2012 Nissan Sentra Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Nissan Sentra overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 Sentra, and includes Nissan Sentra safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

A long-time member of the Nissan family, the Sentra is a four-door, five-passenger sedan built to compete with some of the market’s most popular commuter cars. The Sentra bridges the gap between the larger Altima and the smaller Versa and Cube models.

Though some of its primary competition has been thoroughly revamped this year, the 2012 Nissan Sentra arrives with only a few minor tweaks. Among them are the addition of Red Alert to the color palette and the debut of a Technology Package for the 2.0 S variant.

Positioned as the lineup’s entry-level model, the 2012 Nissan Sentra 2.0’s budget-minded approach to motoring is evidenced by its 15-inch steel wheels and manually adjustable exterior mirrors. But, contrary to what you might think, the list of standard features is speckled with a selection of niceties, too, such as a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary input jack, cloth upholstery, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, air conditioning, and power windows and door locks.

A move up to the Sentra 2.0 S paves the way to 16-inch steel wheels and powered mirrors. Buyers also get audio upgrades including two extra speakers and iPod connectivity, cruise control, keyless entry, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. If there’s a bit more loot left in the cookie jar, consider splurging for the available Convenience Package, which tricks the 2.0 S out with a keyless ignition system, Bluetooth hands-free calling capability, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. Or, you could go whole hog and opt for the Technology Package and its touch-screen navigation unit with real-time traffic information and a USB port.

Thanks to a set of 16-inch alloy wheels and a pair of fog lights, the Sentra 2.0 SR offers a sportier appearance than its lesser brethren. This is also the variant to choose if you’re interested in the Special Edition Package, which essentially bundles the Convenience and Technology Packages together with a power moonroof and illuminated vanity mirrors.

Many of those extras are standard on the relatively luxurious Sentra 2.0 SL. In particular, this model is fitted with unique 16-inch alloys, the leather-trimmed steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and XM satellite radio upgrades, a 4.3-inch center display screen, and the push-button ignition feature. Options available only on the 2.0 SL include leather upholstery, heated front seats and a 340-watt Rockford Fosgate stereo.

As their names suggest, all Sentra 2.0 models draw power from a 2.0-liter engine. Buyers on the hunt for a Sentra with a bit more bite will want to direct their attention to the SE-R or SE-R Spec V, each benefitting from the extra output that comes from a 2.5-liter four-banger. In addition to the added muscle under the hood, the 2012 Sentra SE-R ups its commuter-car game with a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloys, visual tweaks to the body and headlights, aluminum interior trim, an oil pressure gauge, and a g-force meter. Like the SL, the SE-R can be dolled up with a moonroof, push-button start, booming sound system, and navigation unit.

Unfortunately, a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) may limit the SE-R’s appeal to enthusiasts who prefer to row their own gears. But fear not, for Nissan answers that particular call with the Sentra SE-R Spec V. This is where you’ll find a six-speed manual gearbox, as well as performance shocks and struts, performance rubber, a leather-trimmed shift knob, silver accent stitching, and structural reinforcements engineered to improve handling and stability. The SE-R Spec V is also the only Sentra available with a limited-slip differential.

All 2012 Nissan Sentras fall into one of two categories: regular or extra-strength. The former is home to the 2.0 variants, which have been named after the 2.0-liter four-cylinder found under their hoods. This eager little engine is good for 140 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque, and between 24 mpg around town and 34 mpg on the highway depending on whether output is directed to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a CVT.

The 2.0-liter engine runs just fine on regular-grade gasoline, as does the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that powers the Sentra SE-R. This model comes standard with a CVT with paddle shifters to control 177 horses and 172 pound-feet of torque. According to the EPA, drivers should average 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Though it also uses a 2.5-liter engine, the SE-R Spec V prefers premium petrol, is partnered with a six-speed stick-shift, and comes hopped up straight from the factory with 200 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Of course, automotive fun seldom comes without a price, which, in this case, equates to ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the freeway.

Those of us with at least a few gray hairs and some so-called character lines on our faces may recall the days when must-have safety features were limited to high-end models or, at the very least, the options column. Thankfully, things have changed, meaning even affordable rides like the Nissan Sentra are hitting the lots with standard stability control, six airbags, and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. However, you’ll need to opt for one of the SE-R models if you want a matching set of four discs instead of old-school rear drums.

When subjected to crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Sentra sedan earns 4 out of 5 Stars for overall performance and rollover resistance protection, but only 3 Stars for the front passenger in a frontal impact crash and a disappointing 2 Stars for the rear seat occupants in a side-impact collision.

The country’s other leading provider of crash-test information, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), had not tested the 2012 Nissan Sentra as this review was originally published. Last year, the Sentra received a Good rating for its frontal-impact performance, and Acceptable ratings for all other assessments.

Reliability data is also somewhat scarce at the time of this writing, as J.D. Power and Associates has yet to publish its findings for the 2012 model. However, we can tell you that last year’s virtually identical Sentra earned an average predicted reliability rating. Consumer Reports paints a rosier picture with a prediction of better-than-average dependability.

Thirty years ago, Joe Montana was named Super Bowl MVP, late-night airwaves greeted a wacky Midwesterner named David Letterman, the first artificial heart was implanted, and the Nissan Sentra made its U.S. debut.

Nissan sells more than 100,000 Sentras every single year. How this happens is a mystery, and can only be explained by its combination of a low price tag, big discounts, and short dealership test-drives. Either that, or they’re all going into rental car fleets.

At first glance, the Sentra seems like a pretty nice little car. It’s got a funky, vaguely European look to it inside and out. The front seats are really comfortable, and the interior materials are a cut above what you might find in many small cars. A 30-mpg combined fuel economy rating is appealing, and the trunk is a good size. People see value in the Sentra, even if the warranty is not particularly competitive.

But if you spend some time driving this car – the 2.0 variants, anyway – you’ll quickly realize that aside from expertly tuned electric steering, there’s little to enjoy about the experience. The Sentra is a transportation appliance, a raucous, insufferable little machine with mediocre acceleration, a choppy ride, low handling limits, and average brakes. Driving it is like some kind of daily punishment.

Maybe we’re being a little bit harsh on this car. Not everyone is looking for something more than basic transportation to get from Point A to Point B. And that’s exactly what the Nissan Sentra is: basic transportation. Nothing more, and nothing less.

With the possible exception of the SE-R Spec V, the current Nissan Sentra has been and continues to be outclassed by its competition, which now includes a number of recently updated or redesigned models. Until a redesigned Sentra arrives with improved driving dynamics, greater visual appeal, better crash-test and reliability scores, and a bump in fuel economy, we suggest focusing on alternatives like the Hyundai Elantra or Honda Civic.

By Thom Blackett and Christian Wardlaw