Nissan - Sentra

There are three models of Sentra, the 2.0, 2.0S and 2.0SL. Each uses Nissan's brand new 2.0-liter four-cylinder aluminum engine, making 140 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission in the 2.0and 2.0S is a sporty six-speed manual, but a new high-tech and fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT is available for those two models ($800) and this Continuously Variable Transmission comes standard on the 2.0SL.

Standard equipment with the Sentra 2.0 ($14,750) includes cloth seats, air conditioning, halogen headlamps, 15-inch steel wheels, remote manual mirrors, four-way adjustable manual front seats, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, power windows, power door locks, electric power steering, and AM/FM/CD with four speakers. Cruise control is unavailable. Anti-lock brakes are optional ($250).

The 2.0S adds 16-inch steel wheels, six-way manual driver's seat, power mirrors, remote entry, a six-speaker sound system, illuminated steering wheel audio controls, and vehicle information display. ABS is still optional, and at least Cruise control is available.

The 2.0SL adds leather interior, 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS with brake force distribution, keyless ignition, cruise control, and Bluetooth hands-free phone technology.

For all models, foglamps ($270) and rear deck lid ($210) are optional. A clever original feature called the Divide-n-Hide trunk (a secret space behind the rear seats) is optional with the 2.0S and 2.0SL, as is satellite radio wiring.

Safety equipment is extensive on all models, including dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, active front seat headrests, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It seems odd that anti-lock brakes aren't standard, and electronic stability control isn't available.