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Used 1998 Nissan Sentra Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
41 reviews

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Love This Car

i2ancid, 10/06/2014
1998 Nissan Sentra GLE 4dr Sedan
10 of 10 people found this review helpful

I bought this car when i was 16 for $600 at 223k miles i drove it pretty hard as it is my first car (floor it from stand still, top it out at 100mph on high way, take turns hard.) 4 years later, iv added 50k miles to it and it still runs great regular tune ups, tires, oil changes, and the only thing iv replaced is the starter, wrong with the car is the CV boot rips easily but i think that's cosmetic. i recommend this car to anyone that needs a cheap RELIABLE car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Wow this car is AMAZING!!

blingbling1, 10/07/2013
1998 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I bought this used around 170k from a family member that took very good care of it. I have put 40k on it and its still going strong. Things that have been changed on it are the starter and alternator and regular oil changes. I trust this car to get me ANYWHERE!!! It has been in two wrecks since Ive had it, both not my fault. The last bent the trunk in and the insurance comp. wants to total it :( . Im going to fight for this car to get it fixed because its the most reliable car ive owned. I drove this car from missouri to florida 2 times now without any incidences. Clear coat is coming offf but what can you expect. I love this car!!!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

GREAT, RELIABLE CAR

sentrauser, 10/26/2009
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I am original owner of a 1998 Nissan Sentra GXE and have put 180,000 miles on it over the past 11 years (I was 21). Back seat is tight, but have used this car going back and forth to school and work (45 minutes each way every day) for a long time and have hardley had any work done to it. Recently replaced the starter and alternator and the body needs help around the tires, but I DEFINITELY got my money's worth and believe it would still last another few years if I got the rust fixed. I'm sad to see it go, now that I'm looking to trade it in for a bigger, more family-friendly vehicle. My husband even wishes he purchased a similar vehicle years ago instead of his fancy Chrysler Sebring.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great car

Jerzy Banasiak, 08/21/2002
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I own Nissan Sentra GXE for 4 years and had no problems so far. The qaulity is great.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Why don't they still make them like this?

Royale W. Cheese, 04/27/2008
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

This has been a fantastic vehicle since I bought it in late 04. Bought it at 90k or so, no problems at 137k. The only issues I have had from it were the ones I discovered on leaving the used car lot: an oil leak from the main seal and some electrical issues that the previous owner tried to fix himself. Those have been the only things I have had to fix or have fixed since driving the vehicle, apart from oil and brakes. It got over 40 mpg highway when "new"; now it is closer to 30 mpg, but still not bad. Plenty of power for driving in hilly areas, AC blows cold enough for this Alabamian (in Seattle), hauls LOTS of stuff. Very solid little car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Built to last!!

nismofan33, 05/31/2012
1998 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have had this car since 2004 for my 16th Birthday. Got it for around $3200 which was cheap considering it had 90,xxx on it. I have taken really good care of it and at 195,xxx miles it runs beautifully! I've only had to replace the harmonic balancer and that is it! I have religiously changed the oil every 4k miles and done regular maintenance, and I am still running full synthetic with no leaks! I have never had a problem and this car runs like a dream! If you take care of it it will last forever!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

This car is a great workhorse!!!

john c andrade, 01/11/2004
1998 Nissan Sentra SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I've found that Nissan consistently puts out a great car for the money. Before I purchased my 1998 Nissan Sentra SE, I had a 1993 Nissan SE-R which got 238,000 miles before it got, for all intents & purposes, totalled. I had a 5-speed and I was still on my original clutch!!!My SE currently has 254,000 miles on it and, again, I'm still on my original clutch!!!Pretty amazing,huh!!!My maintenance costs have been very low for this car-- besides gas & oil,I don't think that I've spent more than $2000 total since I bought the car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Made to last!!!

niss4eva, 10/22/2012
1998 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I loved this car!!! I brought it with 76k miles in 2004 and paid $3000. I had to replace the starter and the radiator. Other then that I gas and went! No oil changes, tune ups, NOTHING for the entire 8 years I had the car!! And I drove it to 225k miles and I sold it for $600 to a mechanic that drives it daily!!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best 2nd car I have owned

midhudson, 08/26/2003
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Clock just turned 90,000. Bought it at 34k. Still has original battery, hoses, exhaust, struts; clutch works like the day I bought it. I am having the fronts replaced next week, only the second time they have needed it. It is absolutely reliable, and I plan to take it to 300,000 miles.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great basic car

MaryB, 06/29/2005
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is a reliable car with many comforts. The air conditioning still functions after 7 years, as do the power windows and locks. Maintenance has been minimal - brakes and exhaust - about what you would expect. I will probably buy another Sentra when this one goes to the auto graveyard.

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5 out of 5 stars

Happy 20th Nissan Sentra !

Bob Jetson, 08/18/2018
1998 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Still rolling down the highway after 20 years its a futuristic 1998 Sentra with front wheel drive disc brakes and great handling . This car rocks but won't go from 0-60 in 9 seconds anymore. But I have taken this car out in hilly West Virginia and it always comes back home. Its a daily driver and I have replaced parts on it but like any car you get out of it what you put in it.Paid for, air conditioned comfort in summer and heated in winter, this car runs in 7 degrees f. When I see SUVs and 4 wheelers in 4 inches of snow my car is only one on the road and that is because I don't drive it into the ground.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Not Incredibly Memorable One Way Or The Other

Patti, 12/05/2015
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

My dad gave me this car because he was hoping a free car would motivate me to learn to drive a stick shift. It did. I got it from him at about 90k, drove it till 125k. I know he had to have some sort of major engine overhaul done to it. I never had any major problems, just routine maintenance. It got excellent fuel economy, 30+, and had good shifting and acceleration. It was a very small car, sometimes uncomfortably small. I did get hit in it, rear-ended at about 45mph. I was okay, just shaken up a bit, airbags didn't deploy or anything. Car was still drivable, back crunched in a bit, insurance totalled it. After that, I was that guy with the trunk strapped down with a bungee cord.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car

macali, 11/03/2008
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Sentra GXE brand new. This car has taken a lot of beating, lots of harsh/snowy winters. Drove in the mountains OH-MD 8 times/year in its early years for 4 years. No major maintenance issues, brakes 1x, oil changes, the oil seal replaced at 60k miles, 2 sets of tires replaced. It still runs great, very good mileage, highway, city. They don't make cars like this anymore, extremely RELIABLE! If I had the opportunity I will buy it again. My car has low miles and all the mechanics tell me is in mint condition especially since it has low miles. They tell me they have seen them in the 120K miles and still running great. I hope to keep mind till it dies.

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5 out of 5 stars

Sentras are Fun and Reliable....

jereski, 09/30/2002
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Nissan Sentra is a great car. Even though it is a smaller vehicle, it has plenty of room to spare. The 1.6 liter engine is peppy, but very economical. Torque is great for a small car like this, and handling is very good. The base model with a stick shift is definetly the way to go. Don't get the heavier slower automatic....

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5 out of 5 stars

Quite an exprience

Divey, 12/20/2002
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I used to drive a Honda CRX and my dads Mercedes, after my CRX gave up I got a Nissan Sentra. It was a totally different car from what I usually drive and was quite an experience. The way it drives impresses me the most. Once on the free way it just glides on the road. The noise levels are so low that you hardly feel any thing. Good gas mileage meets you can drive more. Although the pick up is not as impressive as a Honda but has a much better driving experience. The interior look are above average and you love to be inside a Sentra.

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4 out of 5 stars

SENTRA'S CAN TAKE A BEATING

BETHANY, 08/05/2003
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I RECENTLY TRADED MY 98 SENTRA THAT I HAD FOR FIVE YEARS. IT WAS EXETREMELY RELIABLE. I SAY THIS BECAUSE THE CAR WAS SMACKED FROM ALL SIDES. THE LAST TIME I WAS REAR-ENDED BY A TRUCK AND PUSHED INTO ANOTHER TRUCK AND I NEVER GOT IT FIXED (THAT WAS TWO YEARS AGO). AND THE CAR JUST KEPT ON CRUISING, IT NEVER BROKE DOWN, ALWAYS STARTED ON THE FIRST TRY. A SENTRA CAN DEFINELTY TAKE A BEATING AND KEEP ON MOVING FULL SPEED AHEAD.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great little car

Nissangirl, 09/07/2003
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I loved my car. It performed well and had only one problem other than basic maintenance. The one problem was the a/c died six months after I bought it. I just totaled my car and the fact that it did exactly as it was supposed to saved mine and my sons lives. The front end crumpled down to about 2 1/2 feet in length, but the inside is just as roomy as ever.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Decent power and good handling

efenwick, 07/20/2003
1998 Nissan Sentra SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have the automatic and have no problem accelerating to speed on the freeways, even with passengers and air on. The air conditioning is nice and cold. I drove on a 7% grade in the mountains with 3 heavy poeple in the car including myself and was easily able to keep it at 50mph in 2nd gear. The temp. didn't go up at all either.It also handles easily with the power steering. The looks aren't spectacular but they are contemporary still and have some personality. Probably the best feature will be the reliability of the car.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

worth for the money

chester, 10/01/2003
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

very relaiable. never had any issues after doing just regular maintenance. since the car is light, the breaks might lock some times, if doesn't have ABS.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Long-time Datsun/Nissan owner

Bill in PA, 05/14/2005
1998 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this Sentra new in 1998 and now have 75,000 miles on it. In the seven years I have had it, it has been extremely reliable. It is good basic transportation, and gets excellent mileage. It has cost very little to maintain. I chose it over the Toyota Corolla because it was $2000 cheaper due to a rebate that Nissan had at the time. Over the years, I have had six Datsun/Nissan cars; a 1972 510 wagon, a 1979 210, a 1981 510 wagon, a 1986 Sentra, and a 1991 King Cab pickup. All went to over 100,000 miles. The older ones ran forever, but rusted beyond repair after around 100,000 miles. Japanese manufacturers seem to have solved this problem; I see very few 'rustmobiles" anymore.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent workhorse

sescaugust, 03/22/2004
1998 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I use my Nissan Sentra 98 XE(manual 5 speed) to drive to Detroit from State College, Pa which is a distance of 440 miles twice every month. In not a single trip did the car give me a wee bit of trouble. It has over 86000 miles on it now (i bought it at 65500 miles) and still gives me a mileage of over 35 mpg on the highway. I have taken good care of it by sticking to the maintenance schedule and it has more than paid off by its excelelnt eliability and mileage. I think it is a highly under rated card compared to the Civic and Corolla.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Nice Starter Car

Kady, 06/21/2006
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car was pretty good. The only thing I didn't like was that when having more than 2 people in the car, it didn't like going up hills. I live in Upstate NY where everything is a hill, so when driving with my friends, I had to floor it to get going at a good speed. But I really like this car. It's easy to drive and is very reliable

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I love my Sentra!

AustinTX, 04/19/2004
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car because I wanted fuel economy. I've driven it on trips into the mountains and averaged 40mpg, which I'm thrilled with. It averages 35mpg, and of course the tradeoff is that the power is a bit on the low side. Looks good with a spoiler, and I love the cruise control. Not very roomy for long-legged people (6'2 and above), but it works. Fun to drive, and extremely reliable. I have had no major repairs to do - oil changes and maintenance on breaks is all. Very quiet. Back seats could use more room.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

4x4 Sentra

Zaurka, 06/30/2004
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is amazing, it never stop preforming. No mechanical problems what so ever, and trust me when i say i put it through hell. This car can take a beating like no other car can. Ive been offroading with my sentra many times and its still purring, great for e- brake slides, this car will not flip! This is a VERY dependable car, can take a beating, hell of fun to drive. Corninering is ok, but its no abs system with the design of the car makes it awesome for doin narly stuff on the road. Get this car... you will not regret it.

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4 out of 5 stars

Economical Car

Sandie Wagner, 07/08/2004
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I needed a new car for every day use. Fuel economy was important. My first choice was a Corolla, but decided to try the Sentra. Manual said you could lock all doors with key, but that was not true. Dealership played dumb. Battery had to be replaced after 3.5 years. Radio backlight started flickering, then went out a few years ago. Rust from beneath paint a year ago. A/C drains power for acceleration or going up hill. Dashboard cup holders useless. Obstructs use of radio and climate controls. Great gas mileage, low motor noise, starts every time.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

A great little car!

Tavel, 08/29/2004
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We just bought this car, but we're quite impressed with it. I own a '92 sentra SE-R, and this is just an addition to the family. First impressions at the dealer were a bit iffy, but once home we changed the air filter and oil and the car came to life! It doesn't stack up to my SE-R in performance by any means, but it is far more economical and much more comfortable. This is a perfect commuter and road trip vehicle, it is economical and comfortable, this car is still fun to drive, and feels just like my coupe.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Bring it Back

edwphx1, 08/04/2005
1998 Nissan Sentra GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

you need to bring this one back it has great gas milage great car to get around in. I have 84,0000 miles on my vehicle and the only things I have had done to it is changing the tires and a 1 brake job. Not too shabby.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Very Nice First Car

Brina, 11/12/2005
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Well we have had this car for over a year now and bought it used. I liked the styling and the interior is more roomy then the newer models 2002 and above. The only problems with is is of course the oil changes and breaks but lets see the alternator,battery and starter. Could have been because we upgraded the stereo system with amp and sub without upgrading those first.oh yeah and the front axles but my husband does deliver pizzas in the hot Arizona desert. other then that the cost has not been that much and it drives much better then my moms 2002. I would highly recommend this car for the first time buyer or for the college student.

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3 out of 5 stars

Standard Econobox

Snakey, 11/16/2005
1998 Nissan Sentra 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned this car for 3 years, well just over, and it has been a great car for me (read: college student, poor, etc.) I put 64k miles on it in the first two years and with basic maintenance it's been wonderfully reliable, starts every time and stops just as well. Here are the negs: not very peppy, even with a manual and after-market intake (had to try SOMETHING to speed it up!), the interior is noisy at 70MPH+ but that's expected, cup holders are self defeating as they block radio and climate control, STD comes with NO frills, and I mean NONE! Oh, and the stereo bracket might as well have been made for stereo theives, so easy to take. Good car for college and High School students.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Easy Maintenance & Great Mileage!

Lucas, 12/07/2006
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We recently bought this car for my wife to drive. It needed a bit of work, but turns out the car is very easy to work on yourself, and the parts generally cost less then most (mainly because of popularity of the car). I really appreciated the diagnostic computer that you can use without any of the special hook up tools to figure out what that pesky check engine light really means. The car does have some weird vibration noises at times, but we got use to them, and the previous owner (friend) has heard them all along. Great Gas millage as well!!! We get close to 38 on the highway, which is better then my friend gets with his brand new Honda Civic

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Excellent, affordable transport

Shermalomous, 04/23/2003
1998 Nissan Sentra SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Five years and running with no major problems. It's a compact car, but 4 or five fit easily. The mileage has averaged about 28 mpg in mixed use, but over 30 when strictly on the highway. The best thing about this car? It's never needed work. Oil changes, regular tune-ups, tires. Nothing else. Highly recommended.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

best bang for your buck

therupster, 07/06/2003
1998 Nissan Sentra 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought this car in '98. No A/C, no power anything. Put in our own radio three times and going on the fourth (stolen). I don't agree that it has much pep. But it is very reliable. I just put in a new battery, and probably only spent $450 on it in 5 years (including tires and brakes -- not including other regular maintainance and theft repair). Great car, easy to work on, and generally cheap parts. I get 40 miles/gallon when we drive out East.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Good Buy

Stu Man, 03/18/2002
1998 Nissan Sentra SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

No problems in 4 years and 38,000 miles...nock on wood. And I drive it hard.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

98 Sentra GLE

SentraFan, 03/29/2002
1998 Nissan Sentra GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best value for the $$ at the time - new ones appear to be as well. Handles Great in the snow - very reliable car - just feed it and it's happy! Not very hungry either!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

1998 Sentra GXE been a great car

mab, 04/16/2008
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

155,000 miles and I've only needed to put 4 tires, 4 plugs, oil and gas. It is a great commuter car, tough on the body for really long rides though. Works great for my family of four. No ABS makes it a little tricky on snowy stops. It's been a great car over the it's ten years of use... more reliable than my other new vehicle.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

98' Sentra SE - A fun little car

PetersNCSU, 03/30/2002
1998 Nissan Sentra SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Nissan Sentra SE is a sporty little sedan with good power and handling. It's basicly identical to the famous 200sx SE-R of that year with the exception of the extra two doors that making the Sentra the more practical of the two. I bought it used only three months ago but so far I am very pleased with the performance and value I got for the price.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car around!

Bob - NYEngineer, 08/15/2019
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my 98 Nissan Sentra GXE in North Carolina. It had something like 9000 miles on it when I bought it...it was a demo. It was my first new car that I bought. It took me everywhere! Then I moved to central NY and if anyone knows anything about central NY winters, the salt on the roads are murder on ANY vehicle. I had close to 300,000 miles on it when the engine quit....I wore it out. I got a rebuilt and put that in and drove another 20,000 miles before the front driver side spring broke....again all due to the highway salt during NY winters. Finally rust was really beginning to take its toll ..... it was a part of me for 21 years! Lots of memories, it took me all over NC and trips to NY before moving to NY....super reliable and was easy to work on. They do not make them like this anymore! If you still have a running GXE, do not expose it to northern snowy salt laded highways...or your see your car deteriorate before your eyes. Long live all the 98 Nissan Sentra GXE's!

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5 out of 5 stars

OMG What a great little car

jobfisher, 01/01/2013
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I brought my first 1996 nissan sentra GXE about 5 years ago.....for about $3500. It has been the best car that I have owned. Went everywhere and without complaint. took the best care of my baby. could fit both of my tall sons in the back with room. When i finally blew a head gasket last week I considered getting something else but my car guy said that he had the same make and model just 2 years newer and for under $2000.00 he would take my old and give me new.....I took it. My son wanted me to get a volvo that he had on the lot but I saw the 98 and it was not even an option. I had to have the nissan. Now I have my baby 2.0. My car guy will fix the 96 and sell it for a profit. WIN WIN!!!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Good car

Mephisto, 08/19/2002
1998 Nissan Sentra GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

A solid reliable car.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Not a happy camper

carrotshibby, 10/15/2004
1998 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

i know how to take care of a vehicle. no matter what i did though this car gave me trouble. the engine went out without warning at 94000 miles. ive spent 2000 dollars besides that in the last 6 months in upkeep alone. it is very slow, small and uncomfortable on long trips.

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4 out of 5 stars

value of a 1998 nissan sentra

Barbara Batts, 12/19/2002
1998 Nissan Sentra GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I am buying this 1998 Nissan Sentra and I would like to know the value of the car. It has 113,000 miles, four door and it has never been wrecked.

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