2006 Nissan Sentra Trims and Specs

The base model for Nissan's sport compact economy sedan is the 2006 Nissan Sentra 1.8, carrying a 1.8-liter, 126-hp DOHC I4 engine and choice of standard 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. There are virtually no changes from 2005. Minimally outfitted, the 2006 Sentra 1.8 is a front-wheel drive, four-door sedan with front disc and rear drum brakes. No ABS is available. 15-inch wheels carry all-season tires and dual front airbags. Side airbags are not offered.

Convenience-oriented, the 2006 Sentra 1.8 does have cupholders, a storage console, and a front power outlet. Air conditioning is optional, but you do get intermittent wipers, tilt steering wheel, a trunk light, and variable power steering. A radio and CD player are optional as well. The backseat is a bit cramped, but the seats do split-fold, and the trunk holds up to 12 cubic feet, which is decent for a compact. The biggest draw to the 2006 Sentra 1.8 is its high 28/34 fuel economy, but drivers also feel it handles well and is energetic. Some have reported numerous mechanical problems, but the biggest complaint centers on the flimsy cupholders.

Other than some new color choices, few changes are made to the 2006 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S, Nissan's economy compact sedan with a sporty look. Powered by a 1.8-liter, 126-hp DOHC I4 engine, it comes with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The front-wheel drive sedan features four-wheel independent suspension, front disc brakes, and rear drum brakes, and rides on 15-inch wheels with all-season tires. Dual front airbags are standard, and front-side bags are extra. 4-wheel ABS brakes are also optional. The sedan earns four stars for frontal impact, but only three for side impact.

The 2006 Sentra 1.8 S adds to the base model with features such as a trip computer, cruise control, a full power setup, air conditioning, a CD player, temperature display, and intermittent wipers. Cupholders, storage consoles, and a front power outlet are nice conveniences. There are also a lot more options with the 1.8 S, including a sunroof, satellite radio, leather trim, and a CD changer. A rear spoiler, foglights, and 16-inch wheels are available for the exterior. A good price for a lot of standard features, great 28/34 gas mileage, a smooth ride, and decent room are highlights for owners of the 2006 Sentra 1.8 S. Negatives include cupholders that block the CD player, limited rear legroom, and so-so engine power.

Billed as the rare economy car that's hiding the performance of a sports sedan under its hood, the 2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R is both practical and fun to drive, with a 2.5-liter, 165-hp DOHC I4 engine matched to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel drive compact gets larger 16-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, and features a fully independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and dual front airbags. Front-side bags and ABS brakes are optional.

The 2006 Sentra SE-R also comes with sport seats, foglights, a rear spoiler, and leather interior trim, for a sporty look. Air conditioning, full power features, a trip computer, temperature display, and a CD player are standard. The rear seats split-fold and the trunk holds up to 12 cubic feet of cargo. A trunk light is standard. A security system is an option with the SE-R not available to the 1.8 S, and you can also add a sunroof, CD changer, satellite radio, and an upgraded audio system. Speed, power, and performance make the 2006 Sentra SE-R fun to drive on weekends as well as city commutes. Owners also like the sporty style. A small backseat and ill-conceived cupholders are minor nuisances.

Larger 17-inch alloy wheel and performance tires, supportive sport seats, larger Brembo brakes, and its own 6-speed automatic transmission combine with a 2.5-liter DOHC I4 that gets 175-hp and 170 lb-ft of torque to produce one of the sportiest rides you'll find in a compact economy sedan -- the 2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. Thanks to its small dimensions, the engine makes this front-wheel drive sedan move. Handling is solid with a fully independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars, and a limited slip front differential. 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are dual front airbags. ABS brakes and side airbags for the front row are optional.

The 2006 Sentra SE-R Spec V is outfitted like the SE-R, with power features, leather trim, a trip computer, CD player, cruise control, temperature readout, foglights, and a rear spoiler. The backseat is a bit cramped, but it does split-fold, opening onto a 12 cubic foot trunk. Options include satellite radio, a sunroof, CD changer, and a security system. For such a sporty ride, the 2006 Sentra SE-R Spec V still gets a decent 23/29 mpg and earns four stars in frontal impact tests. Great price, lots of power and pickup, and a fun ride are pluses for drivers, but they complain about the cramped backseat.