The Sentra is one of these cars you really don't notice around.
Actually, just like most compact sedans, Like the Civic, Corolla etc...
So I must admit, I wasn't too exited to be getting one for a whole week.
It looks fine. Nothing original or ugly either. Pretty much like a smaller Altima.
Same thing inside. There is nothing wrong. But also nothing you remember.
Everything is well finished. (The doors feel surprisingly solid when you close them.)
It is comfortable and pleasant.
(Although, for my taste, there is just too much fake wood everywhere.)
The Bose stereo in my test car (SL) sounded very good. (Although not as goos as VW's Fender system.)
The one thing that bothered me was the seating position. Which in its lowest setting, still felt too high for me.
At first, it really felt like a "gutless wonder". The combination of 130 engine and CVT transmission isn't going to be much fun.
But once you give up on going fast. You realize how smooth and quiet everything is.
Like... Like a car for old people.
This was almost a revelation. The Sentra works great as a car for older people looking for a compact sedan.
Everything is better when you don't push it.
Even the fake wood makes sense now! Even the higher seating position.
So after a couple of days, I started seeing the car for what it really is.
Very quiet, smooth, solid. Nothing looks or feels too modern.
They might not want to say it, but the Sentra is a perfect car for older people.
(Which is at odd with their TV adds)
It's more like a small Camry. It does everything very well. If you're not trying to push it.
So in that sense, I have to give it credit. A conservative car for an older, more conservative crowd.
With just enough tech so older folks won't feel too "out of the loop".
(It would be interesting to find out what the actual demographic for this car is.)
My SL test car was pretty loaded, except for leather seats. And it was still just $22 630.
Including sunroof, Nav, Bose etc...
This is really good. Pretty much the same as a base Altima. For a car that is still roomy enough for most people.