2012 Nissan Sentra vs. Its Competition
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The Nissan Sentra is now one of the more dated entries in the compact class, as over the past several years most of its rivals have been refreshed or redesigned.
The 2012 Sentra lands in a middle ground and is a little sportier in driving feel and design than purely practical models like the Toyota Corolla yet not nearly as sporty or fun to drive (at least in base form) as the Mazda3.
The Honda Civic is one of the top alternatives, and for 2012 the Civic has received a redesign; while the Civic gets a little more comfort and refinement for 2012, it fails to wow with respect to design or driving attributes.
The Elantra is the reigning head of the class with respect to value and those practical attributes; it's also the top value for the money in its most popular guises.
Those interesting in a nimble driving feel and great handling will want to go for the 2012 Ford Focus or Mazda3, and the Focus has some big-car options such as MyFord Touch and an active parking system.
The MazdaSpeed3 is also one of the top rivals for the SE-R Spec V; compared to the Spec V the Mazda is a little more unruly and feels more like a tuner car, yet it's also more outright fun to drive.
The Honda Civic Si would be the other top rival for the Spec V, more closely matching its demeanor.
 2012 Nissan SentraGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Ford FocusGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Honda CivicGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Hyundai ElantraGet FREE Price Quote |  2012 Mazda MAZDA3Get FREE Price Quote |  2012 Toyota CorollaGet FREE Price Quote |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
| Meta Rating | |||||
The 2012 Nissan Sentra no longer looks fresh, but especially in base 2.0 form or SE-R Spec V guise it represents a strong value for the money with a roomy, comfortable interior. | With the 2012 Focus, Ford shows that small cars don't have to feel so banal, with charismatic compacts that are more satisfying to drive, more luxurious, and better-equipped. | The 2012 Honda Civic is a little more spacious, comfortable, and economical, but it's now one of the blandest of the bunch. | The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has officially left the Civic and Corolla in the dust, thanks to a 38-mpg gas mileage rating, a sleek look, and tremendous value for the money. | With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one. | For those who want frugal, trouble-free transportation but have no want of excitement, the 2012 Toyota Corolla fits the bill. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $16,430 | $16,500 | $15,955 | $15,345 | $15,200 | $16,130 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 21 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact | Compact | Compact Cars | Midsize cars | Compact | Compact |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4dr Sedan I4 Manual 2.0 | 4dr Sedan S | 4dr Man DX | 4dr Sedan Man GLS (Alabama Plant) | 4dr Sedan Man i SV | 4dr Sedan Man L (Natl) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
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