The instant the redesigned, 2000-model Nissan Sentra gurgled to life, visions of the previous model's downmarket image began to evaporate. The overhauled '00 is bigger, more powerful, nicer-looking, roomier, more fun. Such a car, Nissan says, is serious but not boring, stylish but not exhibitionistic, well-furnished but not expensive. Sentra seems within reasonable distance of the targets. Power is up.
Price is down.
So the '00 Sentra is swell, contrasted with its predecessor. A year ago, that might have been enough. But Ford's Focus and Chrysler's PT Cruiser have just recalibrated the standards by which small cars are judged. For a little less than Sentra's price, Focus offers more distinction, nicer road feel. Cruiser, priced a bit higher, is more versatile, stylish.