2011 Nissan Sentra

Considered as one of the Affordable Smart Cars, the 2011 Nissan Sentra is more than just another sedan in the market today. It has antilock brakes, stability control and traction control which are highly regarded when it comes to the safety features of any car. For someone who is not looking for a too edgy or flashy automobile, the Nissan Sentra 2011 would be the most ideal car since it has the right features for someone on the go but on a budget.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Sedan Base Price: $16,060.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons (54.8 liters) Miles Per Gallon: 24 city / 31 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 179.8 in. (456 cm) Width: 70.5 in. (179 cm)
Height: 59.5 in. (151 cm) Wheel Base: 105.7 in. (268 cm)
Curb Weight: 2875 lbs (730 kg) Ground Clearance: 5.6 in. (14.2 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 13.1 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 16-valve DOHC inline-4 Displacement: 2.0-liter
Horsepower: 140 HP Max RPM: 5100 RPM
Torque: 147 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds 1/4 Mile: NA
Available Trims & Engine
Option:CVT Automatic MSRP: $17,240; MPG: 27 city / 34 hwy
Option:S CVT Automatic MSRP: $17,990; MPG: 27 city / 34 hwy
Option:SL CVT Automatic MSRP: $19,390; MPG: 27 city / 34 hwy
Option:SE-R CVT Manual V MSRP: $20,620; MPG: 21 city / 28 hwy

Performance

The Nissan Sentra is fuel efficient with 27 city /34 highway mpg; the gas mileage it gets is quite impressive. With regards to the interior, it is quite spacious and would ideally sit about four adults comfortably; two in the front and two more in the back. The company also gives this car a deal since it is packed with navigational system and some models with Bluetooth. Although, this car is packed with features that are a definite steal for its asking price, it does have some challenge with other cars of the similar class type which would offer a little more with regards to the edgier features, better exterior and interior detailing and others which are more economical with regards to fuel efficiency. The Sentra is more ideal for families and singles that are always on the go and are in need of a car with just the ‘basics’.

Dependable & Reliable

While the interiors are the complete opposite, the Sentra boasts quite an impressive interior that is comfy and gives the passengers a lot of room while giving an overall feel of class. Also in terms of the safety measures, the Nissan Sentra would be one of the best choices since most crash tests gave it thumbs up. For the exteriors, it is not as impressive either since there are other cars in the similar category that have more chic and classy exterior so this would be somewhat in the middle ranks.

And lastly, the Sentra’s reliability lies somewhere in the middle of most other automobiles in this category since Nissan does offer a limited three year warranty for their cars and according to studies like the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS) conducted by J.D. Power’s automotive studies which in comparison to other car companies that would offer a longer time period for their cars warranties. It has many of its own strong points which make it an overall classy automobile.

The competition

If you are looking to check whether there are any other cars in this line that could be taken into consideration, there are quite a few that can be taken into account. These are Honda’s Civic and Fit models. These two are quite popular and among the media’s favourites with their interesting fun dynamics, chic design and excellent fuel efficiency.

The Honda Civic (MSRP $15,805; 26 city / 34 hwy) and Honda Fit (MSRP $15,100; 27 city / 33 hwy) mileage is comparable to the Sentra. Although the Fit would be the more conservative choice among these two models. Another two good contenders would be the Mazda3 (MSRP $15,800; 25 city / 33 hwy) and the Chevrolet Cruze (MSRP $16,525; 26 city / 36 hwy). These cars are better in terms of the spacious cargo area the former having a more masculine and sporty design while the latter has better fuel economy.

Pros & Cons

On to the Nissan Sentra’s pros and cons; it is not the most fun car to drive around in terms of the driving dynamics. However, it does get the job done by getting you where you would like to.

Overall Rating
64 out of 100

What others say:

“In its base 2.0 form, the 2011 Nissan Sentra makes a good commuter car, with a strong list of standard features like power windows and locks, air conditioning, tilt steering, split-folding backseats, and a 160-watt CD sound system.”Car Connection

“The 2.0 models have decent around-town power; passing punch is sufficient, too.”Consumer Guide

“Spacious front seating; respectable fuel economy and power; intuitive control layout.”Edmunds

“Those who prefer crisp handling response or brisk acceleration are likely to be disappointed, although moving up to the SE-R or SE-R Spec V models would dramatically change both elements of the overall performance equation. And the Sentra’ styling, both inside and out, is beginning to show the car’s age.”KBB

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