2007 Nissan Sentra Review

What reviews like:
Almost all reviews say the 2007 Nissan Sentra has an incredibly quiet cabin, even at higher speeds. Most reviews say handling is competent and predictable, if not exciting. Some testers say the Nissan Sentra is just a good-quality, un-flashy practical car.

What reviews don't like:

Exterior and interior styling aren't highlights in most reviews of the 2007 Nissan Sentra, even though the car was redesigned for the 2007 model year. The major complaint is that the Sentra just isn't much fun to drive. Rear-seat comfort is also criticized, and fuel economy is just average.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 28 to 29 mpg/city, 34 to 36 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Nissan Sentra review highlights

According to reviews, the 2007 Nissan Sentra is a solidly average compact car, falling below the class-leading Honda Civic (*est. $14,810 to $21,290). While reviews appreciate the Sentra's improvements -- including a larger body, more interior room, and a new engine -- exterior and interior styling are not notable, handling isn't exceptional, and the rear seat is only comfortable for short trips. Most reviews do say that the 2007 Nissan Sentra is a competent and quiet car -- but it's just not fun to drive.

The best, most insightful review for the redesigned 2007 Nissan Sentra is a six-car comparison test at Car and Driver. Unfortunately, the Sentra finishes last. Comparative reviews such as the one in Car and Driver give us the best picture of a car, since it's evaluated in the company of its likeliest competitors. We also found a nicely balanced (but not comparative) review at IGN.com. Road tests at Consumer Guide and AutoChannel.com are helpful, and a quick review at CarCritic.com generally concurs with other reviews.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Car and Driver
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Sensible Shoes
Patrick Bedard
Dec. 2006

In this six-car roundup at Car and Driver, the new-for-2007 Nissan Sentra finishes last. Editors like the smooth ride quality, but the exterior and interior styling get low marks, as does the braking and acceleration of the Sentra. The ride is quiet, but Edmunds.com testers say the Nissan Sentra just isn't much fun to drive.

2. IGN.com
First Drive: 2007 Nissan Sentra
Justin Kaehler
Oct. 2006

IGN.com, which once was a simple video game site, has taken to reviewing vehicles. While this review of the Nissan Sentra is written in a very casual tone, the commentary is very balanced; editors say they weren't expecting much from the Nissan Sentra, but ended up pleasantly surprised. The interior received some negative feedback, and the exterior doesn't seem to be received favorably. Handling and performance, however, receive excellent scores.

3. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Nissan Sentra Road Test
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Feb. 2007

The 2007 Nissan Sentra isn't recommended at ConsumerGuide, where its measured performance ratings fall below the class average. Ride quality, build materials and CVT-transmission performance are high points, but the Sentra is average in most respects. Rear-seat comfort is a problem; editors say it's only comfortable for short trips, and even then, for only two passengers.

4. CarCritic.com
2007 Nissan Sentra review
Don Vorderman

You won't find lengthy discussions or features lists here. Rather, CarCritic offers a short evaluation with an overall assessment. Reviewer Don Vorderman calls the Nissan Sentra an "unqualified home run," even though it’s "not much fun to drive."

5. AutoChannel.com
2007 Nissan Sentra S Review
Carey Russ
Oct. 28, 2006

This review of the Sentra has a generally favorable tone, with kudos paid to the smooth drive experience and size of the Nissan. In addition, the vehicle also receives good scores for spaciousness. Body roll is an issue. Although the Nissan Sentra has a sporty style, it doesn't have a sport-drive quality. This review doesn’t compare the Nissan Sentra to other cars.

6. Consumer Reports
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2007 Nissan Sentra review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors at Consumer Report usually get around to testing most new cars each year, but at the time of our visit, editors had not yet road tested the 2007 Nissan Sentra. One nice aspect to Consumer Reports' auto reviews is an analysis of predicted long-term reliability and overall owner satisfaction, though you must be a subscriber to read these reviews.

7. AutoWeb.Com
Car Brief: 2007 Nissan Sentra
Sue Mead

This product brief includes details on the redesigned 2007 Nissan Sentra, but the car isn't road tested or evaluated in any way.

Also see full report: Economy Cars