class average. Rear-seat passenger volume is said to be an issue.

Review: 2008 Nissan Sentra, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Aug. 16, 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Editors here classify the Sentra as "a reasonable choice for buyers in need of an economy sedan that doesn't feel compact", but they also caution that performance isn't one of the Sentra's strong points.

Review: 2008 Nissan Sentra Review, Editors at Edmunds.com

4. CarCritic.com

You won't find lengthy discussions or features lists here. CarCritic.com offers short but broad-based evaluations. Vorderman calls the 2008 Nissan Sentra an "unqualified home run," though he finds the lack of a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) disappointing.

Review: 2008 Nissan Sentra, Don Vorderman

5. Motor Trend

Four commuter cars starting under $20,000 are tested head-to-head. The Nissan Sentra 2.0S – praised for its smooth, comfortable ride – is probably a better passenger car than the first-place Honda Civic LX, according to Lassa.

Review: Comparison: 2007 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer vs. 2007 Nissan Sentra, Todd Lassa

6. Car and Driver

The Nissan Sentra, redesigned for 2007, finishes last in this six-car roundup. The exterior and interior styling receive low marks, as do the Sentra's braking and acceleration. Editors say the ride is quiet and smooth.

Review: Sensible Shoes, Patrick Bedard, Dec. 2006

7. Car and Driver

In this comparison test of bargain-minded performance cars, the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V sport variant places fourth out of five. It's a competent performer, editors say, but it lacks character and aesthetic appeal.

Review: Power Toys: Five low-buck choices for hightailing it, Patrick Bedard, May 2007

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