2017 Nissan Sentra: A Detailed Review
Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the 2017 Nissan Sentra, a compact sedan that aimed to please in its model year. We're going to break down everything from its specs and features to what makes it tick. Whether you're considering buying one or just curious, this is your one-stop shop for all things 2017 Sentra. Get ready for a deep dive, as we cover everything you need to know about this popular car. So buckle up, and let's roll!
2017 Nissan Sentra: Overview and Trim Levels
Alright, let's kick things off with a general overview. The 2017 Nissan Sentra was designed to offer a comfortable and fuel-efficient ride in the competitive compact sedan market. It's a car that prioritizes practicality and ease of use, making it a popular choice for daily commutes and family errands. The Sentra's strength lies in its blend of affordability and a decent array of features. For the 2017 model year, Nissan offered the Sentra in several trims, each with its own set of features and price points. You had the base S trim, offering the essentials, followed by the SV, SR, SL, and the sporty SR Turbo, and the even more performance-oriented NISMO. Each trim level brought something different to the table, allowing buyers to choose a Sentra that best suited their needs and budget. The design of the 2017 Sentra is pretty standard for the time, featuring clean lines and a functional aesthetic. It's not a car that screams for attention, but it's not trying to. It's designed to be a reliable and sensible choice. The interior focuses on comfort and ease of use. The materials are mostly of good quality, especially in the higher trims. The controls are well-placed, and the seats are designed for long drives. Nissan aimed for a user-friendly experience, and they largely succeeded. The Sentra’s reputation is built on reliability and fuel efficiency. It's a car that's easy to live with, with a focus on delivering a smooth ride. It might not be the most exciting car on the road, but it's a solid choice for those who want a practical and dependable vehicle. The 2017 Sentra provides a competitive option in its class. With its variety of trims, it caters to a wide range of buyers, from those seeking a budget-friendly ride to those who crave a bit more performance. This Sentra offers a good balance of features, performance, and value. The 2017 Nissan Sentra remains a good choice in the used car market.
Trim Levels Breakdown:
- S: The base trim, offering essential features.
- SV: Adds more features, such as a better infotainment system and upgraded interior.
- SR: A sportier look with upgraded wheels, spoiler, and interior trim.
- SL: The luxury trim, with leather seats and advanced features.
- SR Turbo: A sportier Sentra with a turbocharged engine for more power.
- NISMO: The top-of-the-line performance-oriented trim.
Performance and Engine Specs
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the 2017 Nissan Sentra move. Under the hood, the standard models of the 2017 Sentra were equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine was designed to prioritize fuel efficiency, providing a decent balance of power for everyday driving. The engine produces a reasonable amount of horsepower, making it suitable for city driving and highway cruising. Nissan knew that most buyers in this segment prioritized fuel economy, so the Sentra was engineered to deliver impressive miles per gallon. The engine is paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or, in some trims, a manual transmission. The CVT is known for its smooth operation and contributes to the car's fuel efficiency, while the manual transmission gives drivers more control over the driving experience. The SR Turbo and NISMO models took things up a notch with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers significantly more power, giving these trims a sportier feel and quicker acceleration. The turbo engine offers a noticeable increase in performance, making these trims more engaging to drive. The suspension is tuned for comfort, with a focus on providing a smooth ride. The steering is responsive, making the car easy to maneuver in both urban and highway settings. Overall, the 2017 Sentra offers a balanced driving experience. It’s not a car built for thrilling performance, but it provides a comfortable and efficient ride, making it a great choice for daily commutes and family trips. The engine's fuel efficiency, paired with its smooth ride quality, makes it a practical option for anyone looking for a reliable and economical vehicle. The SR Turbo and NISMO trims provide a more engaging driving experience, catering to those who want a bit more excitement behind the wheel.
Key Engine Specifications:
- Base Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder
- SR Turbo/NISMO Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or manual (depending on trim)
Interior and Features
Now, let's explore the inside of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. The interior design of the Sentra prioritizes comfort and practicality. The materials used are generally of good quality, especially in the higher trims, offering a pleasant environment for both the driver and passengers. The dashboard and controls are well-laid-out, with a focus on user-friendliness. Nissan designed the interior to be intuitive, making it easy to operate the various features and systems. The seating is comfortable, designed for long drives, and provides good support. The cabin offers ample space for passengers in both the front and rear seats, making it a comfortable choice for families and those who frequently transport passengers. The trunk space is generous, providing plenty of room for luggage and cargo. This makes the Sentra a practical option for various needs, from daily errands to road trips. In terms of technology, the 2017 Sentra comes with a range of features depending on the trim level. The base S trim offers the essentials, while the higher trims include upgraded infotainment systems, navigation, and advanced driver-assistance features. The infotainment system includes a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. The higher trims also feature upgrades such as leather seats, premium sound systems, and a sunroof. Nissan also included driver-assistance technologies like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features enhance safety and make the driving experience more convenient. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Sentra provides a comfortable and functional space. The design focuses on practicality and ease of use, making it a pleasant car to spend time in. The combination of comfortable seating, ample space, and a range of features makes the Sentra a good choice for those who value both comfort and convenience.
Key Interior Features:
- Comfortable seating
- Spacious cabin and trunk
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Advanced driver-assistance features (available in higher trims)
- Upgraded materials in higher trims
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is super important, so let's check out what the 2017 Nissan Sentra offers in terms of keeping you protected. The 2017 Sentra comes with a range of safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of an accident. Standard safety features include airbags throughout the cabin, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC). These features work together to help prevent accidents and minimize injuries. In addition to these standard features, higher trim levels of the Sentra offer advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to further enhance safety. These systems include features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The ADAS technologies provide an extra layer of protection, helping to prevent accidents and making the driving experience safer. The Sentra performed well in safety tests conducted by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings provide an objective assessment of the car's ability to protect occupants in various crash scenarios. The NHTSA gave the 2017 Sentra a good overall safety rating, indicating that it provides a good level of protection in frontal and side impact crashes. The IIHS also awarded the Sentra with good ratings in several crashworthiness tests. These high ratings reflect Nissan's commitment to providing a safe vehicle. The combination of standard safety features, available advanced driver-assistance systems, and strong crash test ratings makes the 2017 Sentra a safe choice for drivers. Nissan has designed the Sentra to prioritize the safety of its occupants. Overall, the 2017 Sentra offers a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants. Its solid performance in safety tests gives drivers peace of mind, knowing that they are driving a car that prioritizes safety. Safety should be a top priority when choosing a vehicle, and the 2017 Sentra delivers in this area.
Key Safety Features:
- Airbags
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
Pros and Cons of the 2017 Nissan Sentra
Alright, let's weigh the good and the bad of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Here's a quick rundown to help you make up your mind. On the plus side, the Sentra often earns praise for its impressive fuel efficiency. It's designed to maximize miles per gallon, making it an economical choice for daily driving. The interior is generally comfortable, with ample space for passengers and cargo. This makes it a practical option for families and those who need a versatile vehicle. The Sentra also provides a smooth and comfortable ride. It’s designed to absorb bumps and provide a pleasant driving experience, especially on longer journeys. The availability of advanced driver-assistance features in higher trims adds to the overall value and safety of the vehicle. These features can enhance the driving experience and provide an extra layer of protection. However, the Sentra does have a few drawbacks to consider. The base engine, while fuel-efficient, can sometimes feel underpowered, especially when accelerating or carrying a full load. Some reviewers have noted that the CVT transmission, while smooth, can feel a bit sluggish compared to other transmission types. The interior materials in the base trims may not feel as high-quality as those in some competitors. The design, while functional, might not be the most exciting in its class. In the used car market, it's essential to check the vehicle's history and maintenance records to ensure it has been well-maintained. Considering these pros and cons, the 2017 Nissan Sentra remains a solid choice. It's a great option if you prioritize fuel economy, comfort, and safety. If you are looking for a car with a more exciting driving experience or premium interior materials, you may want to explore other options. The best decision depends on your personal preferences and needs.
Pros:
- Good fuel economy
- Comfortable interior
- Smooth ride
- Available advanced safety features
Cons:
- Base engine can feel underpowered
- CVT transmission can feel sluggish
- Interior materials in base trims may be basic
Conclusion: Is the 2017 Nissan Sentra Right for You?
So, after everything we've covered, is the 2017 Nissan Sentra the right car for you? The answer depends on your priorities and what you're looking for in a vehicle. If you're searching for a compact sedan that emphasizes fuel efficiency, comfort, and practicality, the Sentra could be a great fit. Its fuel economy will save you money at the pump, while its comfortable interior will make your daily commute more enjoyable. The Sentra is a practical choice for daily driving, family errands, and road trips. If you need a reliable and safe vehicle with a good balance of features, the 2017 Sentra is worth considering. However, if you crave a more exciting driving experience, the base engine may not be powerful enough. If you’re looking for a vehicle with more premium interior materials, you might want to consider other options. Think about your needs and preferences. Do you prioritize fuel economy and comfort? Or is performance and luxury more important to you? If you do your research and take a test drive, you can decide whether the 2017 Sentra is the perfect car for you. Remember to check out the different trim levels to see which one best suits your needs and budget. Also, consider the car's history and condition if you're looking at a used model. Ultimately, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is a solid option in the compact sedan market, offering a good balance of practicality, efficiency, and safety. If these features align with your needs, then you should consider giving the 2017 Nissan Sentra a try!