Among compact cars, the 2008 Nissan Sentra blends European style with impressive practicality. And for people who enjoy the journey as much as the destination, the Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V are ready to rock on a twisty road.
When Nissan redesigned the Sentra for the 2007 model year, the car grew substantially in every direction in order to make it more comfortable and accommodating. The design adopted European sensibilities at the same time, perhaps an influence from Nissan's partner, Renault.
Step inside—which is easy to do since the car sits fairly high off of the ground—and you’ll find tall seat positions and a dashboard that falls away from the windshield for improved visibility. Symmetry and simplicity are the dominant themes; the climate controls and transmission shifter sit on a pod that juts out from below the stereo.
Naturally, the Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V versions adopt a sportier appearance with larger wheels. They also contain sport-bolstered seats, metallic pedal covers, special gauges and detailing, and more. You can identify the Spec V by its red seat belts.
The Sentra 2.0, S, and SL have a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It makes 140 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque, and Nissan claims 90% of the torque is available from just 2,400 rpm. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard with 2.0 trim, while others have a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Though the car makes good power, the CVT emits a characteristic drone that can be unpleasant. The torsion-beam rear suspension design and rear drum brakes aren’t doing the Sentra any favors, either, and the 2.0-liter versions have a fairly soft ride and somewhat disconnected and numb electric steering.
If you’re looking for better driving dynamics, check out the Sentra SE-R. It has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder making 177 hp, 17-inch aluminum wheels wearing all-season performance tires, bigger brakes with rear discs, and sport-tuned steering and suspension. But, it also has a CVT, and while paddle shifters that manually change the transmission’s ratios help a bit, it is ultimately dissatisfying.
That leaves the Sentra SE-R Spec-V as the only potential route to motoring happiness. It has the same engine as the SE-R, tuned to make 200 hp. It comes with only a 6-speed manual transmission and gets structural modifications; performance-tuned steering, brakes and suspension; and high-performance tires. A helical limited-slip differential is an option, and Nissan says the car was tuned on Germany’s Nurburgring racing circuit by the same development driver who is responsible for the Skyline R32.
Thanks to its much larger interior, the 2008 Sentra is one of the most comfortable cars in its class. From the ease of entry and exit to seat size and support, the Sentra feels bigger than it is.
When it comes to interior storage, Nissan calls the Sentra a “24-hour mobile knapsack.” Highlights include multiple cubbies and bins, and a glovebox designed to hold an 8” x 11” writing pad. Nissan even includes a cell phone storage area in the center console, and netting on the front seatbacks designed to house passengers’ cell phones.
With 13.1 cubic feet of space, the Sentra’s trunk is a good size. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat folds flat to maximize utility, and as an option, buyers can choose a Divide-N-Hide covered storage compartment and trunk organizer system.
Nissan offers a couple of technology features that remain a rarity in modern compact cars. With SL trim and higher, the Sentra has Bluetooth hands-free calling capability through a paired cell phone as well as an Intelligent Key keyless push-button engine starting system. You simply leave the key fob in your pocket, get in, and start the engine without using the key.
The base stereo system includes a CD and MP3 player and an auxiliary audio input jack for an iPod music player. Move up to S trim, and the Sentra adds cruise control, remote keyless entry, and a trip computer. The Sentra SL has Bluetooth and Intelligent Key, along with satellite radio. The SE-R models also include this same equipment.
Depending on the trim level, Sentra buyers can choose a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 6-disc CD changer.
If the Sentra impresses with its technology, it is somewhat lacking in terms of safety systems. Antilock brakes and dual front airbags are standard, with front side-impact and side curtain airbags offered as an option.
In crash testing, however, the 2008 Sentra redeems itself. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it a 5-star overall rating when equipped with the side airbags, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) assigns a Good rating to all assessments except for roof crush strength, for which the Sentra receives an Acceptable rating.
Pricing is on par with primary competitors, ranging from $15,750 to just over $20,000 for the SE-R Spec V. For a compact car, though, fuel economy isn’t great, rating no better than 28 mpg in combined driving. Choose the SE-R Spec V, and you’ll get 24 mpg—and that’s if you don’t use the car in the manner Nissan intends.
There are many things to like about the 2008 Nissan Sentra. From its European styling cues, roomy and attractive cabin, impressive technology and safety, and racy SE-R trim level, it appears to have all of the right ingredients. But widespread use of a CVT and, in the most popular models, fairly remedial engineering solutions make a Sentra less than satisfying to drive.
My AC was blowing hot. So I replaced the cabin filter and refilled the refrigerant. About 30 minutes later it leaked out behind the front passenger tire and there is a very strong chemical smell inside the car.
Over drive lock
Hi I just bought a 2008 Sentra. I've had it for two weeks now. It recently started making some clanking noise while it is in drive. Has anybody heard or had this problem?
Why does my Sentra whine while I’m driving ? Sometimes even turns off when I come to a stop
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 340 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Overhead console: with storage · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 340 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: ready · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 340 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 340 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
