Description: Compact Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $13,200 - $18,300
Invoice Price Range: $12,621 - $17,020
Where built: Mexico

The compact-class sedan from Nissan, scaled smaller than flagship Maxima and mid-size Altima, borrows styling cues from both in a slick package loaded with features for comfort, practicality and safety. Styling concepts for Sentra came from Nissan's California design studio, with engineering work derived from the Nissan Technical Center in Japan and Nissan Research and Development in California, Michigan and Arizona. Assembly occurs by Nissan Mexicana in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Trims for 2006 list the Sentra 1.8 and Sentra 1.8 S. Each stocks a dual-cam 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine racked to 126 hp and teamed with a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.

In the cabin there's generous space with two bucket seats mounted up front and a split-and-fold bench in back. Sapphire Blue and Sunburst are two new paint shades on Sentra's 2006 color chart.