2005 Nissan Sentra Consumer Reviews

This is the worst car I ever owned.

Written by: Mike on 03/06/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is hands down the worst car I ever owned. At around 30 thousand kilometers, it started to leak water every time it rained a little bit harder, both passenger and drivers side door rubber/seals. At around 85 thousand kilometers a blown head gasket, astronomical cost to repair, close to $2000. 89 thousand kilometers, check engine light constantly on. I owned several economy class cars before this one and Sentra is hands down the most unreliable car I ever had. I will NEVER own a Nissan again.

Favorite Features

It handles fine for an economy car, good on gas.

Suggested Improvements

It's beyond "improvement", Nissan needs to make TOTAL changes when it comes to quality and reliability of their cars.

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What a great car!

Written by: LmSpencr on 01/22/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I drove this car for a route that covered 300+ miles per day. I put over 200k miles on the car in roughly 2 1/4 years, with only the most basic maintenance. I then let the car sit for 8 months. The car still drives like new! The Sentra is indestructible! Even as the fuel economy is solid (I usually averaged 30-32 mpg), the car is not miniature. The acceleration is very good for a 1.8 liter engine, and the tranny is solid. I have a certain sadness as I am trading the car in. I am convinced that it will go another 100k+ miles, but have to move on. I wish the car would meet a happy road ahead, but at 235k miles, I have my doubts. I would not hesitate to recommend Sentra to anyone.

Favorite Features

Engine and transmission are indestructible! The body is solid and pretty safe (found that out the hard way). Brakes are great! Radio is very good. Cruise works well. Fuel economy is solid. Temperature reading and miles to go display are very helpful.

Suggested Improvements

Some improvement to seats would be perfect. Better tires are a must. Better marketing as to the incredible dependability would sell many more Sentras.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Car for the Money

Written by: Frontier4x4 on 12/04/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Purchased new in '05, 1.8s with the Special Edition package (a must!). Rides great, awesome stereo, great on trips, but performance with the A/T leaves a little to be desired. If you need more get up and go, get the 5 spd or drop the coin on one of the SE-Rs. Original tire size is an odd ball but you can step up a width and there are more options. This model Sentra (B15) is know for two issues, the Vapor Canister Purge Valve- easy to change in the driveway but cost $100 and the fuel pump has some valve that stops working and causes hard starting... just turn the key to on for a few seconds- once the pump primes it starts fine.

Favorite Features

Stereo! The stereo, amp and sub enclosure are actually made by Clarion. Rockford Fosgate is only responsible for the sub. SE has SE-R look alike features (seats, grill, wheels, spoiler). Comfortable and handles great! Enjoyable to drive and MPG is awesome... 31/37, seen as high as 41.

Suggested Improvements

Sluggish with A/T, cup holder size and location blocks 6 disc CD changer.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Before you buy

Written by: Before U Buy on 12/02/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Traded in my F150 for this car when gas went up to 3 bucks a gallon the first time, I drive 90 miles a day to work, minimum. I don't recommend this car as the head gasket went out at 42,000. The engine was missing, sparkplug #2 did smell like antifreeze, check engine like came on. I changed it myself. 80 bucks for the head gasket. I will say the engine is VERY easy to work on compared to most if you're mechanically inclined. CD player died, now using a MP3 player through aux port. Engine is well designed except the head gasket, lots of people have the same issue I see. Other gaskets are awesome, no sealant needed. If you buy this car, be prepared to fix the head gasket.

Favorite Features

Really like the dash, everything is easy to learn, and can view the dash through the steering wheel. Back seat space is sparse, (no prob, small car). Cup holders too close to dash. Sound system rocks for stock. Love the rear seats folding down, trunk space is awesome for a small car.

Suggested Improvements

Not sure about the next Generation 2007s, but the head gasket should be more reliable, costly repair for sure if your paying a mechanic. The factory roll on silicon is thin as a fingernail. Rest of the engine is awesome though, well designed. Everything else works well.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Get the warranty!

Written by: Just not worth it on 11/20/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This was my first car and I purchased the car with 23,500 miles on it. At 30,000 I had a problem with the starter hesitating to turn over. I kept up the expensive oil changes and paid for every service that was suggested. At 45,780 the check engine light came on and at 45,970 the heat went. I was informed by Nissan today that the engine has to be replaced to to a bad head gasket that caused several other problems. Thankfully Nissan is covering it but I'm seriously thinking of trading this junk in for another car. A blown head gasket at almost 46,000 miles!

Favorite Features

Color, 6 disk CD changer, huge trunk space.

Suggested Improvements

Put a reliable engine in it!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love most of it

Written by: sammy63 on 11/12/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car used, and bought it mostly for the gas mileage. I figured if it's smaller and less sporty than I wanted it would make up the difference in the mileage. As of today, I am very happy with the purchase, I love the gas mileage it gets (34-40) each tank gets about 37 mpg average. The features are great and so far the only money I have put into this car is for oil changes, brakes and a sensor (which was a bit pricey) for the fuel injector (car had a hard time starting). I now have over 70,000 on it and plan on taking it on a 1200 mile trip, but from reading other reviews, I am concerned about the head gasket. Well... I'm going to take the trip and hope for the best. Great car!!

Favorite Features

Gas mileage, driving comfort and features. Love the computer displays. Trip A/Trip B/ DTE/ MPG/ TEMP/ HRS driven.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder location, rear exterior design looks boxy.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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I hate this car!

Written by: Bummed Sentra Driver on 10/02/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We've had a terrible time with this car. The first issue we had was the CD player ate the disk and won't throw it up. The car overheats constantly. We can't take it out of town for fear of being stranded. It is reluctant starting, it usually takes 3 times to get it to start!

Favorite Features

The only nice thing about it - it has a 6 disk changer.

Suggested Improvements

Tire to sun roof make-over!

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great On fuel

Written by: JC4220 on 09/07/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought this car is 08 to replace my 04 avalanche gas guzzler (14 mpg). I have to say it was a great decision. When I got the car, I replaced the plugs with the Bosch platinum 4s and replaced the air filter with an increased air flow filter, and gave it an oil change. Since then, I have gotten 59 mpg driving at 55 mph (flat interstate). It's definitely a step or two down from the avalanche but the gas mileage more than makes up. No major problems with the car so far. Perfect little grocery getter.

Favorite Features

59 miles per gallon! Good looking little car.

Suggested Improvements

It's a little cramped for a bigger guy (6'2", 220lbs). The keyless entry needs to last longer and the cup holder placement needs to be changed.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Blows my mind, and my head gasket too

Written by: ChristaLynn11 on 05/30/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Original owner. Good commuter car for someone who does about 80 miles RT daily. Driver seat would benefit from lumbar support. Small back seats with little room and my goodness the cupholders. The two best parts about it are the gas mileage (average almost 30) and the stereo that comes with the Special Edition - it sounds amazing and is my favorite part of the car. I however, did have the blown head gasket issue yesterday, at 51000 miles. Although it was covered by warranty, I still found coming to a near stop with smoke blowing out of my car during rush hour which going 65 mph to be terrifying enough to warn others that this car DOES HAVE an issue with the headgasket going out.

Favorite Features

Stereo is amazing, has aux jack from my iPod that makes it sound even better. Great handling, feels a little tight and sporty. Great for commuting to/from work and running around town. Love the fold down seats and the hold for my sunglasses.

Suggested Improvements

Better workmanship on the head gasket issue, and make sure dealers are aware of it. My car was in the shop 3 times before it blew and they finally figured out the issue. Not okay with me - when it blew it was a major hazard and scary to be in. And WOW the cupholder placement is OBNOXIOUS.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Sentra Blues

Written by: Jerry Fair on 05/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have been a Toyota owner for years and a Toyota mechanic but when I needed a new car I thought I would try my first Nissan. It was a mistake. To compare the design quality of a similar Toyota such as a Corolla to a Sentra is like comparing night and day. Here are some examples. The trunk on a Sentra is much smaller than a Corolla. Additional Sentra problems that Corolla does not have: engine performance-poor. Cruise control is too fast and the trans immediately kicks down. Fuel economy is no where near the 40 MPG other reviews have stated. I get about 28 MPG. Radio sounds bad. CD player is a joke. Who ever designed the cup holder should be bared from auto design for life. I could go on.

Favorite Features

Cannot think of a single thing. This car an embarrassment to the Japanese car industry.

Suggested Improvements

Complete redesign from the ground up. Start with a variable advance cam like Toyotas have. Improve the fuel economy. Make the cruise control a slow design. Move the cup holder from in front of the CD.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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