The small, affordable sedan isn’t dead yet. How do we know? The Nissan Sentra exists.
Yes, the idea of affordable is debatable, but in a day and age in which the average new car price in America is hovering around $50,000, the $21,180 starting price of the Sentra doesn’t seem too bad in comparison.
For 2024, the Sentra is available in …
I wonder how it compares performance like to the 2.0 NA, manual transmission Honda Civic Sport @ $26-$27k?
I'm always wanting the modern 1970 Datsun 510.
In reply to Datsun240ZGuy :
Civic Si is about 50 more horsepower and a 100 less pounds. However, that's just on paper.
En route to the car from the airport terminal.
Sorry misread Sport for Si. Similar power, more weight for the SR. SR has no third pedal.
decent trunk space.
I'm really looking forward to "zero gravity"seats after a long flight. I typically don't go for the zero gravity ones when I fly. 🤣
I assume this car will be appliance level boring (or worse) to drive, but at least it has a cool two tone paint job!
J.A. Ackley said:Sorry misread Sport for Si. Similar power, more weight for the SR. SR has no third pedal.
Go ahead and compare it to the Honda CVT - is the Sentra a non-turbo like the Civic Sport?
Last of the big NA 2.0 liters?
I'm interested to hear your take on it.
In reply to Datsun240ZGuy :
I hope this helps, a quick little comparison chart:
It was a long ride from Logan International Airport to Lakeville, Connecticut. Much of it was spent in the mundane settings - bumper-to-bumper traffic, interstate driving and slow paces through small towns in northwestern Connecticut.
The one thing that did strike me was how roomy inside it felt. I'm 6'4". The Civic is a much tighter fit for me.
Loved the ergonomics of things, with plenty of buttons instead of only relying on a touchscreen. When driving an unfamiliar car, I prefer buttons as it's easy to remember where things are.
I'll dive into driving dynamics later this trip. I haven't formed a final conclusion yet.
A Sentra of a slightly different kind at Lime Rock.
And, yes, these get a stick.
Nissan Sentra SR and a bear. Which wins? I'm not trying to find out.
J.A. Ackley said:And, yes, these get a stick.
So they have the parts to make one? Interesting....
Canada gets the stickshift in the base model "S" trim.
I got to talk to someone involved with the Sentra Cup cars last year, apparently they run Motec ECUs. Something about the stability control system not comprehending what's going on when on slicks?
Yes, the idea of affordable is debatable, but in a day and age in which the average new car price in America is hovering around $50,000, the $21,180 starting price of the Sentra doesn’t seem too bad in comparison.
Let's put this in perspective. The inflation-adjusted MSRP of the 1990 Sentra SE-R - one that was considered to be an affordable sports sedan and is beloved by GRM - was $26,675.69. The one Car and Driver tested was $34,153.16*. The base model MSRP was $19,451.13.
Options on the Car and Driver test car:
AC ($2006)
sunroof ($2006)
ABS ($1,702)
AM/FM stereo cassette ($972)
floor mats ($121)
freight ($669)
I think maybe the affordable sedan might still be here, especially since a modern car has to have CarPlay - having to pay nearly a grand to get a tape deck would cause a 2024 buyer to have a stroke. Never mind the lack of AC or ABS.
Run_Away said:Canada gets the stickshift in the base model "S" trim.
I got to talk to someone involved with the Sentra Cup cars last year, apparently they run Motec ECUs. Something about the stability control system not comprehending what's going on when on slicks?
Yes, Sentra Cup uses a Motec ECU. It's actually because virtually any delete that's connected to the ECU caused it to go into limp mode. Plus, it's much easier to police.
All Sentra Cup cars use the base model in Canada, the S, which comes with a third fun pedal.
Keith Tanner said:Yes, the idea of affordable is debatable, but in a day and age in which the average new car price in America is hovering around $50,000, the $21,180 starting price of the Sentra doesn’t seem too bad in comparison.
Let's put this in perspective. The inflation-adjusted MSRP of the 1990 Sentra SE-R - one that was considered to be an affordable sports sedan and is beloved by GRM - was $26,675.69. The one Car and Driver tested was $34,153.16*. The base model MSRP was $19,451.13.
Options on the Car and Driver test car:
AC ($2006)
sunroof ($2006)
ABS ($1,702)
AM/FM stereo cassette ($972)
floor mats ($121)
freight ($669)I think maybe the affordable sedan might still be here, especially since a modern car has to have CarPlay - having to pay nearly a grand to get a tape deck would cause a 2024 buyer to have a stroke. Never mind the lack of AC or ABS.
C&D Car was $13.17 per lb
2024 GRM Loaner is $7.78 per lb
Thats a lot cheaper!
Run_Away said:Canada gets the stickshift in the base model "S" trim
You can actually get the SR trim with a manual gearbox in Canada for about CAD30k.
This is the car, as we had it.
Car is parked near Logan International Airport, and after another 3-hour drive, I have some thoughts.
In the U.S. a Nissan Sentra starts at $21,180, which is incredible price point in this day and age of an average car price of $48K.
The one we tested cost a bit north of that, plus an optional package.
That price difference between the base S and the top-of-the-line SR is roughly $3000. What do you get for that amount? Bigger 18-inch aluminum wheels versus 16-inch aluminum ones on the mid-grade SV, and 16-inch steel ones with hubcaps on the S. Also, you get wider tires, with P215/45WR18 on the SR versus the P205/60HR16 on the S and SV. The only other major difference? The SR offers some optional goodies only available on the SR.
That's it. Is $3000 worth it? That's up to you.
What I loved?
The overall exterior design and that stunning Electric Blue/Sport Black color combo. It stands out. It's sharp. I felt good driving it to and from Lime Rock Park and parking it there among many other cool cars.
What I also loved?
The space. When compared to a Civic, a Mazda3, or even a Corolla, it excels in this department. Need to put luggage in the trunk, it's got it. Need to bring a few people with you, most can sit comfortably in the rear. In the rear in lacked a bit of headroom for me, but I'm an outlier. However, my legs got in there no problem.
The Leatherette seats were no frills, but comfortable, and maybe something to consider for those adverse to cloth ones. At no time during my 3-hour drives did they disappoint. I only wish it had heated seats, but that's more of a personal preference. The driver's seat fit my 6-foot-4 frame without issue and I never felt cramped.
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