2014 Nissan Sentra Rapid Review: The Car Exam Classic On Blogger
Plusses: Nice, Altima-like styling, roomy interior, good interior materials, sturdy build feel, good fuel economy, good prices on the Sentra SV models. The 2014 Nissan Sentra looks really good. It looks like an 8/10 scale Nissan Altima, which is a good thing. It’s one of the most luxuriously-styled compact vehicles on the market today. The interior looks good as well, not toting the low-rent, el cheapo interiors that used to be the norm in smaller economy cars. The Nissan Sentra feels heavy and substantial, and the seats are comfortable. The ride quality is just fine, just as the brakes are. Fuel economy is very good with the Sentra (27 city, 36 highway). The 2014 Sentra is very roomy on the inside—in fact, it’s larger than some 1980’s and 1990’s Nissan mid-sized cars (the new Sentra debuted for the 2013 model year).
Minuses: The Heavy 2014 Sentra is way-underpowered: 1.8 liter four only makes 130 hp, and mated to the CVT, acceleration is lousy, too noisy, and very slow. A car as heavy as the Sentra needs much more horsepower, and at least a six-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain in the 2014 Nissan Sentra doesn’t measure up at all. Other automakers have proven consumers don’t need to sacrifice decent acceleration for decent fuel economy, yet the Sentra does. A hatchback version of the Sentra would be a welcome addition, but it isn’t available; Nissan buyers wanting that will have to look at the Rouge or Juke crossovers to fill that void.
Other minuses for the 2014 Sentra are a lack of Bluetooth availability on the midrange Sentra SV models—it should be a standard feature—not an option or just standard on a more expensive trim level, and reliability has been seriously problematic for the Nissan Sentra, and in turn, owner satisfaction is lower than its main Japanese rivals, the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Trade-in and resale values will be lower as a result of the sketchy reliability.
Final Grade: the shortcomings on the 2014 Sentra mar what could be a terrific compact car. The tepid drivetrain, mediocre reliability and other issues drag down an otherwise promising car. The Car Exam Classic gives the 2014 Nissan Sentra a “C” grade overall.
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