1997 Nissan Sentra Consumer Reviews

Few Major Problems

Written by: aj2001 on 04/24/2008

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

I too have had issues with the windshield wipers which is seriously annoying. Other than that the only major problem i've had is that I had to replace the starter three times and the computer went out twice. I don't know if I bought a rebuilt one, but I was really angry that it wasn't as reliable as I had thought.

Favorite Features

Very little engine noise, brakes didn't need to be replaced as often as other cars

Suggested Improvements

Make sure that the computer/starter works

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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1997 Nissan Sentra

Written by: osgoodusa on 04/21/2008

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

This is the second worst care I have owned. out of about 15 cars and pickups. At 88000 miles, the fuel system failed completely, the steering and front suspension are going out, and the timing chain is about to go. The oil and filter have been faithfully changed every 3000 miles. It is a strange combination of poor performance and bad gas mileage. Yuk!

Favorite Features

Easy handling, good radio

Suggested Improvements

The car never gets 30 mpg and is gutless. It should be very economical since it is a 1.6L engine.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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What a Car!

Written by: Bret Bowman on 04/15/2008

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

I'm preparing to put 185,000 miles on my 97 Sentra and it still drives like almost new. I do need to change the struts, tie rod ends, and a few other minor things, but after 185,000 miles you expect to need to do that. It's been the most reliable car I've ever owned and was cheap to purchase when it was one year old. I installed a remote start alarm with windows roll up modules, a decent stereo and it's now a fun car to drive. I love this car and how reliable it is. I especially love that it has a timing CHAIN (not belt). Not sure why any auto maker is still using timing belts. Thank you Nissan for quality vehicle that lasts and lasts!

Favorite Features

Low overall gas mileage, peppy engine (1.6L), reliable (starts every time), still feels like new car after 185,000 miles, easy to maintain and repair, and takes a lot of abuse and still drives like a well cared for car.

Suggested Improvements

Ride could be more comfortable. Interior is very noisy (especially on highway). Perhaps insulate doors and cabin area of vehicle. Body is starting to rust a little in minor, less visible areas. Would be nice to have better rust prevention at manufacturing stage.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great Workhorse! Fuel Efficient!

Written by: Raj on 01/14/2008

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

I've been the original owner of this impressive & amazingly reliable car. It's taken me through school, camping, and long road trips accumulating 232,000 miles. Apart from the routine tires, battery, and brakepads I've only had to replace the alternator & starter within the last 30,000 miles. That means this baby took me 200,000 miles before I had to do anything more than replace the oil!! I've outgrown it now and need a truck for the stuff I like to haul around, but I sure wish I could keep it for my routine commutes as the gas mileage is fantastic getting 30-33mpg in city. Nissan did good when they sent this one off the production line.

Favorite Features

Reliable, Fuel Efficient, Low Maintainence & Repairs, Ice cold A/C to whip the Texas summers, Large trunk capacity made even more so with the split folding rear seats and if you fold the passenger seat forward you can transport huge items in this car like a big roll of carpet, which I've done.

Suggested Improvements

Could use better acceleration but then again having more acceleration would likely lower the gas mileage which I love so much. Plus, all in all, I've transported furniture, carpet, 4x8 plywood strapped to the roof during hurricane season & Christmas trees strapped to the roof with same reliability.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Not so good

Written by: Danielle on 04/18/2007

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr XE Sedan

Review

I purchased this car in 2000 with 30,000 miles on it. About 3.5 years into having the car, the check engine light went on and stayed on. It doesn't really give me a problem and it goes off in the winter and back on in the summer. I've had to replace a lot on this car though. I've replaced the brakes about 4 times, the fan belt twice, the starter once, the fuel pump once and the MAP sensor once. I don't know if the car is garbage or if I just drive it hard. I do know that I wouldn't buy another Nissan Sentra, it served it's purpose at 19 years old, but now being 26 I've grown tired of it's lack of power and size. It's now up to 108,000 and when it dies there will be no more repairs.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage is pretty good, I go through 10 gallons in one week but that involves traveling 15 miles to school, then 15 miles home, then 2 miles to work, then 2 miles home. I do laugh at all of the SUV owners when I'm filling up though.

Suggested Improvements

Better sound system (I had to have my own replaced), more pick up, bigger trunk and just make the car bigger in general.

2 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Nissan Sentra

Written by: runchamp on 02/24/2006

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

Reliable. Very strong exterior I have been in an accident that involved the back bumper and you can't even tell. you should see the other car!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A solidly built, reliable compact car.

Written by: Josh R. on 05/20/2005

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

This is an unobtrusive little compact sedan that doesn't ask much of its owner - but admittedly doesn't inspire love and affection in turn. This is not a Mini or a Corvette we have here, though - it's fuel-thrifty transportation, a Point A-to-B car. Pickup from the 1.6L inline-four when coupled to the automatic is unimpressive until the engine kicks into high RPMs. Adding an aftermarket intake and exhaust system really helps. Brakes are a tad small for the vehicle but are serviceable. Interior is probably the best thing: good use of space, fit and finish is nice for a compact. Standard seats, though, have no lumbar or lateral support whatsoever. Overall, not bad-made in the USA too!

Favorite Features

You get a lot for your money here - great gas mileage and a lot of standard features. Sound system uses bigger standard speakers than most American small cars if you're lucky enough to get one with the CD player. Price is also lower than Civic or Corolla.

Suggested Improvements

Eight years later, Sentras have more power and a little bit more room. However, you still have to buy the SE-R to get what you really need: more power, better seats and brakes, and an A/C compressor big enough to cool the car. Unacceptable, as for the price of an SE-R you can buy an Altima 2.5S.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Best bang for your buck!

Written by: Jamie on 03/22/2005

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

Amazing little car! Fun to drive, great on gas, and it won't nickel and dime you. I bought this car used with 50k miles, it just hit 80k, and I have had no problems with it. An incredibly reliable vehicle- this car has been nothing but good to me. The perfect car for the college commuter.

Favorite Features

Manual transmission- It's a blast to drive!

Suggested Improvements

None- It's perfect the way it is.

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Great on gas, but has a few problems

Written by: SHEILA on 01/25/2005

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

I purchased my 1997 Nissan Sentra in 1998,overall it has been very reliable. The good: not even the harsh winters of Minnesots have stopped this car from running. Also, you can't beat the gas mileage. The bad: I've had consistent problems with the windshield wipers not working, and the check engine light coming on. In January 2005, the master cylinder went out. The cost to repair this, plus get new rear brakes was over $1,000. This has been the only major repair I've needed, but I am wondering if this is the beginning of the end for this car-which still has less than 100,000 miles on it. One warning, this is a tiny car. My significant other, at 6" 4'looks like a circus clown trying to fold his frame into the passenger seat.

Favorite Features

Reliability and gas mileage. The sound system isn't bad, either.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the check engine light and the wipers. Place cupholders somewhere more unobstuctive, and increase the power.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Good car for the money

Written by: mholly99 on 07/30/2004

Vehicle

1997 Nissan Sentra 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

Bought my Sentra used with 94000 miles on it. Good reliable little car with GREAT gas mileage. No problems so far and I got a great deal on it. Perfect for a college student like me.

Favorite Features

I love the wheels and the CD player. This is one peppy little car

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders are in a bad location (in front of the radio) The automatic could use more power, but I wouldn't trade the great gas mileage for it!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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