1997 Nissan Sentra Compact Car Reviews & Ratings

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1997 Nissan Sentra Reviews

 

Welcome to the car reviews section of UsedCarsChannel.com, where you can search for consumer 1997 Nissan Sentra car reviews for all trims! How does this car handle? What kind of 1997 Nissan Sentra ratings did the car receive? How large is in the interior? Is it comfortable to drive? Learn all of this and more in each of the consumer 1997 Nissan Sentra reviews at UsedCarsChannel.com.

 
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Nissan Sentra Interior Review

Climbing in is easy. The Sentra cabin has above-average roominess for

its size class, though good materials and a relatively high level of standard

equipment keep this compact from feeling miserly.

We found the Sentra's front bucket seats to be on par with other compacts

for comfort, and were impressed with the excellent view over the sloping

hood.

The instrument panel is straightforward, with white-on-black gauges

that are easy to read, though we missed the GLE's tachometer. The climate

control dials have a particularly nice feel, and the heating/ventilation/air

conditioning system (HVAC) functions were exemplary.

In back, we found plenty of space for two. There's even room for three,

but like most compacts rated for five passengers, the fifth passenger should

be both small and patient. The source of the Sentra's roominess is Nissan's

new semi-independent beam axle rear suspension.

The trunk lid lifts from the top edge of the bumper, minimizing the

distance groceries and other cargo need to be lifted when loading and unloading.

And like most small cars, the Sentra's rear seatbacks split 60/40 to expand

cargo space.



Nissan Sentra Road Test

The Nissan Sentra doesn't pretend to be a performance car, but its steering

and handling responses reflect the company's sporty heritage. It's agile

and competent in avoidance maneuvers, and if pavement-ripping power isn't

a priority it's fun to drive, particularly with the manual transmission.

We liked the Sentra's stability at higher speeds, as well as its predictability

in slippery conditions, all of which inspire confidence. We also appreciated

the car's firm but comfortable ride quality, which enhances the driver's

sense of control while simultaneously ironing out potholes and rough pavement.

An independent strut front suspension with an anti-roll bar provides

precise, controlled handling. Nissan's multi-link beam-axle rear suspension

was designed to provide as much room as possible for rear seat passengers

and cargo. It also allowed Nissan to use a relatively long wheelbase without

lengthening the car, which eliminates long, wasteful front and rear overhangs.

Beyond these packaging considerations, this suspension works well on

the back roads and it offers good high-speed stability.

Keeping noise to a minimum was obviously a priority for the Sentra engineers.

The rigid chassis and the suspension were designed to minimize road noise

and the 1.6-liter engine sounds quieter and more refined than the Dodge

Neon engine.

Nissan's 115-hp engine propels the Sentra from 0 to 60 mph in about

8.5 seconds--not as quick as a Neon, but faster than most of the compact

sedans.

Good low-end torque makes the Sentra responsive around town and in heavy

traffic and prevents it from being a slug with an automatic transmission.

Much of this torque comes from variable valve timing. This technology helps

it squeeze more performance from every droplet of fuel and minimize emissions.

The Sentra meets California's stringent low-emissions vehicle, or LEV,

standard.

Next year we expect to see the addition of a Sentra sports model with

Nissan's 140-hp 2.0-liter engine, the same engine used in the 200SX SE-R

sport coupe.



Nissan Sentra Lineup



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