Overview

What's New
The 2007 Sentra is built on Nissan's new "C" platform, and went on sale in the fourth quarter of 2006. This is the sixth generation of Nissan's small sedan, and the car is growing in size, with almost six additional inches of wheelbase. Nissan claims it will have one of the largest interior volumes in the segment. The new Sentra promises to introduce a host of innovative features such as a trunk divider, a removable overhead compact disc holder, and a rear-seat armrest that can hold a 20-ounce bottle as well as a 32-ounce drink cup. Another bonus will be a locking glove box that can hold a tablet-sized pad.

Overview
The Sentra quickly became a hit with younger buyers by not only offering a reasonable sticker price, but also more spirited driving performance than others in its class. For the 2007 model year, the new Sentra should continue to be an attractive option for those who want more than an entry-level vehicle, but still need to watch their pennies. The new model features a stunning redesign that incorporates both the Nissan "look" as well as the ability to perform on the street. Large door openings, short overhangs both front and rear, and a high deck make the Sentra look more expensive than its estimated $15,000 entry sticker would suggest.

Even at that price, the Sentra will be well-equipped with air conditioning, power door locks and windows, and side-curtain air bags. It is longer, wider, and taller, and offers plenty of interior goodies like a split double-folding rear seat with a fold-flat seatback angle that allows for a wide trunk pass-through opening. Other options include items found on much more expensive products, such as a Rockford Fosgate-powered audio sustem with a 6-disc auto-changer, leather seats, Nissan's Intelligent keyless ignition that features a pushbutton starting system, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

Performance remains the hallmark for the Sentra in 2007, with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine matched with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for infinite gear shifts and a smooth ride. The 2.0L is a new engine for Nissan, and is rated at 135-plus-hp and more than 140 lb.-ft. of torque. Estimated fuel economy numbers are an impressive 29 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway. But it's the suspension that should provide great ride characteristics, with ripple control shock absorbers that provide crisp response while still delivering a comfortable yet sporty ride.

The Competition
The Nissan Sentra competes in the Compact Conventional segment, which consists of 20 models. Buyers in this segment look for fuel economy, reliability, and safety, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Toyota Corolla (328,699 units sold), Honda Civic (316,638), and Chevrolet Cobalt (211,449). The Nissan Sentra sold 117,922 units in 2006, a decrease of 1.3 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Compact Conventional segment include the Ford Focus, Toyota Prius, Volkswagen Jetta, Saturn Ion, and Hyundai Elantra. Joining the segment in 2007 are the Pontiac G5, Suzuki SX4, and Volkswagen Rabbit.