2003 Nissan Sentra Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The Nissan Sentra was designed by Nissan's California styling studio, the same group that penned the exciting Xterra sport-utility and the aggressive Frontier compact pickup truck. The goal for the current-generation model was to eliminate the entry-level look, to design a car with its own character that happens to be in the right price range for a lot of people. The result is robust, rounded. We think it's sassy. (That's sass-eee.")

Nissan learned from its previous-generation (1995-99) Sentra that refined and nimble economy cars don't sell too well if they're boring. Economy cars face a lot of competition these days from bigger used cars, which are now off-lease and selling at attractive discounts. But many folks still prefer new, reasonably priced sedans with full warranties.

The term compact is relative, as all of these cars seem to grow over time. The Sentra pushes the boundaries of its industry classification. It is longer than other four-door compact sedans, and looks it.

The SE-R features an aggressive look all its own, with side-sill extensions, a rear spoiler, and chrome exhaust tips. New for 2003 is a bolder front fascia with large, integrated fog lights and a mesh grille, modeled after Nissan's legendary home-market Skyline sport coupe. The SE-R is particularly striking in Sunburst, a bright yellow that's also new for 2003.

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Interior Features

The Sentra interiors are well-designed and everything seems to fit well. The interior is roomy, both for people and cargo. The rear seats can accommodate grownups, and all seating positions provide good breathing room. All three rear-seat positions have three-point belts, though three back there is a crowd. The four outboard belts are equipped with automatic pretensioners, an important safety feature for an economy car. This is equipment that many bigger sedans didn't have just five years ago.

At first glance the Sentra's front seats look like normal economy car perches, but once you're in them they feel much roomier than they look. In the GXE, the seats adjust for height with dual lifters.

The seats in the SE-R are supportive, with big side bolsters. They hold you firmly, but comfortably, in place. One knob on the side adjusts the front half of the seat bottom; another knob adjusts the rear half. Leather covers the SE-R's steering wheel and gearshift knob. New fabric upholstery for the SE-R Spec V features silver accents.

The trunk is big, with 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The 60/40 split folding rear seatback can be unlatched from the trunk (difficult to figure out without help), making the Sentra a versatile cargo hauler. The available Fosgate subwoofer looks like it could get in the way here, however.

Red markings on black gauges are difficult to read on bright days with sunglasses on (there's a surprise), but they look cool at night. Stereo controls are positioned high on the center console, making them easy to adjust, and the metallic trim of the faceplate matches the latest in trendy Continental design. Other controls are straightforward and easy to use. A compartment on top of the dash is useful for storing a wallet or sunglasses. The cup holders work well for standard-size cans and cups.

The optional Fosgate stereo sounds fantastic with crisp bass and clear highs and no clipping at high volumes, but the controls are on the small side.