The 2008 Sentra gets 31-highway mpg and costs less than $18,000.
This means savings in the purchase that continues with travel, with gas selling for $3.80 per gallon in some places.
Most cars that get great gas mileage are simply too small for me to drive. Yet the Sentra met my expectations and more.
The engine is strong for a 4-cylinder; 140 Horsepower and 147 Lb-ft of torque gave the energy needed for passing, smug in the knowledge that it didn't cost me a fortune every time I had to accelerate to pass. Torsion beam rear suspension with integrated suspension bar made for a smooth ride and complemented the anti-lock braking system and electronic power assisted steering.
I must confess I drove the 6-speed close-ratio transmission, and because I have lost some of my earlier skill for shifting a standard transmission, I found myself a little anxious in stop-and-go traffic or while waiting for a light change when stopped on an incline.
The Sentra has the five-star rating given by the government's safety rating for frontal driver and crash passenger. Power door locks and Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System with roof-mounted curtain expanded my confidence about the Sentra's safety for driver and passengers.
You will enjoy over 400 miles between fill ups as the fuel tank holds 14 ½ gallons.
For something more adventuresome, the Sentra SE-R is a sports compact car. It has been tested at Germany's legendary Nurburgring Racetrack where it performed like the pros. So bring on the curves, you can handle it. Rebound springs control motion and speed-sensitive steering allows you to feel the power and provides higher speeds and more power assists at lower speeds.
The most impressive thing for me was the amount of storage space in the Sentra, with up to 13 cubic feet in the trunk. The Divide-N-Hide trunk system helps organize your "stuff." It simply folds down and you have a hidden compartment for valuables that keeps coolers, balls, and bags from rolling around or turning over. The rear seats 60/40 split will fold flat with no need to remove the head restraints, allowing for everything from a loveseat to a mountain bike ready for travel. Rarely does $18,000 buy much in the automobile industry. That is not true with the Nissan Sentra.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at dcaussey@sbcglobal.net .
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