2003 Nissan Sentra Review
2003 Nissan Sentra Review
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Used Sentra for sale
Appraise This CarNissan Sentra model years
Nissan Sentra types
- Sedan
- SE-R Spec V
- SE-R
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Pleasing cabin design, SULEV emissions for California-sold cars, 165-horsepower SE-R sport version, fun to drive.
Cons
- Generic styling, Limited Edition and SE-R Spec V models command premium price.
What’s new
For 2003, there is a new 2.5 Limited Edition trim, which includes GXE front fascia styling, the 165-horsepower QR25 4-cylinder engine, standard automatic transmission, standard Antilock Braking System (ABS) and side-impact supplemental airbags. The Sentra CA model is no longer available as all 1.8-liter engine-equipped Sentra XE and GXE models sold with California emission specifications offer zero evaporative emissions and meet SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles) standards. Other changes this year include a new power steering ratio for XE and GXE, a revised six-speed manual transmission for SE-R Spec V model and a new bright yellow exterior paint color for the SE-R and SE-R Spec V.
Edmunds says
An economy sedan that doesn't act like an economy sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$143/mo for Sentra XE
Sentra XE
vs
$163/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Nissan Sentra.
5 star(65%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(2%)
208 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
i have owned 3, let me be the judge!
reaperhooks, 02/13/2014
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
i just bought my 3rd Ser spec v today. and there is a reason i have owned 2 spec v's prior to this and the reason is simple, the cars are amazing for the cost. i know you will read alot of bad reviews here and a bunch of fake hype but you cant find another car to out perform or outlast a Spec v for 4000$-5000$ period. unless you wanna risk buying a lemon. i owned a 2002 spec v, a 2005 … spec v and now just bought a 2003 spec v and have NEVER had any issues aside from the fuel pump Recall they had which was FREE. best car for the price and a great car to start learning how to tune on, super easy to find your way around the engine. change the oil and tires and it'll last you 250k miles NP
2.5 out of 5 stars
Not for the Average Joe.
op559, 03/14/2012
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
If you are one of those non car savvy folks with little to no mechanical skills, this is NOT the car for you. Well, unless you have loads of cash at your disposal for repairs. I have owned my SPEC V since 2004, and trust me, changing the oil and basic maintenance just does not cut it for these things. The 2 main issues on this particular model are the butterfly screws inside the intake … manifold that NEED to be loctited and the stock exhaust manifold that NEEDS to be replaced with an aftermarket header ASAP after purchase, due to the poor factory design that can cause SERIOUS DAMAGE to your engine. If you enjoy modding, working on cars and learning about them, this car can be very rewarding.
5 out of 5 stars
I Miss my Sentra
lkt82961, 07/10/2012
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my Sentra new in 2003.
It was a great car, but since I live in the north, I found out the first winter that it needed snow tires, and after getting those it was a great winter car.
I live in a town with steep hills so great traction is really important.
Although the car rode a little low, it never got stuck in snow.
The cluster that controls the gauges failed in about the 5th … year, and luckily my extended warranty covered it.
I recently traded it for a very low mile 2007 Toyota Corolla and regret it so far.
The Toyota has horrible road noise and handling. I am going to replace the tires and hope that helps.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Love my car!
Marajc, 04/27/2010
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my Nissan Sentra in 2003, right off the lot. I wanted something dependable. I had my first issue with the car at 85,000 miles. I had to replace a belt, $30. At 93,000 miles I replaced a battery, $75. At 115,000 miles I replaced a sensor, $160. An now at 125,000 miles I have another $50 issue. So in 7 years, I have only put $315 worth of parts in it(minus tune ups, oil changes, & … tires). I can't complain AT All! Daily Driver and now is managing to be my childrens car to learn to drive it. I trust it completly with my kids. Just not sure that I trust my kids with the car! :) My next new car will be a Nissan. Hope this one lasts over 300,000 miles though!
2003 Sentra Highlights
Sedan
XE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $12,099 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $143/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sentra include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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