The 2008 Nissan Sentra comes in five models: 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R, and SE-R Spec V.
Sentra 2.0 models come with Nissan's 2.0-liter four-cylinder aluminum engine, making 140 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission in the 2.0 and 2.0 S is a sporty six-speed manual, but a high-tech and fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT is available ($800); this Continuously Variable Transmission comes standard on the 2.0 SL.
Sentra 2.0 ($15,750) comes with cloth seats, air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, remote manual mirrors, four-way adjustable manual front seats, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, power windows, power door locks, electric power steering, AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers, auxiliary audio input jack, theft-deterrent system, and P205/60R15 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers. Anti-lock brakes are optional ($250). A Sunroof package ($750) includes a sunroof and illuminated visor mirrors. Alloy wheels are available ($350).
The 2.0 S ($15,980) adds a height adjustment for the driver's seat, power exterior mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, illuminated steering wheel audio controls, a six-speaker sound system, vehicle information display, and P205/55R16 tires. ABS with electronic brake-force distribution is newly standard for 2008. The 2.0 S is also available with the CVT ($16,780), which adds Nissan's Intelligent Key keyless access and ignition. A Convenience package ($650 manual, $850 CVT) for the 2.0 S includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, overhead CD storage, power trunk release, and Nissan's Divide-n-Hide trunk with a hidden storage compartment, cargo nets and hooks. For 2008, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution is standard. Available for 2.0 S models and above is a Rockford Fosgate Audio package ($750) with a 340-watt Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio with six-disc CD/MP3 changer and eight speakers. XM Satellite Radio ($150) is optional. A rear deck lid spoiler ($210) is optional for all 2.0 models.
The 2.0 SL ($18,680) gets leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Intelligent Key, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link, XM satellite radio with three months of service, and alloy wheels. The Divide-n-Hide trunk is optional ($150).
The SE-R ($19,680) features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 177 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque, and it is mated to a CVT. The SE-R comes with a sports suspension, a rear spoiler and P225/45R17 all-season tires. Intelligent Key ($250) and XM ($150) are optional. The SE-R is available with a limited-slip differential ($400).
The SE-R Spec V ($20,180) comes with the 2.5-liter tuned to produce 200 hp and 180 pound-feet of torque, and it links to a six-speed manual gearbox. The SE-R Spec V sports a performance suspension and W-rated P225/45R17 summer tires. It deletes the folding rear seat. XM Satellite Radio ($150) is optional.
Safety equipment is extensive on all models, including dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, active front seat headrests, and a tire-pressure monitor. Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are standard on all but the 2.0 S, where they are optional. Electronic stability control isn't available.