2004 Nissan Sentra Review

TMV:
Appraise your car

Photos Videos 360° images

Fuel Economy

22 - 27 mpg

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Packed with features, the Sentra offers a lot for the money, but a cramped rear seat and an aging interior design leave it a step behind the competition.

Pros

Functional cabin design, SULEV emissions for California-spec cars, nimble handling, lots of standard features.

Cons

Generic styling, small backseat, SE-R Spec V model commands premium price.

What's New for 2004

For 2004, the Sentra receives some exterior changes that include new front and rear fascias and a revised hood. Inside, the Sentra gets a new trip computer, which is standard on the SE-R, Spec V and 2.5 S. There is also an upgraded Rockford Fosgate stereo. The Sentra SE-R Spec V gets a new Brembo brake package, seats from the Skyline, new interior fabric and two new exterior colors -- Volcanic Orange and Sapphire Blue.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Fantastic car!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)

Review

I bought this car about a year and a half ago and still love it! It is a Nissan so quality is excellent and the car performs great! Its got a lot of pick up so for those of you who want something with power, this is your car! Its great that its a four door because you get a powerful sports car without having to pay sports car insurance.

Favorite Features

6 Speed Manual Transmission, excellent power and torque, Spec V looks and reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Add audio controls to the steering wheel, more SE R/Spec V options like ground effects, badging on the seats, etc.

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Best buy in its class!!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I can't believe I've had my car for five years and am about to pay it off - it looks brand new! Regular oil changes and the car is practically perfect!! From someone who's had to drive junk all her life this was a great and smart first buy. Reliable and perfect for the small streets of Charleston where I live. Good on gas and feels well built while driving, no loose areas except maybe windows and that doesn't improve until you go luxury. It's wonderful!!!

Favorite Features

Nice dash, speakers OK for stock, no fading even after hot southern sun

Suggested Improvements

The only weird thing about my car is that it almost always takes two tries to start. Guessing starter will be the first to go.

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

No problems here

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 7 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 7 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Bought my 2004 Sentra 3 years ago and I love it. No problems whatsoever. Its a no frills car but it is a great commuter and gets excellent gas mileage. Ive seen some of the complaints and I guess I got one of the good ones. CD plays and the car just humms along. My kids never complained about the size of the back seat but they are kids. Very happy with car. Very inexpensive too.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, IPOD hookup, price

Suggested Improvements

None but check some of the other complaints I guess.

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

terrible car

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 2 Fun-to-Drive: 3 Build Quality: 5
Comfort: 3 Interior Design: 2 Reliability: 1
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 6

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

DO NOT BUY NISSAN. This car has been a nightmare for me. I have had countless problems with the car. Manifold had to be replaced twice, O2 sensors replaced numerous times, fuel injector is faulty, spark plugs need constant attention, car shakes uncontrollably, nissan refuses to pay for any of this even though it is supposed to be covered under a parts warranty. car is around 94000 miles now and I'm surprised its lasted even this long. Maximum speed on the highway is around 40 mph.

Favorite Features

Outer design not terrible. AUX input and stock stereo system pretty good, good for IPODS.

Suggested Improvements

No trunk room. No room in the back seats. I've put so much money into this car and got nothing back. Severe engine problems. Shoddy workmanship. worst car i've ever bought, will NEVER buy nissan again.

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

the worst car ever

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 6 Fun-to-Drive: 6 Build Quality: 1
Comfort: 5 Interior Design: 2 Reliability: 1
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 5

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car two years ago. It had 63 k on it. I replaced head gasket after 1500k, I changed whole brake system, engine light has been always on! I changed oxygen sensor, crankshaft sensor. Steering wheel is making noise. Gas mileage is ok but you have to put premium gas! And the latest one I cannot pass emission test. Fantastic car! Nissan is my first and last car

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Was this review helpful?      Yes No

Report inappropriate post

Buying & Selling

Vehicle Details

Multimedia

Ratings & Reviews

Payment Calculators

Helpful Tools

Advertisement

Advertisement