2001NissanSentraNissan Sentra2001 Nissan Sentra GXESedanSedanFWDAguascalientes, MexicoRedesigned and released late in the 2000 model year, the 2001 Sentra is carrying over unchanged in XE, GXE, SE and super low-emission CA trims.SULEV status for CA model, 145-horsepower SE sport version, pleasing cabin design, fun to driveGeneric styling, tight rear-seat legroom.Nissan says the Sentra was created to break the compact, economy-car stereotype of small cabin space, minimal options, ho-hum styling and "rental car-like" driving traits. The message is: This car is not your everyday economy sedan. It's cool. Young people, come right this way. But the emphasis in advertising for, and published road tests of, the new Sentra is on the sporty, 145-horsepower SE model, which our staff has dubbed "mini-Maxima." With plenty of smooth-revving power, taut handling, sharp steering and responsive brakes, it's hard not to love this rather homely Sentra. Add in an impressive, optional 150-watt sound system with in-dash CD changer and a relatively low sticker price, and the advertising rings true with regard to the top-of-the-line sport-tuned model. You get lots of bang for the buck with the SE. How does the message hold up for the other versions of the Sentra, which include the XE, GXE and low-emission CA models? For starters, you don't get available 16-inch wheels and tires, rear disc brakes, a strut-tower brace under the hood, or a sport suspension. You also don't get the powerful engine. Standard fare for the lower-line Sentra XE and GXE is a 126-horsepower, 1.8-liter motor that makes most of its torque down low for spirited in-town response. The CA (Clean Air) model's engine makes identical power from the same displacement, but emits zero evaporative emissions. So why, you might ask, isn't this motor standard in the XE and GXE? It requires low-sulfur fuel, currently available only in California. An independent front suspension is married to a sophisticated beam rear axle, as in the Maxima. Front disc, rear drum brakes handle stopping duties on lower-level Sentras, and ABS is reserved only for the GXE and SE models. All Sentras come with power windows, a rear defroster, tilt steering column and cloth upholstery. Stepping up to the GXE nets the buyer velour seating, air conditioning, cruise control, power exterior mirrors and door locks, and a thumping sound system. CA includes alloy wheels and an automatic transmission. SE adds the previously mentioned go-fast goodies plus titanium-faced gauges, remote keyless entry and the option of a power sunroof. Side airbags can be added to the GXE and SE. Sentra's primary fault, as has been the case for years, is with rear seat accommodations. There simply isn't enough legroom to keep four tall adults comfortable in this car for more than a few minutes. And the dumpy-looking butt on the Sentra has simply got to go. Front seats are comfortable, though, and the dash is laid out in a clean fashion, making it easy to find and use the controls. The cabin imparts an upscale feel, like a Maxima, but not. So, is the Sentra a breakthrough vehicle? No, it still has a tight cabin and pedestrian styling. But enthusiasts on a budget will love the SE. Chevrolet PrizmDodge NeonHonda CivicToyota Corolla336,000560,0005UnlimitedNANANA41.8 litersInline126 hp @ 6000 rpm129 ft-lbs. @ 2400 rpm177.5 in.67.3 in.55.5 in.2593 lbs.99.8 in.39.9 in.37 in.52.5 in.52.6 in.52.1 in.52.3 in.41.6 in.33.7 in.11.6 cu.ft.OptionalStandardNot AvailableOptionalNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested13.2 gal.27 mpg / 35 mpg26 mpg / 33 mpg356 mi. / 462 mi.343 mi. / 436 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$12,343$13,4997.35%$540N/A3% of the Total InvoiceXE (5M): 1.8L I4 DOHC SMPI 16-valve engine with variable valve timing; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 80 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, 3.83 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear non-independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering with engine-speed-sensing assist; front disc/rear drum brakes; 13.2 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps; driver's and passenger's manual remote black outside mirrors; 14" x 5.5" steel wheels; P185/65SR14 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; rear heat ducts; radio prep speakers, fixed antenna; child-safety rear door locks, remote trunk release, remote fuel door release; 1 power accessory outlet, driver's foot rest; instrumentation display includes water temperature gauge, tripodometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, door ajar, brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags; tinted windows, manual front and rear windows; fixed-interval front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and front passenger's seat include 4-way adjustment; rear bench seat with fixed headrests; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering, chrome interior accents; interior lights include dome light; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; passenger's side vanity mirror; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, glove box, front cupholder, instrument panel covered bin, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor; chrome grille, black side window moldings, black frontwindshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles.
GXE (5M) (in addition to or instead of XE (5M) equipment): Battery with rundown protection; 4.18 axle ratio; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored outside mirrors; air conditioning; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan feature, single-disc CD player, 4 speakers; cruise control with steering wheel controls; additional instrumentation display includes tachometer; power front and rear windows with driver's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, driver's seat includes 8-way adjustment; premium cloth seats; vanity mirrors; cargo light and body-colored door handles.
SE (5M) (in addition to or instead of GXE (4A) equipment): 2L I4 DOHC SMPI with variable valve timing; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; sport-ride suspension; 4-wheel disc brakes; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; P195/60HR15 BSW A/S tires; 2 power accessory outlets; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with fixed headrests; leather-wrapped gearshift knob; leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt adjustment and cargo net.