Exterior

I find the Sentra peculiar-looking, but you can form your own opinion. As for the SE-R and SE-R Spec V variants, they have unique side sill extensions and deeper front and rear bumpers to match. A tastefully subtle trunklid spoiler is also standard. The front brake calipers — easily spied through the thin-spoke 17-inch wheels — are painted silver and labeled "SE R." Makes you wonder why the rear calipers didn't get similar treatment. They look pretty grungy in comparison.

Sentra Spec V in the Market

The Spec V definitely makes for a more entertaining Sentra. Its main advantage against other sport compacts is its price. At $20,470, it's cheaper than the Civic Si and Cooper S by about $800, the Cobalt SS and Mazdaspeed3 by almost $2,000, the Caliber SRT4 by more than $2,200, the GTI by $2,830 and the WRX by almost $3,900. Where it falls short is in meeting its performance potential. Nissan is the same company that brings you the 350Z and, for cripe's sake, the GT-R. Both of those models do things that comparably priced cars can't. The Spec V is supposed to be the ultimate version of the Sentra in a class where other ultimates include the Mazdaspeed3 and GTI. Even the WRX is in some ways a star, and it's not even the ultimate Impreza — that would be the WRX STI. So the Spec V is a better Sentra, but I don't think it's the ultimate.

    See also:

    Front power seat adjustment
    Coupe Operating tips WARNING Before driving the vehicle, return the seatback to an upright seating position after manually releasing it. Also, make sure the seat is locked in place. Failure ...

    Interior
    The Nissan Maxima's interior is as pronounced and edgy as its exterior. However, it felt a little too masculine for my taste. There are a lot of dark gray materials on the inside. It's accented wi ...

    Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) position indicator light (if so equipped)
    When the ignition switch is placed in the ON position, this indicator light shows the shift selector position. See “Driving the vehicle” in the “Starting and driving” section of this manu ...