2002 Nissan Sentra Consumer Reviews

Good Car

Written by: KRomine on 03/03/2009

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car when I was in college because it was fairly inexpensive, and I thought it would be reliable. The car now has nearly 120,000 miles on it and still performs well. The gas mileage is goood, not great - I average around 30-33 depending on the season. The car has had very little maintenance problems. Early on, it had to be in the shop a few times for recalls, but other than replacing brake pads and tires, it has been really cheap to maintain. Performance is what one would expect from a small 4-Cyl. - it does just enough to not get run over by bigger cars. It does suffer from windy days, and it could be bigger, but really, it is a pretty good car.

Favorite Features

Very reliable, decent gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Larger engine (2.0 in newer models), a bit more weight so it does not get thrown around by the wind, larger wheels - mine only has 14" wheels. It does not have cruise control - make it standard on trims above the base level!

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SE-R Spec V < the sum of it's parts

Written by: Brandon Apmann on 02/20/2009

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I purchased this car spanking new and enjoyed its strong engine with gobs of torque (for 2.5 liters), loved the limited slip differential, lots of grip from the tires and suspension. I was excited to finally own a new car I could pamper and keep minty fresh. Well, the honeymoon didn't last very long. From day one, literally, I kept fresh (every 3,000 miles) Mobil 1 oil in it, but despite my efforts, the car burnt more oil than any car I've ever owned, 2quarts every oil change. Also at about 30k to 40K the car lost a lot of power, started blowing black smoke which made it impossible to keep the bumper clean. Also, the clear coat started to peel @ 50K, making the car quite ugly.

Favorite Features

The strong engine (for the first 30k) and LSD. The car had lots of nice options, which was nice, however, I would've appreciated a "reliable engine" option or maybe a "paint stays on the car" option. That would be nice, although those things should be included at no cost. I did like the interior tho.

Suggested Improvements

Better paint, an engine that doesn't burn oil, better customer service from Nissan for those of us who paid for a bad product. I will not purchase another product from Nissan, new or used. This car was a disappointment.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Problem-free

Written by: BWheel on 11/19/2008

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Owned this vehicle (GXE w/ cruise control package) from 2001-2008 and through 180K miles only recently showed problems (oil leakage). Prior to that, only repairs needed were for leaking AC (2 times), blocked radiator and oil leak. None of these occurred within the first 100K miles. Car provided 30 mpg this year. For the price, great car.

Favorite Features

Decent acceleration on GXE.

Suggested Improvements

None

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love it

Written by: maci805 on 09/21/2008

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my 2002 Sentra GXE 6 years ago. It has been great to me so far. I have had nothing go wrong with it and has been extremely reliable. The car saved my life when I was in an accident. I came out alive and in one piece-which meant that the Sentra did its job. It is far from a luxury vehicle, but it is very comfortable and fun to drive. I love my car and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a safe and reliable vehicle.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Not Reliable

Written by: Not Reliable on 05/20/2008

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Only 85k miles. Sentra has mechanical problems. Recent dealer service quote: “will need to replace head gasket, valve cover seal, front crank seal, exhaust manifold gasket, and the intake gasket and all spark plugs. Drive belts are heavily cracked. Timing chain stretched needs tensioner and guides.” Past issues: Oil dip stick broke resulting in removal of oil pan with NTB and dealer service pointing fingers. Brake calipers malfunctioning causing abnormal pad wear and short rotor life on left front. After +$2,000 in repairs, the Sentra just is not worth it. Have owned a Geo Storm, Honda Accord, Chevy Blazer, Ford Mustang, and Jeep Cherokee. All lasted +130k miles.

Favorite Features

None. Lack of quality makes competitors more appealing.

Suggested Improvements

Drive train quality.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Fun and reliable

Written by: Dave on 05/05/2008

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my 02 Sentra with 25 miles on it. I now has 140,000 and has only seen the shop for tires, brakes, and oil. It gets wonderful gas mileage with the 1.8 L 4 cyl but the car is light weight enough that it is peppy and fun. The only downsides are the seats are not that comfortable for long rides and it could definitely be quieter at highway speeds.

Favorite Features

7 speaker stereo, quick, reliable and great gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Lots of road and wind noise at higher speeds. Seats are not that comfortable for long trips.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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the sentra that could.

Written by: joe on 04/27/2008

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I purchased this sentra se-r spec v thinking it was going to last forever! boy was i wrong, not only have i put a new tranny, but also a new motor,abs wheel sensor, cruise control ecu, and i am on my third catalitic converter! yea i said three! but now after all that i am afraid to open it up on the highway or eneywhere! I thouth spec v ment sport but mybe not! so now i have to baby it cause if i dont the catalitic converter might overheat and the insides might blow out again! posibly causing the motor to blow,like before, by the way did i metion this spec v is mostly built in MEXICO,just read the original window sticker that should explain everything! so buyers beware and good luck!!!!

Favorite Features

I like the red lava interior, and mini skyline style front facia, that its a six speed, and the limited-slip diff.

Suggested Improvements

make it in japan like every other real foriegn car out there then it might not have all these issues with the mechanics of the car!!!!!!! and it might last 100,000 without a tune up!!!

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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A Nice Little Package

Written by: SHIFT_COOL on 03/21/2008

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I just bought this car last month and I am actually shocked how much I like this car. It wasn't my first choice but ended up with it because of price. Well I consider myself lucky because this car is a blast to drive. It's like driving a go cart as it hugs the turns very nicely. With this very taught suspension you do sacrifice a smooth ride. It does not handle the bumps very well at all but you won't be too disappointed when you see how this baby handles. It has plenty of trunk space for me and my buddies' golf clubs. It gets around town with decent gas mileage and highway miles aren't bad either (23/27). It has wonderful get up and go and you will love zipping around the traffic.

Favorite Features

The wonderful handling and 2.5 liter engine dropped in this little pocket rocket.

Suggested Improvements

Could tighten up some of the squeaks and rattles.

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Proud Spec V owner

Written by: Bear on 01/15/2008

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I've owned the vehicle for a little less then a year. It's been fantastic. Mechanically sound even with a few mods added from previous owner. Absolutely fun to drive. Only gripe would be the torque steer when giving a modest amount of gas from the start. For a tuner fan like me though, it provides more fun. For already being a 6 year old vehicle the engine on this vehicle runs flawless with 85,000 miles. A warning to potential car buyers... you will want to drive this car aggressively, it begs for it.

Favorite Features

6-speed Manual, throaty exhaust, sport inspired interior, great gas mileage from a powerhouse 4 cylinder. Superior handling through the turns.

Suggested Improvements

Torque steer. Steering wheel is a bland contrast to rest of interior. Slightly more road noise then I would like, although it is typcial with sport inspired vehicles.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Built to Last

Written by: RSH on 11/12/2007

Vehicle

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is my 2nd Sentra, my 1st, a 1991 2-Dr model, lasted until it was totalled in a collision in '02. When I purchased this one, it was a definite upgrade in terms of weight, acceleration, comfort and style. The mileage could be a little better these days (avg 25-30), the leg room in the back is too little for people over 5' tall, and it is very sensitive to the wind. I am overall very happy with the car, it's very reliable and can handle it's own. Other than the above issues, it's a great car for long term owners.

Favorite Features

Keyless entry, decent trunk space, dash and stereo tools w/in easy reach.

Suggested Improvements

Improve handling in windy conditions, more leg room overall.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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