2015 Nissan Sentra Pros vs Cons

First introduced to American drivers in 1982, the Nissan Sentra has remained one of the most popular compact sedans over the years. The 2015 Nissan Sentra is a great choice for the drivers who are on a limited budget. While the entry-level model offers all of the basic essentials, the top-of-the-line SL trim comes equipped with an impressive list of goodies. Although the new Sentra is a worthy choice, cars such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic continue to sell in greater numbers.

Reasons You May Want to Consider a 2015 Nissan Sentra - The Pros

1) Great Price

Drivers who are looking to purchase a quality ride for less than $20,000 should give the Sentra some serious thought. With a starting price of around $16,000, the base S trim is the least expensive option in the Sentra lineup. Meanwhile, the well-equipped SL trim tops out at a tad more than $20,000. In the eyes of some automotive reviewers, the Sentra is the best value in its class.

2) Excellent Fuel Economy

The new Sentra is a very efficient driving machine. All trims are capable of delivering at least 39 mpg on the open road. The sedan also has an outstanding fuel economy rating of 30 miles-per-gallon in the city. However, a special FE package further enhances the car’s gas mileage. The available FE package includes fuel-saving components such as low-rolling resistance tires.

3) Well-Built Engine

All versions of the Sentra come with a peppy 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine. The 130-horsepower engine delivers just the right amount of pep for merging onto busy freeways. Although most people will find the overall performance of the Sentra to be commendable, the engine’s strong point is its durability. Nissan service centers have received very few complaints about any major engine problems.

4) Xtronic CVT Transmission

While the base model comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, all of the upper-level trims come standard with a Xtronic CVT transmission. Over the years, Nissan engineers have been able to drastically improve the performance of the CVT transmission. Not only is the Xtronic system very responsive in all driving situations, but it also helps the Sentra to obtain the best possible gas mileage.

5) Outstanding Amount of Interior Room

Although compact sedans are not traditionally known for their interior space, the 2015 Sentra actually provides a very roomy interior. Even the rear-seat passengers will have plenty of room to stretch their legs. The sedan’s large trunk will certainly come in handy when taking road trips. If needed, the backseats can also be folded down to further enhance the car’s cargo area.

6) Attractive Styling

Car shoppers who love the appearance of the popular Nissan Altima will likely adore the Sentra’s styling. The Sentra is essentially a smaller version of the Altima. The compact sedan’s refined appearance is highlighted by a smooth grille and an elegant rear-end. Drivers who desire more sportiness should opt for the available SR model. The Sentra SR features a spoiler, performance wheels, and a more aggressive front fascia.

7) Convenient Features

Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports will now come standard on every trim. Some of the other standard conveniences include key-less entry, a telescoping steering wheel, and air conditioning. Drivers who plan to use their Sentra for traveling to different areas should upgrade to navigation system. The addition of a rear-view camera system instantly improves the vehicle's on-road safety. Music lovers should definitely consider upgrading to the eight-speaker Bose sound system.

8) Available Safety Upgrades

All versions of the 2015 Sentra feature a new Easy Fill Tire Alert system. The system will automatically alert the car owner when they have inflated the tires to the recommended pressure. Buyers of the new Sentra also have the option of upgrading to a four-wheel disc braking system. While the Sentra does not offer an all-wheel drive system, the traction control system does a great job of keeping the tires glued to the pavement.

9) Affordable Maintenance

After the Sentra’s factory warranty expires, the owner will have to cover the cost of any repair work. Fortunately, the replacement parts are very affordable. This is good news for the car owners who need to keep a sharp eye on their monthly finances.

10) Good Visibility

The Sentra offers good visibility when traveling on the highway and within the city. The driver will not have to worry about any large window pillars blocking their view of the road ahead.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Nissan Sentra competes on an even playing field with the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, and Ford Focus. The Sentra is also much roomier than the Honda Civic.

Reasons You May Not Want to Buy a 2015 Nissan Sentra - The Cons

1) No High-Performance Version

Both the Honda Civic and the Ford Focus offer a high-performance model. Although the Sentra is fairly nimble on the street, it may not appeal to true performance enthusiasts. The Sentra is more focused on delivering a comfortable ride. The racy SE-R model of yesteryear was significantly faster.

2) No All-Wheel Drive

Unlike the Subaru Impreza, the Sentra is not available with an all-wheel drive system. This can pose a problem for the drivers who must maneuver on snowy roadways during the winter.

3) No Blind-Spot Monitoring System

The 2015 Sentra cannot be equipped with a blind-spot monitoring system. Buyers will have to upgrade to an Altima in order to get this feature.

Conclusion:

Although the Sentra is not the sportiest compact sedan on the market, most drivers will find its overall quality and value to be among the best. The sedan’s excellent build quality rivals sedans that carry a much more expensive price tag. The Sentra's spaciousness gives it a leg up on the competition.