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2007 Hyundai Elantra vs 2007 Nissan Sentra
For the 2007 model year, the Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Sentra are all-new, and are the newest entries in the $16k-20k economy car class. They have several similarities, for example: compact sedans with mid-sized interiors (the largest in their class); three trim levels, including a top-end trim with standard leather (not available on competitors like Civic and Corolla); similar powerplants (2.0L, with 138 hp on the Elantra and 140 on the Sentra); and availability as a 4-door sedan only (although that may change soon for the Elantra at least).
What do you think of these all-new economy sedans?
What do you think of these all-new economy sedans?
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Comments
The new Elantra looks to girly, lady like and feminine, while
the Sentra looks more rugged and for a guy.
The Corvette has curvy, sinuous lines also--like the new Elantra. I guess the Corvette is a "girly" car too?
Really? Are we looking at the same car? I see Altima/Maxima Jr. in the Sentra and nothing more.
The Corvette has curvy, sinuous lines also--like the new Elantra. I guess the Corvette is a "girly" car too?
If the choice is between the new Elantra and the "manly" Caliber, I'd pick the new Elantra every time. (The Caliber styling is the worst I've seen since Aztec.)
I'm not quite sure why some people equate chunky styling to a "guy" car. Maybe it's the (unfortunate) Hummer influence. There have been many cars over the years with curvy lines that were definitely NOT "girly" cars, e.g. Camaro, Corvette, Viper, RX-8, Javelin/AMX, Cobra, and any Jaguar.
http://www.edmunds.com/media/reviews/top10/worst.residual.vehicles/04.dodge.neon- - .500.jpg
http://echo.toyota.com.au/TWR/content/static/1940.jpg
Actually, the Sentra does look like a stodgier Altima jr. The heavy weight makes me wonder what the real world mileage will be also. It appears the Versa only gets about 28-30 if its Edmunds real world posters numbers are averaged. What does that mean for the Sentra - 25-28 mpg?
The Elantra exterior still looks influenced by the Corolla (sorry Backy). I actually like the front end more when I saw it in person yesterday. The back end is still very Corolla like. I think the interior is much nicer than past Elantras, and the EPA numbers look pretty good. I would like to see its real world mileage numbers. If the discounts come quickly and a manual SE is actually available on dealer lots, I may give one a try. I booted the Accent due to the unavailablity of factory cruise and aux input, and am glad both are available in the Elantra.
I think the Sentra is probably a loser, and the Elantra is probably a winner. I still think the Civic and Mazda3 lead from an exterior looks standpoint. Both Honda and Mazda took a few risks and did not take the conservative route like Hyundai and Nissan.
I used to think the Mazda3 was the best looking car in its class. Now the styling is beginning to get old to me. But it's still a nice-looking car--even though it's a twin of the Corolla.
It appears most Versas can't even get real world mileage above 30 on the highway. Ouch!
I think the new Sentra has a nice interior (and I usually don't like Nissan interiors), but I think I'm going to tire of the exterior quickly. I already don't like the mini-Maxima look since, well, I don't really like the regular Maxima look!
This is probably out there, but the Civic sedan reminds me of.... a BMW. When I look and see that it's a Civic, the illusion vanishes. But when I see it in a quick glance or out of the corner of my eye, my mind thinks BMW. It's something about the proportions and the way it sits on its wheels, I think.
It resembles an Altima.
It resembles an Ion.
It resembles the new 2009 Saturn Astra.
Every time a new car is introduced, there are a few people who proclaim "it looks just like an xxxxx".
The first thing I noticed was how tall the car is--much taller than the old Sentra. That and the angular styling made the car look chunky to me. I know some like that look, but I prefer the swoopier lines of the Elantra. I like the Sentra's look better with a longer wheelbase, as on the Maxima or Altima. The grey paint was about the same color as that of an Elantra SE I saw recently, so it was a good basis for comparison. The paint on the Sentra looked duller than on the Elantra. Also, the Elantra's paint was very smooth, and the Sentra had a pretty bad case of orange peel. Seams looked even, although the gaps were not as narrow as on the best in the class (including the Elantra). As on the Elantra, there were no side moldings, but they are available on the Sentra as an option. The covers on the 16" wheels looked good for plastic covers I thought--much nicer than the covers on the Elantra GLS. The Sentra's trunk is large and well-shaped and finished, and benefits from hydraulic struts that don't take up room in the trunk--and don't endanger fragile cargo. There's an optional convenience package (not on this car) that adds a trunk divider, a hidden storage compartment, a cargo net, and cargo hooks.
The Sentra's interior is very well executed I think. The good-looking cloth fabric has knubby inserts in the centers of the seats. The fabric is grippy, comfortable, and rich looking. The instrument panel is also well done, at least as nice as that on the Elantra but with a sportier motif vs. the more luxo-look on the Elantra. The center stack is dominated by the audio system, which features a large amber display and has an integrated trip computer. So when you display mpg, for example, the numbers are HUGE on this readout. I didn't mess with the audio system, but the controls looked complicated compared to those in the Elantra. The HVAC knobs are very similar to the Elantra's (maybe even the same supplier??)--three large round knobs below the audio controls, smooth and intuitive. Then the 6-speed stick spouts from a binnacle just below the HVAC controls. Between the front seats, there's a rubberized bin for iPods etc. (there's an aux input jack on the audio face plate), two convenient cupholders (same placement as on the Elantra), and an armrest with a single storage bin (not as good as the softly-padded, dual-level armrest with storage on the Elantra). The door panels are finished better than on the Elantra, with thinly-padded upper portion (but at least they're padded), cloth inserts above the armrests, and a small storage bin (but not bottle holders as on the Elantra). There's also chrome plastic door handles to lend a snazzy touch. One negative is the rather hard arm rests; they're more thickly padded on the Elantra.
The driver's seat has a single-lever height adjuster, as on the Elantra. However, I couldn't get enough thigh support no matter how I adjusted it. The steering column tilts but doesn't telescope; the reach was comfortable regardless. The wheel itself was plastic (leather is in the convenience package), but it was thick and felt fine in my hands. There's audio controls on the wheel; there was no cruise but it's in the convenience package (do you get the feeling you will really WANT that convenience package? I know I would--especially since you have to get it in order to get ABS). The rear seat had plenty of head room, and knee room when I was sitting behind myself (5'10"). Toe space was very good with the driver's seat raised all the way. I wanted more thigh support (not as good there as on the Elantra), but otherwise the rear was pretty comfy. There's a center armrest with cupholders back there.
When I started out, the first few shifts caused a "clunking" sound from the shifter--similar to what I heard when I tested a Versa. But after awhile the noises disappeared, so maybe it just needed warm-up (temp was 45 F). The shifter was notchy but otherwise pretty good, with short throws. The clutch wasn't as effortless as, say, a Civic's (or the Elantra's, from test reports I've read), but it wasn't a pain to use. At 70 mph, the engine was turning at 3000 rpm--not bad for a stick, but higher than I'd expect from a 6-speed. Maybe that is why the EPA highway fuel economy is only 34, vs. 36 with the CVT. The engine growled noticeably during acceleration in any gear. Some might not like the noise; I thought it sounded sporty so I could live with it. Engine noise at cruise was minimal up to 70 mph, as fast as I went. Acceleration seemed only adequate. However, because the engine was new and the sales rep was with me, I was very gentle on the throttle. Also, I wanted to see what kind of fuel economy I could get on the 10-mile test loop, which was suburban roads and a short freeway run at 70 mph. I got 27.9 mpg by the trip computer, which I think is pretty good for a short trip in a cold car.
The Sentra has a firm but not punishing ride. I could feel every imperfection in the road, and cracks in the freeway elicited fairly loud "thrums". These were particularly noticeable because the car otherwise was pretty quiet, with little wind noise. But the chassis is solid, and the suspension soaked up larger bumps on a washboard road quite well. I didn't really get the chance to push the car's handling, but it responded crisply to inputs and tracked straight on the freeway. There were no creaks or groans, and the only squeak was a rather annoying buzz around the driver's B pillar.
Since I haven't driven the new Elantra yet, I can't say which car I prefer overall. I like the seating positions in the Elantra a little better, and I'd prefer a smoother ride because of the bad roads in my area. The factor that weighs most against the Sentra for me is price. Equipped with ABS (alloys come with the optional ABS on the Sentra), cruise (with the convenience package), mats, and also with fog lamps (standard on the Elantra SE), the Sentra 2.0S lists for $17,945--almost $1600 more than the Elantra SE with mats. For the extra money, you get the trunk organizer features and Bluetooth (plus IntelligentKey on the CVT model), but those aren't worth anywhere close to $1600 to me. Plus the Elantra has a much longer warranty, which is worth something to me. So when all is said and done, the Sentra will have to score significantly better than the Elantra to justify the price difference.
http://newcartestdrive.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2007_Nissan_Sentra&ReviewID=- - 1969
Has anyone noticed the design similarity between the new Sentra and the new Chrysler Sebring?
You have to be kidding me... i dont thing anyone did, and you know why? 'Cause there`s none! Look at the headlights, taillights and body line, it`s just not the same and it doesnt even resemble.
But yes: as someone before me posted. It looks like an Altima, a Maxima and the Ion, plus the Daewoo Lacetti (if I remember right), BUT still they are not the same. If you want an identical car with the Sentra take a look at the Renault Megane (www.renault.co.uk), look at specs for de 2.0 16V engine, safety features (although the Megane does have ESP - I guess Europeans love life more than we do) and platform.
Car and Driver said the Elantra roars on the highway. I will still give it a try, but that is the 2nd review (both with manuals) with that comment. What is strange is the fact that the Elantra was the quietest of all 6 cars at both idle and 70mph cruise. Maybe it is not the noise volume, but the sound of the engine itself.
Also I think some car reviewers hear what they expect to hear.
What was the CD tested mileage for the Elantra as compared with the Civic/M3/Rabbit/Sentra?
Anyone know when the CR comparo will be done?
Somewhere in Hyundai corporate land, execs are praying for high NHTSA and IIHS scores to salvage this car.
This doesn't bode well for the Elantra. What will happen when the 2008 Corolla and 2008/2009 Saturn Ion/Opel Astra hit the market?
Hyundai desperately needs to drop the ancient 4-speed AUTO, revise the suspension, drop the 2.4l in, include traction control as standard and make ESC optional and keep the price the same. A few more centimeters of interior space just don't cut it in 2007 when your powerplant and chasis is sub par.
All got their city or better rating except the Sentra was slightly worse. Is this a Nissan pattern along with the Versa not even getting the city EPA numbers?
Why? You haven't read the review yet, so you don't know why C/D rated the Elantra 4th. The Elantra had a five-speed stick, just like the top-ranked Rabbit (and like almost every other car in the comparo--an exception being the last-place Sentra). It has a fully-independent multi-link rear suspension like the first-place Rabbit. It has more hp per pound than the Rabbit, and more torque (with just 2 fewer hp) than the 3rd-place Civic. The 3rd-place Civic LX doesn't have traction control or ESC either (actually most of the cars in the comparo don't have these features even available let alone standard). So none of these things kept, or should have kept, the Elantra from a higher ranking in the comparo. More likely it was because C/D's editors found the ride and handling to be softer than they prefer.
If you think Hyundai's execs are "praying", what do you think Nissan's execs are doing? Nissan is a Japan-based company; I can only imagine...
The only problem facing Hyundai is where to find more capacity for engines and vehicles.
I completely disagree with you opinion germancarfan1. The market will determine who is correct.
For the third time: THE 2.0l ENGINE IN THE SENTRA WAS DEVELOPED BY Renault ABOUT 3 YRS AGO! Not by Nissan.
Europe=high gas prices ==> therefore this engine WAS developed for fuel efficiency, trust me, when an European goes to a Dealer his first question is not "how many horses how many horses???", but "And the fuel consumption?".
* It complains that the Mazda3 they tested might be too sporty. When was the last time you saw C/D say that about any car? Also, which Mazda3 did they choose for the comparo? The Mazda3i, which has less-aggressive tires/rims and would have easily fit under their self-imposed $18k price limit? No. They chose the Mazda3s, s as in "Sport". :confuse:
* The Mazda3 took top honors in braking, roadholding, lane change, 1/4 mile acceleration, performance, steering feel, brake feel, handling, and ride. But it was ranked below the Rabbit in "fun to drive." :confuse:
* The Civic was top-ranked for ride, even though the review complains about the suspension being "surprisingly noisy over road impacts" and a "crisp" ride.
Anyway, back to the subject, Elantra vs. Sentra...
It appears they suffered the same fate. C/D is not looking for a car to do what most of us do with cars--drive around town or cruise on the interstates. No, they want a car with sporty ride (read firm) and handling so when they carve those canyons, they can have fun. And that's fine. But it's something to consider when reading the review.
Here's what C/D said about the Elantra:
* "Scores high on value" with the lowest price of the group
* Nicely styled interior with "top-quality materials and details" with "sophisticated use of texture and sheen" and "sit-all-day" seats and lots of storage compartments
* Front buckets have a "plush feel"
* "Top marks" for space and comfort
* Light controls and a slick shifter and clutch.
* Smooth ride; "at metro traffic speeds the car feels agile and trusty. Grab it and go, like you're old friends."
* Tested fuel economy was 3rd best in the test, 28 mpg (behind Civic and Corolla)
* Noise at idle and at 70 mph cruise were lowest in the test
* 5-60 mph (more useful in real world than 0-60) was quickest in the test
Sounds like a car that would make an excellent commuter (especially if carrying a carpool) or family hauler. Which is what economy sedans are tasked to do by most of us. If you want sporty, there's the Mazda3--as long as you don't want too sporty!
The Sentra similarly was praised for its interior room and denigrated for lack of "driving fun." The knocks on the shifter were curious though. They said the clutch was "heavy" (although they knocked the Elantra's as maybe too light, hard to know what they like) and the shifter is limp. I found the Sentra's clutch firmer than, say, a Civic, but acceptable. The shifter was anything but limp--it was actually a little notchy, but seemed crisp to me. And the ride was if anything too firm, not "tippy" and "plush" as noted by C/D. They harped on the small door pockets (they are) but begrudingly noted all the other storage space in the car, including the HUUUGE glove box.
The illegibility of the Sentra's gauges with polarized sunglasses was a good catch though--that could be a real problem for many drivers. I am amazed that got past Sentra's engineers.
They like to harp on styling too, calling the Sentra's "tortured". I don't happen to like the Sentra's styling, but I think "tortured" is over the top. Besides, styling is completely subjective, so why include it in the scoring? (Other publications e.g. CR do not.)
1st Civic/Corolla 33 mpg
3rd Elantra 28
4th Mazda3/Sentra 27
6th Rabbit 24
On Mazda was this with the 2.3L engine? Stick or auto? If auto this is pretty good considering Mazda 3 has a bigger engine, more power and low end torque.
Still waiting for my C/D issue.
Comparing mileage costs between the Elantra and Civic, you'll be saving roughly $200 at $2.50/g for 15K miles a year. Over a 5 year period, factoring in depreciation savings with the Civic, any difference in cost between the 2 cars will evaporate quickly. Basically, since it's pretty much a wash, buy the car that you like the most.
I did sit in the Elantra before I bought, but the seats for me were a deal breaker. I couldn't get comfortable and my spine really hurt just sitting in the showroom. I did my "sit test" and the only cars that passed it were the Corolla & the Civic. The Sonata seats were great for me, especially with the power function, but the size knocked it out of contention, as well as the mpg's.
The Sandman
"I dig the futuristic, artsy look."
"I hate everything but the way it drives."
Did you sit in the 2007 Elantra before buying your Civic?
BTW, there is a Civic vs. Elantra discussion...
I have driven all of the cars discussed in this thread many times, just recently.
Elatra- very noisy as it goes faster, and especially with the manual at high speeds (and rpm). Automatic has a "hole" in its third gear power. Suspension hadles concret section bumps that recurr reguarly very poorly- the car bobs like a basketball being bounced fast at three feet- the stick does not have the power freeze in third gear.
Sentra- A better engineered car than Elantra- quieter, plushish ride with good handling- less taut than my Corolla-
suprisingly smoothe and quet ride in the Sentra- feels a bit too plush to corner well, but it does- seems to be a better seat/leg fit to use pedals than Corolla, but neither car has tilt telescope steering; the Elantra does.
Corolla- My Corolla LE averages 31 to 34.5 mpg. depending on AC use, etc. But unlike the other cars, it does not have active head restraint system- stability control is an option but there were only three cars produced this way and I think that two of them are in Bosnia (tisk-tisk) The ride is a bit noisy and taut, but it is comfortable compared to a Mazda 3 or 6 THe Corolla is an amazing 1.8 engine driven car. Only the Civic can match its MPG.
Civic- annoying reflection in winshield of dashboard- rough riding car on bumps- you can hit the ceilng on bigger ones!
I am tall.... So-so acceleration, Good MPG. HMM, the Civic might not have active head restraints??? Not impressed by the Civic at all. Ride is not very good- too taut, stiff, nervous...............
Gas prices are going to rise again, and low mpg. cars will become more and more unattractive- in Britain they may be heavily taxed soon....
That was an exaggeration, right? Like the Corollas in Bosnia?
So you are saying the Elantra is "very noisy" even with the automatic? At what speed does the automatic Elantra get "very noisy"?
FYI, the Civic does have active front head restraints.
Wonder why the Civic is selling for near sticker and the Corolla is going for under invoice? No wonder Toyota delayed the new 2008 Corolla to make sure they can get it right as even the new one may not be much of a competitor for the present Civic.
So from the reviews so far it looks like the Elantra may outdo the Corolla as it is more luxurious, spacious, with a soft ride even if it is noisy at higher speeds with lower mpg. The Sentra it appears can't compete well even with the old veterans in this segment.
We're comparing the 2007 Elantra and Sentra here.
I liked a lot about the Elantra manual version. It has a funny problem with floating and choppiness that kind of ruins its otherwise smoothe ride and decent, but not at all inspird, handling (in the non-Sport modlel). I drove a Sport automantic- it may have handled a bitt better. Not sure.
THe Elantra automatic is a bit quieter than the manual when going over 72 MPH on the highway. THe manjuall gets super noisy abouve that, and if I remember right, the automatic gets almost as noisy as you hit 80. My Corlaa is quieter, in spoite of what you see in the ratings on noise in C ar and Driver's Dec. 06 edition, which I just read.
I agree with the C&D remark on "New Car Smell" in the Corolla.
Toyota is into non-toxic interiors, but I doubt if this is the case with the Corolla. Probably on more expensive models there is less toxic plastics and fabrics???
See www.ecocenter.org for info on toxic car interiors. Your new car is probably more toxic than a new home! Hyundai, as a fleet, has the worst plastic toxin rating, by the way.
I like the Quiet and plush ride of the new Sentra, but it really does not handle all that well. THe Altima is a nicer and sportier car, just too big and heavy for good MPG. Better MPG ratings for Sentra and Altima in 07 models, but I don't necessarily believe the EPA on this.
The big reason I got the Corolla was tthe MPG and decent ride- slightly sporty too. I could not hack the Mazda 3s tautness of ride. Same with the Jetta (may be more noise than tautness), and the (bigger) Passat.
According to the info on www.ecocenter.org, Hyundai leads the auto industry in having the lowest PBDE emissions, but is ranked low on phthalates. So your statement seems like it would apply more to Chrysler, or maybe Toyota, which ranked low in both categories.
Anyway, do you happen to know the plastic toxic ratings for the 2007 Elantra and Sentra?
Nothingness as in off topic?