Used 2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V Consumer Reviews
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Love the Nissan Spec V
Tattude, 08/19/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have over 30,000 miles on the car and it's only a little over a year old. I love to drive this car. I've done every engine mod including taking out the balance shafts and grounding the knock sensor and I've NEVER had to take it into the shop/dealership. I still have a smile on my face everytime I get in this car. Great gas mileage and REALLY fun to drive. I highly recommend this car to everyone young and old. LJ
The best performance for 18k brand new
jeffreyd53, 08/26/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 03 spec v and its a great little car for the money. You can't get all the features and all the performance from any other import for even 4 grand more. And honda doesn't even know what torque is.
The Best none-turbo car with power
KrazyELR, 08/28/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best 4 banger car ever made and there's no turbo. WOW!! The SPEC-V suspenion is great! Turns like a dream. Love this car.
The Power Of Spec
bluspec, 09/18/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a car for a true enthusiast. There is now other way to get close to the world's greatest hot rod, the Skyline GT-R V Spec, for under $18,000 used. If you just want value for the money, stick to the 2.0 GXE or SE-R, but for that extra adrenalin rush on the road and at an import car show go for the bigger engine, nicer wheels, rockford fosgate in-dash with an 8" boom generator in the trunk which is part of the "audio fanatic" package. The car does 120mph as easily as 50mph thanks to a great stock body kit. This will be a classic that everyone will want once the Civic craze dies out in the near future.
Love this thing!
mattwoods, 10/01/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is absolutely amazing! I love the six speed tranny, it's not sloppy feeling and it has a nice positive feel. This thing handles like it's on rails! This is the most fun front-wheel drive car i've ever driven. Kills civics and integras without a problem because it actually has what Nissan likes to call TORQUE. Great job Nissan!
Spec-V
VIC, 10/07/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you like fun to drive compact sports cars this is your car!! Power is good, especially for the price range. Handling is amazing once again especially for the price range. 6 speed tranny is somewhat clunky but once you get used to it, it works well. Compared to other cars in this price range nothing comes close.
the best
Roger187, 10/11/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good car fun to drive no problems as of yet.
Wicked Ride
Jtjr, 03/02/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was choosing between a Golf GL, Acura RSX base a Honda Civic Si Veloz edition and the Spec V. Drove all four and checked out the insurance rates for all. The Spec V won. After taking the Honda out a realizing how good the fuel mileage was I thought that was the one. I then took out the Spec V. If your into power and control, it's a no brainer to get the Spec V. Almost a year into it and I'm loving it!
Great car that could have been better.
hydrointeract, 11/17/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have about 18k miles on the car in two years. Has been in the shop twice for recalls, and has a consistent problem with starting. Dealership says it probably floods, told me to press down gas pedal when starting if this happens. Has happened about 12 times in last year. Problem still not found, though I've towed it to the dealership twice. A shame since it's less than 2 years old. Almost always takes a long time to start. It does, however, get a LOT of compliments when out driving.
comprehensive review
fry_ed, 11/27/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
'03 Spec w/ 8k mi. What it has that its competitors do not are 1) torque 2)limited slip differential, 3) 4 doors. Hands down best value under $19k (fully loaded). Car has great feel to it. Bolstered seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, sweet shift knob. Red-lit dash great at night. Car is all-round performer. Tuned suspension and LSD enable it to handle with the best. 2 words: Canyon Carving. Gear ratios perfect for accel, although the Spec kinda drags (lots of wind noise too) beyond 115 mph. 6th gear short = rather high rpm (3100?) at 85 = bad on gas. Easy to launch, can lay down rubber in 2nd and 3rd. Decent aftermarket, for NA or FI.
overpriced garbage
jrb1978, 01/06/2004
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought my vehicle new. 18 months later, my paint has that "orange peel" look, rockford-fosgate radio doesn't work, and on one occasion the car suffered total electrical failure at 60 mph and left me stranded on the side of the road. the upholstery on driver and passenger seats have worn terribly. this car is a far cry from my 1985 300zx, quality-wise. according to nissan, nothing is wrong with my car. local dealership refuses to do any warranty work. worst car i've ever owned.
Awsome car off the line
daaaaaaan, 01/18/2004
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love this car and don't regret getting it at all. Kinda wish mine had a sun roof but it's all good. Extremely fun car to drive. Excellent handling, acceleration, and braking. Dealership sucked, but I can't hold that against the vehicle. I've gotten tons of compliments on this car. This car is no joke at all.
Best Bang For The Buck..And Then Some!
Josh Smith, 01/14/2004
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car about a week ago, and all I have to say is "Where have you been all my life". I have owned many sports cars from 300zx's to Mustangs. This by far is the most fun to drive car I have ever driven! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for heart stopping fun from idle to redline....and beyond.
SE-Riously Awesome Car
Court, 02/02/2006
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely LOVE my SE-R Spec V! I have owned the card since it was brand new and have had the car for nearly four years now. The only problem I've had over these past 4 years was with the stereo: the left channel went out about a year ago; it was approx. $250 to have fixed. A few months after I purchased it, one of the fuel injectors went out but it was covered by my warranty. Otherwise there have been no mechanical problems or repairs whatsoever. The build quality is excellent: it is still just as tight as it was the day I bought it.
Excellent First Car
belka, 03/09/2006
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great little fun car for the price. I would definitely recommend it for first time buyers who want something relatively quick.
Simply Spec V
Aldie, 02/29/2004
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in the beginning of 2002. Today is the 2nd year I own this car. This is actually my first brand new car purchase. And in my opinion, this is a very solid car. This car has very good power, quick acceleration, useful accessories, good styling, and good handling. The only complain I have, is that this car has been recalled 4 times already. Hopefully they fix all the problems. Sad to hear but, I will be trading this car for a 2004 Acura RSX Type S.
Great overall car!
Aldo, 07/05/2006
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been nothing but good to me, the only thing that I have changed out is the battery. I get about 26-28 miles per gallon in the city. It is a fun car to drive and own. I recently just made my final payment and I plan to keep it for as long as I can. I have seen older Sentras hit 200K miles so it looks like I will have it for a while.
Run for your life away from this car!!!!
Bob, 07/06/2006
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the first three years of ownership of the Spec V, it was relatively problem free. As I write this, the car sits in the shop needing a new head gasket and timing chain. Last month it needed a new radiator and ran out of radiator fluid. I have been diligent about oil changes and routine maintenance. Last summer it mysteriously ran out of oil 3,000 miles after an oil change. Nissan Corp is a JOKE and did not respond to any letters sent its way about this lemon!! As for the recalls mentioned, I was NOT informed of any of them. The car has 60,000 miles on it and as soon as it is returned to me, it will have a "for sale" sign on it. There is a "cover up" Nissan is not mentioning here.
One of the First
ToughStar, 05/27/2004
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was one of the first proud Spec V owners in CT, no others on the road until May. Great handling, stock tires sucked though (Replaced with Conti Extreme Contacts) for us winter drivers. MPG is a joke!!!! Gets many looks and I have kept it stock except for stereo & tint. Good civic killer, yeah you heard ME! Drove mine off the lot for $17,500 (Thanks Jamie @ Exec. Nissan.) To many recalls though, and rattles.
Good New Purchase Value
Cognashene, 08/10/2004
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I first bought the vehicle it was a really good value for the money. Lots of features and excellent performance. After two years of ownership and 80K km the car is still pretty solid but the performance doesn't feel as good as it did. I've had numerous recalls and the ECU decides to act up every now and then by stalling the engine - the dealer still can't figure it out. The interior is not the greatest, design or material wise, but the build quality is pretty good and the seats are great for hard driving. Although the colour of the fabric (red/mesh/black) is not the best, I think the material is excellent - with the exception of a little fraying on the seat back.
03 sentra spec v
johnny20, 09/12/2004
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
road holding performance is incredible, id like to put on wider tires however for increased lateral acceleration and acceleration seems a bit slow, possibly due to a restricting air filter ... not sure tho, otherwise i like everything about this car.
wow!
zakkattakk1187, 09/29/2004
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i just purchased my spec v. From going from a '95 chrysler concorde, this is completely different for the good. this is the most fun to drive car i've ever driven. i highly suggest getting one!
I'll never buy another nissan
jweller, 10/13/2004
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car instead of a civic and it's the biggest mistake of my life. It's been towed back to the dealer 4 times because it simply refuses to start. the official response is that I've flooded the engine and needs a $115 fuel system service. nissan corporate customer service is worthless. The paint is of very low quality, sprayed very thin, and has orange peeled. It looks worse than my 7 year old honda. Now it needs a $700 airbag module that is not covered by the warranty, at 47k miles! cheap interior is falling apart and showing signs of wear already. There have been 3 or 4 recalls, which I have not been notified of. I'll be selling this car very soon, despite being $2k upside down.
vspec > vtec
ks86, 10/28/2004
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
just recently bought the car and so far i really like it. the car suprised me with its power that it has. bought the car with 50k miles on it and theres a few minor repairs needed, but nothing too big.. this car is a really good value.. just as fun to drive as a srt4, but 10k less.. recommended :) (for all specv owners, throw a cold air intake on it, makes such a difference in sound and high end torque for less then 200$)
Good Value
John, 01/04/2005
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V has had some problems. The parking brake is insufficient to hold the car on a steep incline. I had an insurance claim due to this. Also, the recalls have been plentiful. The interior and exterior panels are cheap. On the plus side, Nissan powertrains are near indestructable. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance and don't abuse them, they will run 250,000 miles with minimal problems. The 2.5 liter engine is very torquey and powerful for a 4 banger. Combine this with a close ratio 6-speed and you have a very quick, fun car to drive. The handling is phenominal for an old school chassis. The car rides rough with a good bit of road noise. Overall, it's a good value. I'm at 20,000 miles and am still smiling. I would buy another.
Enjoyable entry sporty sedan
bigb996, 05/25/2005
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car and right away started modding it. I put on all the bolt ons and really noticed a promising gain. The header itself gained 12whp and 11ft/tq. Torque is definatly not a problem in this car. The interior and exterior fit pretty well and you have 4drs+ a trunk for practicallity. They say the suspension is great however i have aftermarket and still am experiencing a lot of body roll. The performance is good but a little more hp couldnt hurt. I dont really see a need for a 6spd but its something different for a car like it at the price. Overall you get what you pay for.
SPEC V A BARGAIN
SWEETPEE, 03/14/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
BRAND NEW W/ 65 MILES 3 WEEKS NOW AND 850 MILES IN IT SO FAR SO GOOD, JUST WAITING FOR BRAKEIN RIDE IS ROUGH THOUGH BEC. OF SPORT SUSPENSION AND 17' TIRE 1.9% FOR 60 MONTHS $ 18500 OUT THE DOOR INCL. SUNROOF WHAT A BARGAINNOW FIND ME AN ACURA, HONDA OR TOYOTA W/ THE SAME PERFORMANCE ON THIS PRICE RANGE
Don't buy this car!!
WCW, 02/15/2006
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the Sentra SER Spec V; all options. Love the 2.5L 180 HP engine. Torque steer was an issue, but it goes with the territory w/ front-wheel drive. Also bought extended warranty from Nissan Motor Corp. Car's been faithfully maintained by the dealer. There's been at least a half-dozen recalls, all dealer serviced. About one year in, popped a hole in the windshield washer tank. Not covered under extended warranty = $300. Next the horn stops working, electrical short - not covered = $200. Six-disk CD changer - broken - not covered. Next it needed a whole new engine - factory recall, so it's covered. But what's next??? Bottom line ... Don't buy this car!!!
overall good
Kal, 07/19/2006
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is perfect for performance and for high school students. car is fun to drive. and under budget
So-so car
Blackout, 02/26/2007
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car had several recalls. Fun to drive. A nightmare to change brakes on. Definitely need snow tires in the winter if you want to drive in any snow.
2002 Spec-V
AaronR, 04/09/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was looking for street style car that i didnt have to buy all the accessories and install them myself and to have a quick engine. This was it. I looked at the Dodge Neon SRT-4 and decided to go with the import. I was not disapointed. After adding silver tint that was about all i had to add. The car has really nice accelaration with a ton of power. By the time i hit 3rd gear i was already hitting 80 !!
The Little Car...
Estela, 05/23/2007
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car, almost 75000 miles and still running as new. Reaches great speeds in short time, very strong. The engine had a recall but Nissan took care of it. Unlike other reviews where said that Nissan did not notify their customers. Sorry, they sure did, several notes were sent in the mail. Other than this, the car has been great, I do take care of it. Service it on a timely manner (well... I stretch a bit). The little car is still in great condition after almost 5 years and I intend to keep until it dies on me. Thanks Nissan!
Happy
SpiNz, 07/30/2007
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Spec V for a little over a month now and I really don't have any complaints. Very fun to drive, powerful for a 4 banger, decent styling, pretty cool interior. Would buy again.
A pocket rocket with practicality too.
mackattack, 03/10/2002
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you only care about getting from point A to B, get a Cavalier. If you enjoy the drive, get a Spec V. Precise steering & great seats let you carve corners w/ confidence. Power is always available. The Jetta 1.8T has a nice interior & great engine, but had a lot of body roll. The Impreza 2.5RS has good handling, but the engine didn't impress, even w/ similar HP. While nice, they don't to have the Spec V's combination of sportiness & refinement (& cost a few $K+).
Spec V
TribeFanSG, 05/30/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had no problems with this car. It run like a bat outta hell. Torque steer can be a little dicey.
Awesome freaking car
Peatrie, 06/02/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is the best I've owned. I went from a 98 Neon to My 02 sentra and I love this car. The 6 speed manual is easy to shift and the stereo is awesome. The sub could use a little more power but still awesome. The styling really looks ballzy.
general perspective
ramsin, 03/11/2002
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i am still breaking this vehicle in, i beleive its style and comfort is a plus, the performance level is great and its handling surpasses other cars i have driven! i give nissan two thumbs up. only flaw i dont like is ABS isnt a standard, its an option and the transmission has problems shifting smoothly into third gear, it has a grind feel, but not a grind noise. otherwise the car is a perfect contender! lots of torqueeeeeeeeee!!!!
FAST AND FURIOUS!!!!
specvissweet, 06/23/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car a week ago, 2003 blue se-r spec V. I was surprised by the performance and how many heads it turned. My friends love the 6 speed stick, and everyone will want to drive it. This is a great buy for 19000, I recommend it, but if ur gonna buy a sentra, make sure it's the spec V.
So Far So GOOD
Brom, 03/13/2002
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my Spec V a little to soon so I had the pay the MSRP. Overall I like the way this car drives, the shifter is very nice once you get a hang of it. very fun to drive. the rims are nice but they chip very easly since they are painted rims. For the price and performance you have to give up some thing and I guess nissan was willing to give up workmanship. the paint job is not to good and most of the sentras are not painted under the doors.
Man I love this car!
gurumichaelOG, 06/27/2003
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for a year now and still grin while driving it. I drive like a bat out of hell and the worst mileage I get is 22 mpg -- which is terrific for a performance car and the way I drive. I traded my 2002 Impreza WRX for this and have ZERO regrets. That thing was falling apart from day 1. Nissan makes great cars, loaded with low end torque (which is where the power is) and I thoroughly enjoy owning this car. Plus, it smokes most cars that test me. The power is even throughout the power band. I have the silver with the red/black interior and it is awesome.
Dont buy from NORTHSIDE NISSAN SC
Jason R, 03/16/2002
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got the Spec-v Its an awesome car. I got the fully loaded one. Side Air bags sun-roof everything. The car is the fastest car Ive own yet. I would recommend it to everyone.
My Review:Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V
Lonestar, 03/16/2002
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my SE-R Spec V since mid January, and have loved it the entire time. You know you like a car, when walking away towards a long day of work, you look back 3 or 4 times before heading into the building. Sharp acceleration speed, even when already up to 80 mph+. Great road feel. A very nice stereo (Audio Fanatic Package) right out of the stock model. Me's love the car. PS: Its relatively cheap, for the way the car feels.
The most awesome car
Spec-V lover, 03/19/2002
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a spectacular car. The exterior and interior are great and with so much power you can race and blow away hondas and many other cars!!!!1
good car for your buck
landon1219, 03/19/2002
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am an old SER fan! I bought an SER in 94 and then again in 2002! This time I went with the Spev V, cause the 6 speed and the wheels! I think that it is a good car for the buck! I can only hope that this is as good a car as the SER that I bought in 94! Which I still have and drive everyday, almost!
Greatest Sentra yet
BLUEBYU2, 03/29/2002
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have two now. '01 SE 2.0 and the new Spec V. this has been the most fun car that i have ever owned. What a great price too. you can't get this kind of performance and looks in any other car in its price range.
the sentra that could.
joe, 04/28/2008
2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this sentra se-r spec v thinking it was going to last forever! boy was i wrong, not only have i put a new tranny, but also a new motor,abs wheel sensor, cruise control ecu, and i am on my third catalitic converter! yea i said three! but now after all that i am afraid to open it up on the highway or eneywhere! I thouth spec v ment sport but mybe not! so now i have to baby it cause if i dont the catalitic converter might overheat and the insides might blow out again! posibly causing the motor to blow,like before, by the way did i metion this spec v is mostly built in MEXICO,just read the original window sticker that should explain everything! so buyers beware and good luck!!!!