1998 Nissan Sentra SE
10/07/1998
Shahed Hussain
The Nissan Sentra has always had an image problem. At the bottom rung of Nissan's sedan ladder, the Sentra is synonymous with basic, reliable transportation. Unlike its competitors, the Civic and Corolla, the Sentra has never made the climb into the realm of a car that potential buyers aspire to own. Nissan plans to change that with the next Sentra, but until then the new Sentra SE will have to do the convincing.
Where most Sentras are equipped with the 115 bhp 1.6L 4-cylinder engine, the SE utilizes the 2.0L 140 bhp 4-cylinder engine shared with the 200SX SE-R and Infiniti G20. In addition, the SE gains a firmer sport suspension, 15-inch alloy wheels with P195/55VR-15, and a rear spoiler separate. Standard amenities include air conditioning, cruise control, power mirrors, windows, and locks. The SE Option Package includes AM/FM/CD cassette system, sunroof, keyless entry, and vehicle security system. ABS and a 4-speed automatic transmission are the only other options.
Interior
The Sentra interior materials are of high quality and assembled well. Interior panels are low gloss and match well with each other. There are no misarranged seams or textures to detract from the overall impression of sensible design, executed well. The instrument panel features speedometer and tachometer gauges with black digits and white faces that reverse colors at night. Power windows/locks controls are in the driver's door armrest where they fall readily to hand. Control stalks and switches have a quality feel to them that makes them a pleasure to use. The seats are upholstered in a stylish charcoal fabric that feels comfortable and provides good support.
Exterior
While bland is the best description for the exterior styling of the Sentra, the rear spoiler and 15-inch alloy wheels help give the SE more of a sports sedan look. The body has a generic rounded look that is far from memorable. However, overall build quality is
excellent, the lines are inoffensive, and there are no exterior flaws
to detract from the impressions of a solidly assembled vehicle.
Chassis and Suspension
The front suspension for the Sentra SE is the commonplace MacPherson struts/coil springs. The rear suspension uses Nissan's Multi-Link Beam(R). Stabilizer bars front and rear are standard. The SE offers firmer dampers and springs and 4-wheel disc brakes with optional ABS.P195/55VR15 tires and alloy 15 X 5.5JJ wheels are standard. The chassis is a unit-body design.
Driving Impressions
The extra 25 horsepower of the 2.0-liter SR20DE engine truly transforms the Sentra. As an owner of its spiritual predecessor, the Sentra SE-R, I can attest to the mischievous nature of this
free-revving engine, which invites spontaneous speeding. The 7100 rpm redline is easily reached without protest. The clutch is very light and easy to modulate. The 5-speed transmission shifts smoothly and positively. Unless shifting is a real chore, the manual transmission is the best way to truly enjoy the high rpm thrust of this engine.
Interestingly, in this application the SR20DE is subjectively louder under acceleration than in the Sentra SE-R. The engine note is not objectionable, but it does make itself known. Highway noise levels are relatively quiet. Cruising at 80 mph and higher comes effortlessly. Passing maneuvers rarely require a downshift from fifth gear.
The Sentra SE feels more stable and rolls less under cornering than the Sentra SE-R, but the softer springs contribute to excessive squat and dive. On the other hand, the ride is very compliant and bumps are absorbed without commotion.
Specifications
General
1998 Nissan Sentra SE
Front engine/Front-wheel drive 5-passenger, 4-door
Price Range: $18,000-20,000 (est.)
Price as tested: $18,379
Measurements & Capacities
Curb Weight: 2,617 lb.
Width: 66.6 in.
Height: 54.5 in.
Track F/R: 57.9/56.5 in.
Overall Length: 171.0 in.
Wheelbase: 99.8 in.
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 gal.
Engine
Inline-4, liquid cooled, aluminum block and heads
Valvetrain: DOHC, 16-valve, hydraulic lifters
Fuel Delivery: Sequential multipoint fuel injection
Displacement: 1.998 L
Bore X Stroke: 3.39 in. X 3.39 in.
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Power (SAE net): 140 bhp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 132 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm
Max. Engine Speed: 7,100 rpm
Fuel: Unleaded Regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2
Oil Capacity: 3.375 L w/filter
Coolant Capacity: 5.5 qt.
Emission Controls: Closed loop, catalytic converter, EGR
Transmission
5-speed manual
Ratios: 3.333/1.955/1.286/0.926/0.733:1 3.417:1 (Reverse)
Final Drive: 4.176:1
Suspension
Front: Independent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Rear: Multi-Link Beam(R), coil springs, shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Steering
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio: 17.49:1
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock): 3.01
Brakes
Front: 9.055" vented disc, vacuum-assist
Rear: 9.13" disc, vacuum-assist
Optional 4-channel, 4 sensor ABS
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: 15 X 5.5JJ Aluminum Alloy
Tires: P195/55VR15 All-Season
Fuel Economy
Highway: 31 mpg
City:23 mpg
Interior
Head Room (Front/Rear): 39.1/36.5 in.
Leg Room (Front/Rear): 42.3/32.4 in.
Hip Room (Front/Rear): 50.1/52.8 in.
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 53.2/53.1 in.
Interior Volume: 87.2 cu. ft.
Cargo Volume: 10.7 cu. ft.
Restraints
Front: Driver and passenger airbags, 3-point belts
Rear: 3-point belts
Summary
The Sentra SE joins Nissan's lineup as a feisty entry-level sports sedan. Financially strapped Nissan lacks the marketing muscle to effectively promote this niche model. Against the more popular Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, most potential buyers will likely overlook the Sentra SE. This is unfortunate, because what this sports sedan offers is character, a quality lacking in most of its competition. Like the celebrated, but poor selling Sentra SE-R, the new Sentra SE will likely remain a minor player in a crowded subcompact market.
Sidebar:
At a Glance
A feisty sports sedan in plain-vanilla wrapper.
Likes:
The lusty engine transforms the economy-minded Sentra.
Dislikes:
The sleepy styling still gets no respect. Pricey.
Surprises
Quicker than it looks.