2005 Nissan Sentra Review
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, powerful 2.5-liter engine, nimble handling, lots of standard features.
Cons
Generic styling, small backseat, SE-R Spec V model commands premium price.
What's New for 2005
The base 1.8 model receives the body-colored door handles and upper instrument panel storage bin from the upper-level models. A trip computer and cruise control are now included on the 1.8 S, and all models receive new seat fabrics. There's also a new color for the gauge cluster housing on the SE-R, and a new shift knob for the SE-R Spec V.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Great fun & affordable economy sedan
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
Review
After my '89 Taurus workhorse that got be through 5 years happily, this Sentra was a godsend. I was looking for an affordable, compact, and sporty sedan, and this car fit the bill perfectly. It was a joy to drive on every occasion- though the transmission was a bit slick at times-, and I have had no problems with it since my purchase- previous owners experienced no problems to my knowledge. It's not a lavish car by any means- though the audio system is superb-, it's just a fun and simple little sedan. Gas mileage is also quite decent, and the engine has plentiful torque. It has great handling- body roll is present, but traction is abundant-, and the brakes are excellent.
Favorite Features
Sporty handling, great braking, loads of torque, 6 speed transmission equals lots of adjust ability with the rev range, awesome stereo, nice exterior styling (in red), excellent handling/ride quality compromise, good gas mileage, decent amount of trunk space, reliable
Suggested Improvements
The interior build quality is slightly lacking, the gear-change can be a bit rough and the gears are a bit too closely fitted for a 6-speed in my opinion.
not a bad car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have the special edition model. The stereo is awesome for stock. I bought the car with 75000 miles on it. It now has 105000. I havnt had any mechanical problems other than it is a 3 cranker starter, also the brakes (normal wear and tear), the fan blade burning out (easy to replace) and a pulley that is squawking (yet to replace but no real problems with it yet). I'm not sure of any mechanical problems if any the car had before i bought it. I have a lead foot and drive the car hard everyday and the car takes it and then some with ease.
Favorite Features
The stereo, looks sporty and drives sporty for the most part. Fuel economy. huge trunk for its size. and again the stereo!
Suggested Improvements
The head gasket and starter issues others have discussed. No aftermarket performance parts available.(not that it matters to most), slow acceleration. stupid cup holder placement. cramped engine bay.
2005 Sentra Special Edition 1.8L Auto
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
An excellent vehicle to own and drive, has made my commute (~66 miles/day, + trips to client sites = 100+ miles occasionally) affordable. Blew a head gasket while still under warranty (~48K), needed a chip download to eliminate rough shifting. I've avoided replacing two expensive lights - fog light broke from being packed with snow and 3rd brake light went out. Other than that, no problems and I've had no expensive repairs. Has performed great in NE winter; even managed to get up a ~10% unplowed incline to our winter rental in NH. Previously owned a Nissan Truck (350K) so I'm not expecting any problems with the engine or tranny and I'm at 123K now.
Favorite Features
Sound system, front wheel drive, 16" wheels (wide) for more surface area/traction in snow, mpg/temp/mileage. Cheap to own, use, maintain. Looks are a step up from bargain basement small cars.
Suggested Improvements
N/A
Never Again
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This is the second Sentra I have owned and it is clear that the quality of Nissan's cars are not what they once were. Blown Head gasket at 70,000 miles. Tried to work through Customer Service, but they offered no assistance (less than 36 months, but over on miles). This is a design flaw relating to the number 2 cylinder, but Nissan is turning the other way hoping this issue will disappear.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
great handling, fun to drive
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
Review
Had it for 3 years and have driven it hard. Two sets of tires and one set of brakes in 83K miles. You can't ask for more. Would have liked to have gotten better MPG (avg of 24 combined), but hey it's a performance car. Nissan did their homework on the handling, and the engine is very responsive.
Favorite Features
Electric moon roof, Brembro Brake system option--saved me more than once; excellent handling; truly deserves the 'R'
Suggested Improvements
Horrible cup holder placement; short throw shifter is unrefined; is notchy with 5/6 gears harder to get to than 1- 4.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Nissan Sentra
- 2009 Nissan Sentra
- 2008 Nissan Sentra
- 2007 Nissan Sentra
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- 2005 Nissan Sentra
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