Nissan Sentra
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Nissan Sentra | |
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| Manufacturer: | Nissan |
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| Production: | 1982–present |
| Class: | Subcompact (1982-1999) Compact (2000-present) |
| Body style: | 2-door sedan 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door coupe |
| Layout: | FF |
| Similar: | Honda Civic Hyundai Elantra Toyota Corolla |
| First generation | |
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| Production: | 1982-1986 |
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| Transmission: | 4-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Second generation | |
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| Production: | 1987-1990 |
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| Engine: | 1.6 L I4 |
| Transmission: | 4-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 95.7 in |
| Length: | 168.7 in (sedan) 166.5 in (coupe) |
| Width: | 64.6 in (sedan) 65.6 in (coupe) |
| Height: | 54.3 in 52.2 in (coupe) |
| Fuel capacity: | 13.2 US gal |
| Third generation | |
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| Production: | 1991-1994 |
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| Assembly: | Smyrna, Tennessee |
| Engine: | 1.6 L GA16DE I4 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 95.7 in |
| Length: | 170.3 in |
| Width: | 65.7 in |
| Height: | 53.0 in |
| Fuel capacity: | 13.2 US gal |
| Fourth generation | |
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| Production: | 1995–1999 |
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| Assembly: | Smyrna, Tennessee Aguascalientes, Mexico |
| Engine: | 1.6 L I4 2.0 L I4 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 99.8 in |
| Length: | 171.0 in |
| Width: | 66.6 in |
| Height: | 54.5 in |
| Fifth generation | |
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| Production: | 2000–2006 |
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| Assembly: | Aguascalientes, Mexico |
| Engine: | 1.8 L QG18DE I4 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase: | 99.8 in |
| Length: | 177.5 in |
| Width: | 67.3 in |
| Height: | 55.5 in |
| Sixth generation | |
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| Production: | 2007–present |
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| Assembly: | Aguascalientes, Mexico |
| Engine: | 2.0 L MR20DE I4 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed manual CVT |
| Wheelbase: | 105.7 in |
| Length: | 179.8 in |
| Width: | 70.5 in |
| Height: | 59.5 in |
The Nissan Sentra is a small car made by automaker Nissan, and is generally a rebadged export version of the Japanese Nissan Sunny. The name "Sentra" is not used in Japan, where it is currently known as Bluebird Sylphy. In some Asian countries, the Sunny name was used on certain versions of the Nissan Pulsar.
In the U.S. the Nissan Sentra currently serves as Nissan's compact model and directly competes with other compact models such as the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Honda Civic. In the U.S. prices range from $14,750 for a base model to $21,215 for a loaded top-of-the-line Sentra. While previous Sentras were sub-compact cars, the Sentra has grown over the years, and now the Nissan Versa has replaced the Sentra in the sub-compact area.
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[edit] History
The Nissan Sentra was introduced for the 1982 model year as the US export name for the Nissan Sunny. Many other countries in the Americas, including Mexico and Brazil, sell their versions of the Sunny as the Sentra.
[edit] B11 (1982-1986)
This sub-compact automobile was the first of the Sentras and was a direct replacement for the Datsun 210. While previous Sunnys had been rear-wheel drive, starting with the B11 they now sported front-wheel-drive FF layout. The B11 also dropped the A series (OHV) engine in favor of the E15 SOHC engine out of the Datsun 310, and was the first car in the United States to carry the Nissan name solely. In 1983, all Sentras had the E16 as the only option with 4-speed manual as standard with a 3-speed automatic and, in some years, a 5-speed manual, as options. A 1.7-litre CD17 diesel was also available from 1984 to 1986. There were several models of the B11 ranging from the Honeybee, a holdover from the 210 that achieved 35 mpg, or the Deluxe that had air conditioning, Clarion tape deck and dual side mirrors. All Sentras had 4 wheel independent suspension and front disc brakes.
In most markets, this model line was marketed as the Nissan Sunny and was available with 1.3 and 1.5 petrol engines. A five-door wagon (estate car) version was also marketed there too.
[edit] B12 (1987-1990)
This generation carried on the multitude of body styles that the B11 had, including station wagon, 2 and 4-door sedans, 3-door hatchback and the Sport Coupe. For 1987, all Sentras but the Sport Coupe came standard with the E16(s) with 69 hp and a 4-speed manual transmission. In 1988, all Sentras had the 70 hp E16(i), which was offered for this year with throttle body injection. In many parts of the world the E series soldiered on in the B12 chassis with some getting multi-point fuel injection. From 1989 to 1990, the only engine choice was the 90 hp GA16i, a 12-valve SOHC version of the later GA16DE. The B12 carried over the 4-wheel independent suspension from the B11, with 4-wheel disc brakes an option in some parts of the world. This was the start of the now standard model classes having the "E" as the low level economy car, the "XE" as the base model, and the "SE" as the top of the line model. The SE had dual mirrors, air conditioning, and power door locks and windows in some markets. Later in the B12 run the "GXE" was introduced and offered comforts like variable wipers.
The Sport Coupe was a sportier style of the Sentra. It shared few if any of the body panels with the standard model. It was only available with the E16i or GA16i, and did not receive Nissan's CA18DE that was offered in the Sunny ZX Coupe. All Sport Coupes had dual swaybars, dual remote-adjust mirrors, and a tachometer next to the speedometer. The SE model added features like air conditioning and rear speakers.
B12s are known for reliability and great fuel economy, and are considered by enthusiasts to be good low budget project cars due to interchangeability of parts with other Nissan models.
[edit] B13 (1991-1994)
The B13 was the first to offer Nissan's famous and then-new SR20DE engine in the "sporty" two-door SE-R model. Setting subcompact speed records of the time, the SE-R (140hp) could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and the quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds. It came with 4-wheel disc brakes and had a MacPherson strut independent suspension. The B13 SE-R has developed a cult following over the years and is still a car of choice among tuners.
The sedan was offered with the 1.6 L GA16DE engine.
[edit] B14 (1995-1999)
The Sentra took several backward steps for 1995, such as cheaper interior materials and the permanent loss of an independent rear suspension. The two-door Sentra was renamed as the 200SX and took the sporty SE-R model with it, though the sedan got all the performance parts back in 1998 with the Sentra SE. The SE sedan came with the same 2.0 liter SR20DE engine as the SE-R.
[edit] B15 (2000-2006)
The Sentra finally crossed over into the "compact" class for 2000, on an all-new platform. Previously, the compact class had been occupied by the Altima, which moved to the mid-size class in 2002, and its wheelbase remained unchanged from the previous generation. Also to be noted is that while earlier Sentras were very similar to their Japan-market B-series Nissan Sunny twins, the B15 Sentra diverged greatly from the B15 Sunny (a.k.a. Nissan Super Sunny). Production shifted from Smyrna, Tennessee to Aguascalientes, Mexico, and the Smyrna production line was retooled to build the Nissan Xterra. The 1.6 L engine was dropped in favor of the 1.8 L (126 hp) QG18DE. Numerous upgrades were made over the previous generation. The new model featured a new interior with higher quality plastics and more comfortable seats. The exterior was also substantially updated and now featured body-side moldings and clear headlights. In 2002, a new SE-R (165 hp) was introduced, trading its SR20DE engine for the Altima's torquier but lower-revving QR25DE. The SE-R came in a base model with a 5-speed manual transmission or optional automatic. The SE-R Spec-V (175 hp) featured a 6-speed manual transmission with a helical Torsen limited slip differential. The Spec-V is capable of a 15.4 second quarter-mile, but suffers a relatively slow 7.4 second 0-60 mph time (equal to the B13 SE-R's time) due to extra-short gearing making 60 mph unreachable in second gear. 2004 saw a minor facelift for all Sentras. Nissan also started cost-cutting and took the front stabilizer bar out of 1.8 L models.
[edit] C-platform (2007-present)
Nissan introduced the next generation 2007 Sentra at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. It is larger in every dimension than the B15 model, as the Nissan Versa takes the subcompact role once filled by the Sentra.[1] It is now based on the Renault-Nissan architecture that is also the basis for the Renault Megane. The EPA now lists the Sentra as a mid-size car.
The Sentra features a 2.0 L Nissan MR engine, the first North American vehicle to use this new engine family. Transmission choices are Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission. It rides on the new shared Nissan/Renault Global C platform. As with the B15, the C-platform Sentra is produced at Nissan's Aguascalientes plant. The 2007 Sentra went on sale in October 2006, around the same time as the competing redesigned Hyundai Elantra. Suggested MSRP for the base model is US$14,750 for the United States market.
[edit] SE-R Spec-V
| Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V | |
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| Manufacturer: | Nissan |
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| Production: | 2002–2006 |
| Class: | Sport compact |
| Body style: | 4-door sedan |
| Layout: | FF layout |
| Engine: | 2.5 L I4 |
| Curb weight: | 2710 lb |
| Similar: | Honda Civic Si Mazdaspeed3 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Toyota Corolla XRS |
The Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V was the sport compact version of the Nissan Sentra; it was the highest trim level of the Sentra SE. Beginning production in 2002, it had garnered a reputation for its impressive performance within the segment. Its engine was the 2.5 L QR25DE unit originally created for the Nissan Altima. The engine produced 175 hp at 6000 rpm and 180 ft·lbf of torque at 4000 rpm. This power was enough to propel the car to 60 mph from standstill in 7 seconds.
The car came standard with a 6-speed manual transmission with helical Torsen limited slip differential, and 17-inch wheels with performance tires. Perhaps as impressive as the car's quickness was its handling, which was the result of aggressive factory-tuning of the car's suspension and the addition of low-profile tires, which fortunately did not severely harshen the car's smoothness. Along with a standard race-inspired sporty interior, other optional features at the time included a 300-watt 9-speaker audio system (with an 8-inch subwoofer in the trunk) and a power sunroof. In all, it is a rare car that is still relatively unknown to many, giving it the subsequent sleeper image to those who are familiar with the car. For example, the car appears in the video game Need for Speed Underground and Need for Speed: Underground 2.
Initially, for 2002 and 2003, the SE-R Spec V (along with the SE-R) was given an aggressive front fascia (borrowed from the Skyline GT-R) with side still extensions and rear trunk-mounted spoiler. For the 2004 and 2005 model years, cosmetic changes were made to make the Spec V look like regular Sentras from the front, although it still retained its side-still extensions, rear spoiler, and 17-inch wheels (albeit different ones from 2002 and 2003 models). The 2004 model year also featured a new style of taillight which is somewhat inspired by the Skyline GT-R's quadruple taillights. Other cosmetics added in 2004 that were akin to the Skyline GT-R are the six-spoked wheels, the SE-R gear shift handle, and the availability of Sapphire Blue.
While the SE-R Spec V was considered one of the best valued sports sedans, it had a few serious design flaws that would cause plenty of grief amongst SE-R owners. The most common problem were Intake Manifold "Butterfly" screws being loosened over time and eventually being ingested into the Intake. This would obviously cause a great deal of damage, and there have been plenty of SE-Rs with new engines because of this. The solution adopted by many owners was to use Loctite to force the butterfly screws in place. Nissan later recalled 04 and early 05 models to have a similar procedure performed on the intake manifold. The butter-fly screws were replaced with a new design and had loctite applied during installation, a mesh screen was installed as well incase a screw still became loose. Previous years including some 04 models were refused the recall by Nissan. Other such problems involved the infamous "Pre-Cat" failure. In the exhaust system unburnt fuel that entered the Pre-Cat could potentially ignite, over time bits of the Pre-Catalytic Converter would break off and be sucked back into the engine. The QR25DE has no EGR valve, by design the exhaust valves are left open for a short period of time during the intakes stroke to reburn fuel in the exhaust system, this is when particals from the Pre-Cat have an opportunity to re-enter the engine causing damage. The solution to this by Nissan was to have dealers replace the Pre-Cat with a new Pre-Cat of the same design and making ECU modifications. Many owners have experienced multiple engine failures due to this, others have accused Nissan of simply putting a bandaid on the vehicles till most of their warranties have ran out. Nissan has basically refused to find a solution to this problem. Many owners have again been forced to come up with their own solution which was replacing the OEM exhaust manifold with an aftermarket "cat-less" manifold. This is illegal in many states and is a hassle for most owners because of the difficulty they have when going through inspection. This solved the problem of ingesting pieces of Pre-Cats that come apart over time by removing the Pre-cat entirely. Every year of the SE-R from 2002-2005 has been found to be capable of the same failure...no 2006 models have been reported as of this posting. However, they have had their own problems when Nissan switched the design of the oil rings to save costs. These engines had to be recalled due to multiple engine failures and fires. These failures have also affected all 2.5L Altimas as well.
[edit] Rebadged Pulsars and Sentras
In countries such as New Zealand, vehicles from both the Nissan Sunny and Nissan Pulsar ranges were marketed as a single model range, the "Nissan Sentra"—which differed (apart from the station wagon) from the models sold under the same name in the United States.
The Sentra name was adopted in several other countries, such as New Zealand, where it was used for the Nissan Pulsar range from 1986 (though, interestingly, the station wagon version was actually a rebadged Nissan Sunny California). The Sentra name continued to be used in New Zealand for the Pulsar until 1998, just as Almera was used in Europe. After 2002, the Japanese Pulsar name was adopted.
Unlike the U.S. version, a hatchback was offered; engines offered were 1.4 L, 1.6 L and 2.0 L petrol engines; a diesel was available in Europe. Some even were sold in the Republic of Ireland.
In the Republic of China, Yulon has built its licensed version of the Sunny as the Sentra since 1990. The current Taiwan-market Sentra reflects the styling of the Japanese-market Bluebird Sylphy (the same as the Almera/Pulsar sedan but with a luxurious emphasis).
Today, the Philippines also uses the Sentra name for its version of the Pulsar.
In Mexico, and parts of Central America, the B13 Nissan Sentra is still in production. Called the Nissan Tsuru, it is the same basic car only with minor cosmetic changes and mechanical downgrades to make it cheaper, such as non-power steering, downgraded interior trim, a downgraded braking system, and a mechanical clutch instead of a hydraulic one. More recent models have received a Renault-built hydraulic clutch.
[edit] Awards
The Sentra SE-R was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1991 through 1994. The Sentra SE was on Sport Compact Car magazine's 8 Great Rides for 2001 The Sentra SE-R Spec V was on Sport Compact Car magazine's 8 Great Rides for 2002,2003, & 2005 The Sentra CA was awarded the California Environmental Protection Agency Award in 2000
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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