As far as standard interior equipment, all Sentra models come with features such as a tilt steering wheel, reclining front bucket seats with adjustable head restraints, pull-out dual cupholders, a handy center console and a foot rest for the driver.

The sentra's instrument panel is surprisingly handsome for a sedan in this category. The tachometer and speedometer are easy to read inside the instrument cluster, and are covered by a hood that sweeps quite gracefully into a pair of air outlets on the top front of the dash panel.

Below those outlets, a control panel for the air conditioning and sound system extends slightly forward from the dash panel. The knobs for the climate control are large and have a nice quality feel when they are turned.

The stereo system in the Sentra is a bit of a disappointment, though, earning only a barely average rating from us in terms of sound reproduction. The system had a large volume knob, but tuning the radio had to be performed with small up/down buttons that required too much of our test driver's attention.

Nissan has done a good job with the sentra's upholstery. Patterns are subdued and the cloth itself has a quality look - especially the velour in the GLE. There are also cloth panels in the doors of the GLE and GXE models instead of the typical grained plastic, adding to the this-is-not-a-cheap-little-sedan look.

In the all-important cubby count, the Sentra does just OK with storage compartments only in the doors, along with a small area for stowage just forward of the shift lever.

Safety features are evident throughout the Sentra, with all models having dual airbags, adjustable front shoulder-belt anchors and child-safety rear door locks. However, anti-lock brakes are optional only on the GXE and the GLE, a fact that we find to be regrettable.