2017 Nissan Sentra: A Detailed Review

Hey guys! Let's dive into a comprehensive review of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. This compact sedan has been a popular choice for years, and for good reason! We're gonna explore everything from its features and specs to its overall driving experience. Whether you're considering buying a used one or just curious about this car, this article will give you the lowdown. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Overview of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Alright, let's start with a quick overview. The 2017 Nissan Sentra is part of the seventh generation of the Sentra, which received a facelift for the 2016 model year. This refresh brought updated styling, a revised interior, and some new tech features. The Sentra competes in the highly competitive compact sedan segment, going up against rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3. Nissan aimed to provide a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and feature-rich car at an affordable price point. And honestly, it did a pretty good job! The Sentra offers a range of trims, from the base S model to the more luxurious SL, catering to different budgets and preferences. The 2017 Sentra generally offers a good balance of practicality, comfort, and value, making it a solid choice for daily driving. It's known for its spacious interior, especially for rear-seat passengers, making it a good pick for families or those who frequently carry passengers. This generation of Sentra focused on refinement, aiming to provide a more upscale experience than some of its competitors. However, the Sentra's engine performance isn't as peppy as some of its rivals. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is a reliable, practical, and fuel-efficient compact sedan that is ideal for daily commutes and family use.

Key Features and Highlights

Let's move on to some key features and highlights. The 2017 Nissan Sentra offered a few standout features that made it appealing to buyers. One of the main selling points was its spacious interior. The Sentra boasts a surprisingly roomy cabin, offering ample legroom and headroom, especially in the rear seats. This is a significant advantage over some of its competitors, making it a great option for families or those who often transport passengers. Another key highlight is its fuel efficiency. The Sentra is known for its impressive gas mileage, making it a cost-effective choice for those looking to save money at the pump. The base engine is a 1.8-liter inline-four, which provides a good balance of power and efficiency. Higher trims, like the SR Turbo, came with a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, adding some extra pep to the car's performance. The 2017 Sentra also featured a user-friendly infotainment system, with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and available features like navigation and a premium audio system. Safety features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control were available on higher trims, enhancing the car's safety profile. In terms of design, the 2017 Sentra featured updated styling compared to previous model years, with a more modern and refined look. The interior materials were also improved, giving it a more upscale feel. The SL trim, in particular, offered features like leather upholstery and premium finishes. The Sentra also benefits from Nissan's reputation for reliability. It is generally considered a dependable car, and many owners have reported positive experiences with its long-term reliability. All in all, the 2017 Nissan Sentra offers a compelling package, combining practicality, comfort, fuel efficiency, and a good range of features at an affordable price point.

2017 Nissan Sentra Trims and Specs

Okay, let's break down the different trims and specs of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Nissan offered the Sentra in several trim levels, each with its own set of features and price points. The base model was the S trim, which came with standard features like a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, a five-speed manual transmission (or an optional CVT), a basic infotainment system, and a decent array of safety features. Moving up the ladder, we had the SV trim, which added features like a larger touchscreen display, more advanced infotainment options, and upgraded interior materials. The SR trim was the sportier version, featuring a rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, and unique styling elements. The SR Turbo, as the name suggests, came with a more powerful turbocharged engine, providing a more engaging driving experience. Finally, the SL trim was the top-of-the-line model, offering premium features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance technologies. This wide range of trims gave buyers plenty of options to choose from, depending on their needs and budget. Now, about those specs: the standard engine in most trims was a 1.8-liter inline-four, producing around 130 horsepower. This engine focused on fuel efficiency rather than outright power. The SR Turbo, however, packed a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that cranked out around 188 horsepower, providing a significant boost in performance. All trims came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), except the base S trim, which offered a five-speed manual as an option. The CVT aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but some drivers may find its response a bit sluggish compared to a traditional automatic transmission. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra provided a variety of choices when it came to trim levels and engine options, allowing buyers to customize their driving experience based on their preferences. The different trims cater to different needs and budgets, and the wide array of features makes the Sentra a versatile choice in the compact sedan market.

Engine and Performance Details

Let's delve deeper into the engine and performance aspects of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. As we mentioned earlier, the base engine was a 1.8-liter inline-four, which produced around 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. This engine was designed primarily for fuel efficiency, and it delivers respectable gas mileage figures. The 1.8-liter engine is well-suited for everyday driving, commuting, and general errands. It's not a powerhouse, but it offers adequate power for most driving situations. The SR Turbo trim, on the other hand, came with a more exciting 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. This engine generated 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, providing a much more spirited driving experience. The turbo engine offers significantly quicker acceleration and better responsiveness, making the Sentra feel more engaging and fun to drive. Regarding transmission options, most trims came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This type of transmission is designed to maximize fuel efficiency by maintaining the engine in its optimal power band. The CVT in the Sentra generally does a good job, although some drivers may find its responsiveness a bit lacking compared to a traditional automatic transmission. The base S trim offered a five-speed manual transmission as an option, which gave drivers more control over gear changes and provided a more engaging driving experience. In terms of overall performance, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is best suited for comfortable, fuel-efficient driving. The base engine is not particularly quick, but it's adequate for most daily driving needs. The SR Turbo trim provides a more athletic driving experience, with quicker acceleration and better handling. The Sentra's suspension is tuned for comfort, and the car generally provides a smooth and composed ride. The steering is light and easy, making the car easy to maneuver in city driving. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra offers a well-rounded performance package, with a focus on fuel efficiency, comfort, and practicality. The SR Turbo trim adds a touch of sportiness for those looking for a more engaging driving experience.

Interior, Technology, and Safety Features

Alright, let's explore the interior, technology, and safety features of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Stepping inside the Sentra, you're greeted with a surprisingly spacious cabin. The Sentra offers a generous amount of legroom and headroom, especially in the rear seats, making it a comfortable choice for passengers. The interior design is functional and user-friendly, with controls generally easy to reach and operate. The materials used in the base models are decent, while the higher trims feature upgraded materials like leather upholstery, adding a more premium feel. Regarding technology, the 2017 Sentra came with a user-friendly infotainment system. The base models had a basic system with a smaller screen, while higher trims featured a larger touchscreen display with more advanced features. The infotainment system typically included Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music and make hands-free calls. Available features included navigation, a premium sound system, and smartphone integration. In terms of safety features, the 2017 Nissan Sentra offered a good range of standard and available safety technologies. Standard safety features included airbags, antilock brakes, and stability control. Higher trims offered additional safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These advanced driver-assistance systems enhance the car's safety profile and help to prevent accidents. The 2017 Sentra generally performed well in crash tests, earning good safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra provides a well-equipped interior, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The technology features are user-friendly, and the available safety features add to the car's overall appeal. The spacious cabin and good safety ratings make the Sentra a good choice for families and those who prioritize safety.

Infotainment System and Tech Specs

Let's break down the infotainment system and tech specs in the 2017 Nissan Sentra. The 2017 Sentra's infotainment system varied depending on the trim level. The base models typically featured a basic system with a smaller screen and limited features. This system generally included a basic audio system, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a USB port for connecting external devices. Moving up the trim levels, you'd find a larger touchscreen display with more advanced features. Higher trims offered a 5.0-inch or a 5.8-inch touchscreen display, depending on the specific package. These systems typically included features like navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows users to seamlessly integrate their smartphones with the car's infotainment system, providing access to apps, music, and other features. Some trims also featured a premium audio system, which enhanced the sound quality for a more enjoyable listening experience. The infotainment system in the 2017 Sentra generally was user-friendly, with intuitive menus and easy-to-use controls. Nissan had been improving its infotainment systems over the years, and the Sentra's system was a step up from some of its older offerings. In terms of tech specs, the 2017 Nissan Sentra offered a good range of features. Standard features included keyless entry, push-button start, and a rearview camera. Higher trims added features like a power moonroof, heated front seats, and a premium audio system. The SR Turbo trim included unique features like sport gauges and a sport steering wheel. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra provided a decent array of technology features, which were well-integrated into the car's design. The infotainment system offered a user-friendly experience, and the available features added to the car's convenience and appeal.

Safety Features and Ratings

Let's discuss the safety features and ratings of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Nissan made a point to include a variety of safety features to protect its occupants. Standard safety features in the 2017 Sentra included airbags throughout the cabin, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and minimize injuries in the event of a collision. In higher trim levels, you would find more advanced safety features. These included automatic emergency braking, which can help to automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected; adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front; blind-spot monitoring, which alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots; and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns the driver of approaching traffic when backing out of a parking space. These advanced safety technologies are designed to enhance the car's safety profile and help to prevent accidents. The 2017 Nissan Sentra also performed well in crash tests conducted by independent organizations. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2017 Sentra good ratings in most crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also gave the 2017 Sentra good overall safety ratings. These safety ratings indicate that the Sentra is a safe car that can effectively protect its occupants in the event of a crash. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra offers a good level of safety, with standard and available safety features to protect its occupants. The good crash test ratings indicate that the Sentra is a safe and reliable car, which is an important consideration for many buyers. The availability of advanced safety technologies further enhances the car's safety profile, making it a compelling choice in the compact sedan market.

Driving Experience and Handling

Alright, let's talk about the driving experience and handling of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. When you get behind the wheel, you'll find that the Sentra prioritizes comfort and ease of use. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in city driving and parking situations. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and composed ride. The base engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, but it's not particularly quick. Acceleration is smooth and linear, but it might not be the most exciting experience for those seeking sporty performance. The SR Turbo trim, on the other hand, offers a more engaging driving experience. The turbocharged engine provides quicker acceleration and better responsiveness, making the car feel more peppy and fun to drive. The SR trim also features a sport-tuned suspension, enhancing handling and providing a more connected feel to the road. The CVT transmission, which comes standard in most trims, generally performs well. It helps to maximize fuel efficiency, but some drivers might find its response a bit sluggish compared to a traditional automatic transmission. The five-speed manual transmission, available in the base S trim, provides a more engaging driving experience, allowing drivers to have more control over gear changes. In terms of handling, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is competent and predictable. It's not a sports car, so it's not designed for aggressive cornering. However, it handles well in everyday driving situations, providing a stable and controlled ride. The car's brakes are effective, providing good stopping power. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra offers a comfortable and user-friendly driving experience. It's easy to drive, with light steering and a smooth ride. The SR Turbo trim adds a touch of sportiness for those seeking a more engaging driving experience. The car's handling is predictable, and the brakes are effective. The 2017 Nissan Sentra is well-suited for everyday commuting, family use, and general errands.

Ride Comfort and Steering

Let's get into the details of the ride comfort and steering in the 2017 Nissan Sentra. One of the key strengths of the Sentra is its focus on ride comfort. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. The seats are well-padded, offering good support for both the driver and passengers, making long drives more enjoyable. The 2017 Nissan Sentra is designed to provide a quiet cabin, minimizing road and wind noise, further enhancing the ride comfort. This makes it a pleasant car for daily commuting and long trips. Regarding steering, the 2017 Nissan Sentra features light and responsive steering. This makes it easy to maneuver in city driving and parking situations. The steering is precise and predictable, providing good control over the vehicle. The steering is also well-weighted, providing a good balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra offers a comfortable ride, with a focus on ride quality and a smooth experience. The light and responsive steering adds to the car's ease of use, making it a pleasant car to drive in various conditions. The emphasis on ride comfort makes the Sentra a good choice for those who prioritize a comfortable and relaxing driving experience.

Pros and Cons of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Okay, let's weigh the pros and cons of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. On the plus side, the 2017 Nissan Sentra has a spacious and comfortable interior. The rear legroom is particularly generous, making it a great option for families. It offers excellent fuel economy, saving you money at the gas pump. The Sentra also comes with a good array of standard features, and higher trims offer even more tech and convenience. The car is generally considered reliable, with Nissan having a good reputation in this area. It often comes at an affordable price, making it a good value proposition in the compact sedan market. Now, for the cons. The base engine can feel underpowered, especially when accelerating onto the highway. The CVT transmission, while good for fuel economy, may not be as engaging as a traditional automatic. The infotainment system, while functional, might not be as modern or feature-rich as some of its competitors. The Sentra's handling isn't particularly sporty, so it's not the best choice if you're looking for a car with sharp handling. Some may find the styling to be a bit bland compared to some of its rivals. Considering these pros and cons, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is a solid choice for those who prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It's a great option for daily commuting and family use, and it offers good value for the money. However, if you're looking for a car with a more powerful engine, sportier handling, or a more modern infotainment system, you might want to consider other options in the compact sedan segment.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. The 2017 Nissan Sentra boasts some notable advantages. Its spacious interior is a major selling point, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The generous rear-seat space makes it a comfortable choice for families or those who frequently carry passengers. Fuel efficiency is another significant advantage. The Sentra delivers excellent gas mileage, saving you money at the pump and making it an economical choice for daily driving. It also has a reputation for reliability, with many owners reporting positive long-term experiences. The Sentra generally comes at an affordable price point, making it a good value in the compact sedan market. On the other hand, there are also some disadvantages to consider. The base engine can feel underpowered, particularly when accelerating onto the highway or when carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. The CVT transmission, while efficient, may not offer the same level of responsiveness as a traditional automatic transmission. The infotainment system, while functional, might not be as modern or feature-rich as those found in some competitors. The handling is not particularly sporty, so if you're looking for a car with sharp handling, the Sentra may not be the best choice. Some may find the styling to be somewhat bland compared to some of its rivals. In conclusion, the 2017 Nissan Sentra offers a good balance of practicality, comfort, and value. Its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and reliability are major strengths. However, the base engine's performance, the CVT transmission's responsiveness, and the infotainment system's features are some areas where it falls slightly short compared to some of its rivals. Ultimately, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is a good choice for those who prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, and value.

Conclusion: Is the 2017 Nissan Sentra Right for You?

So, is the 2017 Nissan Sentra the right car for you? Well, it depends on your needs and priorities. If you're looking for a spacious, fuel-efficient, and reliable compact sedan, the Sentra is definitely worth considering. Its generous rear-seat legroom makes it a great choice for families, and its excellent gas mileage will save you money at the pump. The Sentra also offers a good array of standard features, and higher trims come with even more tech and convenience. However, if you prioritize performance and sporty handling, the Sentra might not be the best choice. The base engine can feel underpowered, and the CVT transmission may not be as engaging as a traditional automatic. The infotainment system, while functional, might not be as modern or feature-rich as some of its competitors. If you're looking for a more exciting driving experience, you might want to consider the SR Turbo trim, which comes with a more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is a solid choice for those who prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It's a great option for daily commuting, family use, and general errands. It offers a good value for the money, and its reputation for reliability makes it a dependable choice. If you're considering a used car, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is definitely one to add to your list! Do your research, test drive a few, and see if it's the right fit for your needs. Happy car hunting, guys!