I think what is most surprising is how many Sentra owners are actually members of this website. Who would have thought this vehicle would be so popular with the above average motor heads. Not really much to say about the Sentra, I had one as a rental and it was okay. It didn't really blow me away or offended me. I can see why some would buy them prior to all the new vehicles coming out but now I think it's a lot like the Mitsu Lancer, they both need a serious redo to actually compete with the new products.
It's a car that flew under the radar 'till the price drop in 2009. I did get a base CVT Sentra as a rental, and took it back before the road trip part of that stay. I found the CVT droning horrendous, plus no cruise control before 2000 km on the road - no way.
The mid-grade "S" feels better than the base car (used by rental fleets), and the 6-speaker stereo is really terrific for a std system. In 2008, there wasn't much competition, except for the rust-prone, too tight in the rear Mazda 3. My wife did not fit in the windshield-forward Civic.
Plus, our main need was: 3-accross seating in the back (including two child seats), a stick, a low-enough shoulder belt in the back for my then 10 y.o., a compact-class car. In 2008, only two choices met all requirements: Sentra and Corolla. The 2.0S and Corolla S were even matched in pricing, at 19k$ before neg and taxes. Granted, there would be more choices today, but not that much. The Sentra's rear bench offers 1400mm shoulder width, only 10mm less than an Altima. That room is stil pretty hard to beat in the marketplace.
Other bonus with Sentras: really cheap insurance, as in 400$ a year full coverage, new-value for 4 years and work use clause.