Reader Review of the Week: 2007 Nissan Sentra

The new Nissan Sentra has flown under the radar since its redesign this year. Sure, we’ve reviewed it and tested it on a number of occasions, but for some reason it’s still rare to see one on the street. We’re not sure what’s keeping people from buying one, but “Too Dang Hot” from Phoenix, Ariz., lays out why it was the right choice for him, or her. We liked the user review because some significant negatives are addressed along with the usual praise. To submit your own car review go here.

2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R: Cars.com Video

Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder delivers another up close look at a new model, this time taking on the redesigned Nissan Sentra’s high performance trim, the SE-R Spec V. If you were wondering whether Nissan can run with the rest of the go-fast for less pack, you need to check out our video.

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First Drive: 2007 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V

The lesser 2007 Sentra trim levels have been on sale since last year, but there's been no SE-R Spec V since the previous generation retired. Now it’s here, and what better place to test a high-performance model than on a track? However, the SE-R left our writers a bit perplexed about its go-fast aspirations.

Joe Wiesenfelder: I was looking forward to this redo, in part because the 2006 didn't cut the mustard ... or even the custard, which, I think you'll agree, is marginally easier to cut. Also, the redesigned Sentra improves on the previous gen, and I hoped Nissan would dial it up on this version, too. Having driven the new one, I'm sad to say I'm disappointed.

Nissan Prices Sentra SE-R Under $20,000

Prices have just been announced for the new Nissan Sentra SE-R, which packs 177 hp and a continuously variable automatic transmission. The even sportier version of this sporty compact sedan is the SE-R Spec V, and it has 200 hp and a six-speed manual transmission. How much more would you pay for the sportier of the two? Surprisingly, you’ll only have to shell out an extra $500 when the car rolls onto dealer lots in April.

The Sentra SE-R starts at $19,400 and the SE-R Spec V starts at $19,900. Both prices exclude a $615 destination charge. The direct competition for the SE-R is the 197-hp Honda Civic Si, which can be had in coupe ($21,090) or sedan ($21,290) form. Early reports on the SE-R Spec V is that it is indeed faster than the Civic Si. Full option pricing is below.

Four Will Enter, One Will Leave: Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa and Suzuki SX4

At last week’s media rally, staffers Bill Jackson and Kelsey Mays tried four entry-level cars — the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Suzuki SX4 and Hyundai Accent. Since most people don't rush out and buy four cars, each from a different manufacturer, we thought we'd narrow the field down to an overall winner.

In true beauty-pageant fashion, we'll start with the third runner-up.

Moving On Up: 2007 Nissan Sentra Prices Announced

Today, Nissan released pricing for the full lineup of its all-new 2007 Sentra compact sedan. The base Sentra 2.0 with a six-speed manual will start at $14,750, and the 2.0 with a continuously variable automatic transmission will cost $15,550. This is a marked increase — $1,500 — over the 2006 Sentra 1.8, but the new vehicle features many more standard features, and the company points out that the mid-level 2.0 S is only $50 more than the outgoing 1.8 S. Nissan also introduced the less-expensive Versa subcompact earlier this year to accommodate the lower end of the price range. 

If you missed Joe Wiesenfelder’s early look at the Sentra, interested shoppers will find it essential reading. The new Sentra is on sale now.

For the rest of the pricing breakdown, keep reading.