Used 1996 Nissan Sentra Consumer Reviews
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Bomb Proof Dependability
Ray-ray, 05/05/2010
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
This car doesn't ask any questions. Turn the key and drive unlimited. Worst fuel economy: 24 MPG Best: 42 MPG Average: 33 MPG. Top speed: 110 Snow driving: like a snowmobile but don't turn while braking. Miles driven in 14 years: 243,300. Black is a hard color to keep up. Had some Alternator troubles. Rebuilt alternators are hit or miss. Fast driving will blow the valve cover gasket. Not worth going over 80. better to sit in than an Altima. Good rear visibility, not like newer cars.
Fantastic Car
DoubleA, 12/15/2009
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This was the first car my wife and I bought together. Got it from a second owner 8 years ago with 72,000 miles on it for $3,000. It's had all new gaskets, brakes/rotors, rebuilt transmission (I think a mechanic loosened the plug and it dropped out while driving), starter. The thing is with all that I've only put about $3,000 more into it to keep it going for this long. It just won't die. Now I'm in northern Michigan and I want a Subaru for the winters. This thing is a manual and gets 40 mpg, yes 40 and on all highway driving I've gotten up to 43mpg. It's now at 188,000 miles and it's good for at least another 30 or 40,000 more. Finding a new owner for it will be bitter sweet.
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See all 0 listings190 K miles and it keeps running
CharlieH, 02/15/2003
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
7 year car, keep running, this is manual trans, with orginal clutch Replace only normal wear and tear items.. tires (now is the 4 set of tires) , brakes (now is on 3 set of the front disk pad, 2 set of rotor, rear brake shoe had been replaced once) spark plugs, fuel filter, etc.. The only problem is the alternator (last for 80 k miles only).. Now is on the third alternator !!
my 1st car ever bought, out of 4 today!
daddy-danny, 10/09/2008
1996 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Despite the fact that it was and still is a dull car, it was a ride or die! I bought this car for 1700 dollars, with 180,000 miles on it. It saved so much gas, and rode like a boss. I went to the bay area 3 times, and what not. But now that it has 230,000 miles, this car has faced a bit of problems. The catalytic converter is messed up, so it wont pass smog. But overall, this car has proved itself. I never had a tran problem, nor engine problem. It still turns on without hesitation, and still rides hard. I will always love the car for the memories I put in it, and the reliability.
She's a trusted friend!
cathionwhidbey, 09/09/2008
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had my Sentra for 10 years and couldn't ask for a better car. In those 19 years we have replaced the normal stuff, brakes, tires, and the alternator twice. She had over 140,000 miles on her and I still get 32-33 miles per gallon. I bought a Hyundai Sonata 2 years ago and was only getting 22 miles to the gallon. The luxury was great but with the rise in gas I am back to my Sentra. I spiffed her out with bright red flames and she is feeling young again!! I can pay a lot more but couldn't ask for a car that has been more reliable and cost efficient.
12 years, 147,273 miles later
topy1991, 01/18/2009
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I absolutely adore my little Nissan. Never had any major issues except the O2 sensor. This car even sat for over a year and I was told there was nothing wrong with it surprisingly, just need some TLC. It's got great pick up for an automatic 4 cylinder (gotta know how to use that overdrive button!). It handles quite well, I tend to drive it at no less than 65-85 mph and I get about 35-40 mpg depending on how well I top it off. The clear coat is peeling, it's got some scrapes and bruises, but I doubt I'll trade her in, I'm way too attached. This car has been there for me always and never left me stranded anywhere (knock on wood). Nissan knows how to make a car!
Solid Buy
How, 05/21/2002
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car has been a solid commuter vehicle. The motor has the punch not found in some small cars. Timing "chain" alleviates some maintanance costs...tune-ups and drive!
The Boo-Mobile
Boo-Mobile, 04/04/2009
1996 Nissan Sentra GLE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this little car following Hurricane Katrina as my car was pretty trashed by the storm. I paid about $2500 for it and it was/is worth every penny. The car had about 11K when I got it. I just love my little car, its a 5 speed, its been very reliable and I haven't had to invest much $ into it. just before X-Mas 08 I had to replace the valve cover gasket, then the car started driving 'weird', I thought I needed an alignment but it was the front axle. After fixing that issue the car runs like a charm. I am pretty sure I need a complete tune-up because I am not getting the mileage I should. I am VERY happy with this little car!
Greatest car in it's class
sharkcity, 05/30/2009
1996 Nissan Sentra GLE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My parents have had a few of these that went over 300k. Bought when gas hit 4.39. Getting 42 mpg- I'm an easy rural driver. Love the sunroof. Bring on the $7 gas!!
Rust eats this car fast
sentraowner, 09/03/2009
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Very reliable car but rust eats it very quick. My major complain is the metal used in the frame chasis and exterior and the paint, very bad quality. the interior plastics in the doors are also cheap and break easily. I've been driving it for 7 years bought it used with 70K, and only minor repairs due to a wife learning to drive messing up everything. Other than that you only need to change oil to this car every once in a while, very reliable. Rust eats this car very quick not only the cheap panels but the frame and chasis (but I'm in cold weather, no garaged, salt on streets) I think I'm better off paying for a frame replacement and body work than buying the cheap made new models.
Reliable Car
tommy mac, 08/22/2005
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car was the most reliable car I have ever owned. (I owned a 1990 Civic, 1988 Accord, and a 2000 Odyssey). I really wish I could keep it. I purchased the car over the Civic b/c it was about $2000 less.
Just can't get rid of it!
D Kurtz, 06/01/2003
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car with my parent's help when I turned 16. Then it was a fairly inexpensive, economical car. Not much has changed. I just hit 100k miles. Only problems have been replacing an O2 sensor at about 30,000 miles, routine brake work, and rust starting to eat away at my door jams (I drive on salty roads about 5 months a year though.) I have been looking for an excuse to go out and get a bigger and better car, but I just can't find a reason good enough. This car has been worth far more than I paid for it. Not the coolest car on the market, but definitely a good buy.
Great car
wd, 07/29/2008
1996 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a reliable vehicle that gets good mileage (33 mpg highway). It's dependable and also handles well. Overdrive provides decent acceleration for its size. It's a good commuter vehicle.
My Mean Green
Vonnieg, 08/30/2002
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
THis is my first car that was my own. THere are times where i complain but when I think about it I"ve only had to spend $20 on a new AC system,I got brand new brakes (rotors and everything for $200) and a new alternator for $50. I bought my car used and it didn't have a warranty. THe gas milelage is Great, I can go close to 300 miles on one tank of gas. and it only takes $10-15 to fill up. Someone hit me in the rear and my bumper didn't have a dent at all. This car is a very good deal for the year it is. Very easy car to handle, compact parking you name it...
Little Econobox
sky1, 02/12/2003
1996 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Mine's a stripper model, power nothing, 5spd. I'm not really attached to it. It has an ok amount of power, but you have to work to drive it fast. Handling again is alright, but nothing to brag about. Sryling again, nothing to brag about. The interior, boring and basic, well designed and built, but basic. I guess the only bragging rights this car has is an EPA rating of 30/40mpg (personally I average 30mpg over mostly city driving). Anyway, to be honest, I wish I had gotten a Honda Civic - they seem to have a little more character. The Sentra is a fine car - it's just boring, that's all.
Original Owner
proud nissan owner, 03/04/2004
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car eight years... I have replaced the tires, 2 shocks, alternator, battery, and catalytic converter (the O2 sensor rusted off). Not bad at all for 8 years use. The belts are not toothed and tend to squeek unless you tighten them often or replace them every couple of years. I believe this car will go another 100k miles and still look good.
Am I the only one??
dprentiss, 11/12/2004
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had my sentra 6 years. I am the second owner of this "piggy bank". It seems everytime I think I've fixed a problem, another shows up. Paint on bumpers has peeled off, a/c and power options don't work!!!! gets mighty hot in FL!! So far replaced distributor 3 months after purchase, replaced engine last year, alternator 3 times, cv joints and the headliner just last month, along with all the "normal wear and tear" - brakes, tires etc. This car has 165,000 miles.. so I guess I can't complain too much.. Good first car... but would expect more from a Nissan in the future.. I could have bought 2 cars for the amount of money I've put into this one!!!!
Good Car, Bad Trim
Mamajones, 03/15/2003
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 39000 miles and have NEVER had a major problem. It now has 109K and shows no signs of slowing. The major gripe we have is the interior is not as well designed as we would like. It seems that every couple of weeks we find a "mystery" piece of plastic or molding that fell off from somewhere. Also has problems with exterior paint chipping and slight rust. Paint is bubbling and peeling in spots. Good gas mileage. Averaged 33 mpg on the last long distance trip. We average about 300 miles per tank for normal driving. Would recommend as a good basic car.
Very cheap to drive
keith, 05/16/2007
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
When I first got my license I bought this car with around 175k miles on it. The car is a great commuter and definitely cheap to own and drive. I get around 31 MPG in the city and 41 MPG when traveling, so trips are no longer going to eat your banking account. I carpooled with 3 other people to Chicago, 5 hours away, and paid about 12 dollars for a 2-way trip.
Reliable
sunnyface5, 05/31/2003
1996 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased this veh 3yrs ago with 75,000 miles - I now have 170,000. With regular oil changes, maintenance, this car has gotten me though difficult times
NissanSentra96
hippo, 04/23/2003
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very Good car for the price
Indestructible Beast
Jacob, 11/13/2015
1996 Nissan Sentra 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought a used 1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4 speed auto on Craigslist with 226k miles on her. i always trusted the nissan brand from the start and this car just called to me. for 900$ i thought maybe was to high but it had a new battery and alternator but i started it up and it sounded just like a diesel truck the lifter were pecking so hard. but i gave her an oil change and drove home. and now its up to 240k with only a headlight and a starter being the maintenance so far. This car favors high oil pressure even though its prone to valve cover gasket leaks. using 1 qt of lucas made her quite down and generally just perform better. this car just wont die though living out in the mountains and having such high mileage and usage makes me wonder if its made of spit and vinegar or what. the AC drags down Horsepower by a couple to many notches but if you rev your engine you'll notice that this car has quite a deviation in position when torquing just the idle gears, so i just put together some home made stability bars out of some firm metal and bolted the engine to the strut bolts or above the shocks area and now it gets much more torque! a ver noticeable upgrade. BUT this action will cause more stress on your tranny so dont skip on checking the fluid. it gets up hills good if you give it the right amount of gas and shut the AC off. this car leaks and smokes sometimes and the belt squalls when turning sharply and the exhaust will crud up your EGR valve when the valve cover leak starts from the poor cooling system in this car. the heat is most likely what drives the leaks and smoke. though the temp gauge sits at a medium level the front end of the car is aerodynamic not cooling dynamic, the front plastic grill is not open enough for sufficient air to pass through and that is a snowball effect. so i ride with no grill in and the temp gauge actually sets lower and the car has not smoked or puffed any smoke out of the muffler since, but the EGR valve is still causing the engine light to be on. these are just tips incase you want your sentra to last forever, which it probably would anyway because its a 3200lb beast that has a pretty nice acceleration from the dual cam but could use some minor changes, i wish nissan would bring back the 1.6 liter from the 1990's and the whole 1996 design. it is just simple and efficient. good work Nissan i will keep this car alive.
- Safety
- Technology
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
I LOVE this car
Nissy Missy, 01/20/2003
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car after seeing a friend's. I have never regretted the purchase! This is a zippy little car that continues to look great after six years. It rides very smoothly, the five speed manual transmission is smooth, and I really hate giving it up. My only reason for thinking of giving it up is because I'd like a car with automatic transmission that isn't so low to the ground (arthritis is cramping my style). I have really enjoyed this car; it's a lot of fun to drive!
Reliable commuter car
SaveGas, 09/23/2008
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My Sentra is now 12 years old, and I've had it for 8 years now. It's still fairly low mileage at 130k. I've also tried to ditch it many times before but never had a good reason to do it. It gets still 30+ mpg with automatic transmission. Interior is starting to deteriorate, such as fabric detaching and shredding. Other than that, I've never had major mechanical problems with it. Had to replace ERG valve, IAC valve, 3rd set of tires, 2nd pair of rotors, on 3rd battery, plus regular oil changes. Alternator, transmission and timing chain are still going strong. I have no complaints as it's taken me from college to graduate school, and so far all 5 jobs I've had!
Nice car to fix up and maybe race
nissanracer805, 05/24/2002
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great starter car
Grat Car!!!
martyj16, 06/13/2009
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my sentra. It gets fantastic mpg and has been very reliable. It has just had normal wear things need to be replaced even up to 170,000 miles!!!
Review @ 150,000 mi...
tja, 07/10/2002
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very satisfied with this car. Replaced starter and O2 sensor, many miles ago. Of course there's been brakes and tires, and CV axles (around the 120k mark) I would consider this an execptionally low cost vehicle to own. All features still work flawlessly, and the interior is holding up just fine. Would recommend to anyone.
A great little car.
claire, 08/06/2002
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This 96 Sentra was my first new car. Great for city & highway driving! Live in DC & have to park on the street, so the size is perfect, but can still fit 3 of my friends in comfortably. Has 130K miles & still going! Had very few problems with this car with the exception of the automatic windows. Still driving on the original battery, rear brakes & rear struts. Stereo tape deck (standard Nissan) plays all the time & still plays like brand new & amazingly the speakers are still great too. Would recommend this car to anyone as a great used car!
A great Value
TraciFred, 08/10/2002
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was my 1st new car. I bought it when I got my 1st real job. I loved it so much! The car still looks like new. The cost to own this car is so low. I thought that I would hold it till it dies then buy another Nissan, but I have my eyes on a BMW now.
Awesome Car!!
Charboo, 02/27/2002
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car!!! It has been really wonderful! Reliability is top notch and it's a fun little car.
Good car for the price
Sriralph, 11/27/2002
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great fuel economy, reliable,decent features. But no alloy wheels,less horse power and the rear doesn't look very good. A good first car
Perfect Starter Car
Marchy, 01/03/2003
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 34,000 miles already on it. It now has a WOOPING 101,000 miles and I am still using this car on a daily basis to commute in the Northern VA/DC area. The only major problems I have had were the brakes. My car is wonderful, runs well still (I am still make it with the fast cars on in the interstate), still is very quiet, and gets great gas milage. I am in the process of purchasing again, and it well be a Nissan for sure!
littlesentra
dave's baby, 08/16/2005
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this has been a great little car.It took my daughter thru college and has been an intermediate car for my husband. It has been very reliable and has over 100,000 miles and still going strong.
Nissan Sentra 96
Monica Garcia, 12/27/2005
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I depend on this car for local traveling and far traveling. It has been a great car and I will get another Nissan Sentra. My mom has a Nissan Sentra Limited edition and it has been great too. My brother just got another Nissan Sentra 2001 and he is very happy as well.
Sentra Rocks
jcarlson, 05/02/2004
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Nissan Sentra for 5 years now and I love it. I have had no problems at all with the car.
Uber-econobox
Nissan believer, 10/18/2005
1996 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought it new and have used it in many roles including commuter, truck and family transport. Have driven it hard with very little problems (clutch, alternator, O2 sensor) and now have 200,000 miles on it. Has plenty of zip with a 5-speed and still gets 40 miles per gallon on the highway. I've tried to get rid of it before but just can't part with it as it continues to provide outstanding service.
Doesn't Owe Me a Dime!
Bob, 12/07/2005
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car just turned over 223,000 miles and I've had nothing major to complain about. Mileage with the 5 speed is still VERY good at about 37 MPG average for all types of driving, and upwards of 42 mpg on the highway. Just got my first tear in the cloth driver's seat, and one in the carpeting under the clutch pedal. A bit of rust inside the door openings but that's about all. I'm going to be sorry to see this one go, if it ever does! Just maintain the regular service schedule and you should always be good to go.
Best car Ever
James Armstrong, 09/27/2006
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has been in the family for ever my Aunt bought it brand new and had no problems with it but didnt take care of it so her new husband made her get a new car. well my Uncle bought it for my Cousin and fixed all that was wrong. Well now ten years later and 142,000 i own it because my cousin got a new car to go off to college in i bought it from her for $50 and it has been worth it. just had it in to be worked on and the mechanic said it's the best car he has seen in a long time he said its a great car and will be for many years. I love it never regret the purchase even though it was only $50 it is an awesome car and love it a lot
Rusty but trusty
D-murray, 03/16/2007
1996 Nissan Sentra GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I stopped taking care of this car about two years ago and can't kill it. It has <150K miles on it. Rust started as a couple small bubbles in paint and EXPLODED over the last 18months. Only thing I ever did to this thing in over five years and 70k miles is replace spark plug wires, and of course brakes and tires.
Old reliable
Chris, 05/05/2007
1996 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new, and as of 2007 it's still going. I got it when money was tight, and have never regretted it. It's not fast, but it can be fun to drive. At 183,000 miles, it's not perfect. I replaced the ECU (computer) early on, and it's needed 2 alternators for some reason. I got a clutch at 150,000. I replaced the shocks around 120,000. Other than that it's just oil changes and brake pads. The seats are worn, the body's dinged, the paint's worn off the wipers and a few other spots, the rear defrost turns itself off, the headlight lenses are dim, the radio display is spotty, and the buttons are sticky from the poorly-placed cup holder, but it starts every morning and off we go!
NissanSentra96
Hippo, 04/23/2003
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very Good car for the price
Little Red GLE
emjay, 02/05/2003
1996 Nissan Sentra GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Veh purchased in 12/2002 with 64K miles. I have driven about 18K miles in a year. Only had a tune up and breaks done. Vehicle not too comfortable for taller people and seats too firm for long trips
Fair
jasjar, 03/07/2002
1996 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is just fair.