Used 2003 Nissan Sentra Consumer Reviews
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Limited Edition is a great deal now!
happymister, 02/24/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra 2.5 Limited Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hi, I disagree with the editors review that the Limited Edition is too expensive and folks should go for the Altima instead. Comparing the feature sets available with the Altima 2.5S and the Sentra Limited Edition, both come with same engines, but Sentra has better features.. in safety, audio systems as well as comfort features. and while the Altima is difficult to obtain at Invoice - $19.7k, I got the Limited Edition for $14.2k (Invoice-1% - $1000 cashback -$500 New Graduate discount + 0.9% financing..) thats a cool $5k less than the equivalent Altima. and doesn't justify my opting for an Altima since i don't need a larger car.
Spec- tacular SER
mpolo66, 10/02/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
4 Dr Econo M3... Great build quality. Livable sports sedan. Lives up to the old Sentra SER with a much fresher look and, feel. Handles like my Integra GSR with less lean.
AWESOME!!!
pacer, 07/30/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS CAR ROCKS!!! ILOVE IT FAST AND FUN
I love it!
waynoka, 08/05/2003
2003 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 April, and I've loved every minute of it. Had already tested Mazdaspeed, Eclipse GT, Celica GT-S, Subaru WRX. Found this one more fun to drive than Mits or Toyota. WRX was really nice, but pricey. Mazda was closest, but the dealership sucked (Dobbs in Memphis). This car has great power in all gears, looks flashy in yellow, won't be confused with other Sentras, and is a joy to drive. Great craftsmanship, materials are very sturdy, everything feels very tight. I skipped the fosgate stereo. Also avoid the stripes down the sides, definitely don't pay for them. Floor mats look great but aren't necessary.
Bargain
wacka, 08/18/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well after 3000 miles and first service, this car has not let me down (RF Package/Sunroof). It has good power, nice interior, great looks and a great feel on the road. The fact that I got this for easily under 18,000 feels like a steal. There is a pre-cat recall but it was taken care of with no problems. great car for the price.
Mr Bud Green
Bud Green, 11/12/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looked at the Toyota Echo, Honda Civic, Ford Focus. I think the Nissan Sentra was the best I drove of the 3 Cars. Nice to handle and a little more plush then the other 3 and very comfortable. Nice job Nissan!
3rd time sentra owner
d. gleason, 08/23/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the 3rd nissan sentra I've owned. You can't kill the engines. I wouldn't but the automatic again it really takes away from the gas mileage. My 95 5speed got 35mpg. With the automatic its about 22 in the city. The interior comfort is poor. the a/c blows very cold. The bottom line is for comuting back and forth to work its ok. And the price is right.
2.5 LE kicks!
alpha01, 02/02/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra 2.5 Limited Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is truly a find- a great engine, wonderfully executed interior and many safety features at great price! Car handles well if not very sportily, interior materials feel great, fuel economy (about 27MPG in a mix of city/hwy) is very respectable give the 165 hp. If you're looking for value, forget the ION or the Elantra. Get the 2.5LE.
Happy...but..
jeff65, 08/27/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought a 2003 sentra gxe w/ road package on clearance. It is a nice car but I am questioning the integrity of the paint and interior components. It has been two weeks and nearly 1600 miles so far. On the first day the "coin draw" fell off and by the second week there have been some concerns with the paint quality. Overall t has been a fun car to drive with road package. It was my fall back car due to the deal I received ($11000). I test drove the jetta wagon mazda protege and lastly the Sentra. I actually wanted a wagon but fell in love with the smooth ride, tight clutch, and looks of the sentra.
My new Spec V
Panther, 02/15/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is very fun to drive, looks great, the ride is firm and well planted so far (have not had it in the snow yet). Overall is a great car for the price, I mean you get so many performance features on this car for the buck! Features like: 6spd trans, 17" wheels, sway bars front & rear, 11" disc brakes on all 4 wheels, limited slip axle, strut tower brace, 175hp engine with loads of torque, absolutely awsome interior and "RF" sound system.
2003 SPEC V - The Best of the Pack
arainy, 09/10/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the 2003 Spec V yesterday in Molten Silver (Base Package). So far, it has been absolutely top notch. The best improvement over the 2002 model is the seat covers. The "loud" lava color has been replaced by a classy silver/gray with a matching stitch on the steering wheel. It looks a whole lot better, especially with black or silver exterior.
Performance for a gimp
mshimek, 02/20/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra 2.5 Limited Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like the SE-R and SE-R Spec-V but a medical condition both prevents me from driving standard and requires safety features not available on most (affordable) cars. The 2.5LE comes standard with an AT and all the safety features I can shake a stick at. The big diference between the 2.5LE and the SE-Rs is the suspension. In my case, I won't be powering out corners but the beefy four definitely puts a smile on my face. Enthusiasts beware! It definitely leans more toward a luxurious (and quiet) ride than a connected to the road feel.
My first NEW car and its fantastic!
hotsexyandhumid, 09/25/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have only 500 km on the car but it has been a pleasure to drive. The interior finish is excellent and very well layed out. The power is more than adequate and it is very relaxing to drive. Overall, I couldn't be happier. A lot of car for the money!
First Time Nissan Buyer
Tom Neston, 11/28/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nissan Sentra Was Going To Be A Cross Country Road Trip From New Jersey To California. Plus A Trip From New To Key West Florida. During The First 4 Months That I have owned The Nissan Sentra It has performed wonderfully, without any problems. I purchased It on June 29, 2002 And Today It Is November 28, 2002. The Auto has 25,000 Miles on it and the next trip will be to Seattle, Washington and Bownsville, Texas. Great Small Car.
hmm...
dissapointed too., 09/14/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
nissan should much care about the interior quility and service dept. dash board got peeled off after 4months drive. service dept got replaced dashboard but it took 4days..huh..the worst is they'done really clumsy work..glues are all over the window..missing parts..gaps...
Spec V is Great!!!
KAPACINO, 02/23/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have just purchased my top of the line spec v, and i got it in sunburst yellow and it looks great, in fact i havent seen another yellow car on the road for awhile, and the tight suspension feels great, while acceleration at high speeds is even better, crusing at 60, i didnt even need to reach 3 rpms to pass up people at 80 mph, great pickup
overall good car
jay123456, 10/25/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the spec-v has a lot of power for its class. six-speed is awesome, but a little jumpy. i have been driving stick for years and was hoping the transmission was a little bit smoother on this new car. i have continental contisport tires on from the dealer, they have been rated bad for wet roads, but so far have held up well in rainy conditions. suspension is really tight. overall the car is excellent for its class and value. very sporty looking and at the same time very practical and gets pretty good gas mileage.
Best bang for the buck, period
Specificationvictory, 02/24/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
you absolutely cannot get a better car for the price.
Leoivench
Leoivench, 09/18/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best small car on a market
Ziggy's GXE
Ziggy's GXE, 08/02/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Sentra and I went back and bought a second one for a reason. My first one '94' was the most reliable car I have every owned. I bought it used with 7000 miles drove it very hard and very often for 7 years. When totaled at 170000 miles it was a true loss. It started 'Every Time' and 'Anytime'. I have driven it as much as 16 hours straight and it was always ready for more. I have driven it in every weather condition and it had always performed very well.
One Bad Box
SERookie, 11/12/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first time my friend showed me a photo of the SE-R I was so turned off by the fact that it looked like every other Sentra. Then I drove one. This car is absolutely the best thing out there for under $18k. The ride is silky smooth once you get past 2nd (a little bit of torque steer in 1st and 2nd due to power). I feel in love once the dealer told me the monthly payment, and the driving just gets better and better.0
excellent value for the price
yellow specv, 08/09/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome performance for under 20,000. Right from the test drive I knew that this car was a beast. Plenty of low and mid range torque that pulls all the way to 6200rpm redline.
SER Spec-V
Christiani, 09/27/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Asked for a free price quote thru Edmunds, got a 2003 Spec-v with Audio package ,mats and microfilter for $16835 plus tag title and taxes . What a car for that money. Other 4 Bangers had to be downshifted to get anywhere , Not the SER . Shifting is short and precise , alittle clunky , but its great to have six speeds . Tires and rims look great . If you are looking for the best bang for your buck , look no further than your local Nissan dealer.
Best Car under $20k!
Eric the Driver, 11/29/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Spec V for about 6 months now, and I love it. I push the car to its limits, and it keeps up with many cars much more expensive. Its fun to consistantly beat little hinda's, and acuras that have been hopped up.
2003 Sentra S-ER
jay-c, 09/27/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like this car. Other than the less than perfect transmission shift quality and bumpy ride mentioned below, there has not been much to complain about. Interior trim details, such as the HVAC controls seem a little cheap, but they work fine. Plus this car will smoke Civics at a stoplight.
Good car so far, but some problems
Jeremy the Bear, 11/21/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in October 2002. I had a 1992 Honda Accord that I bought in 2000, but put $6,000 worth of repairs into. I have heard good things about Nissans so I thought I'd buy one.
GREAT SMALL CAR
BRUNO, 08/27/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
ALOT OF FUN TO DRIVE GOOD ON GAS AND IN NYC EASY TO FIND A PARKING SPOT GOOD LITTLE CAR AND HAS SOME POP
awesome car
BaBabooey, 09/28/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car is great.. this is my 1st car & i am thrilled w/ it. im glad i picked this over the civic - its nicer lookin, more horse & more fun to drive
fast Spec v
suave0007, 08/08/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Spec v in Jan. of 2003 that is the best car I have ever owned. The speed the car has is great. It's a quick car and good on gas. Just the wheels are very weak.
Phat
Sentra Spec V, 11/26/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love my baby.I like the interior and the exterior and especially the sound system!
Good Enough to Buy it Twice
03SpecV, 09/26/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my second '03 Spec V yesterday. I had my first one for about 4 months and was rearended, and 2 weeks later before I got the damage fixed, a 16 yr old pulled out in front of me totalling the car. I put 7,000 miles on it in that short time. After shopping around again, I could not bring myself to buy the ugly 04 Spec (Nissan's design team shouldn't have messed with the front of the car). Even though I paid $1200 more than my first one, I still bought another (RF stereo included this time). I have all options on the new one except the "safety" package(ABS, side airbags) and still paid under $17500 including shipping costs.
great little sports car!!!!
thenebean9, 12/05/2002
2003 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 couple of weeks ago, and i cant stop driving it! it is so much fun to just drive around, and EVERYONE turns to look! (especially since my car is in sunburst yellow!) you dont see many spec-v's out on the road, and its nice if you want a car that will get people looking in your direction! it also drives like a little power house...quick starts, smooth shifting, i cant get enough of it!
Your info is wrong!
Dar, 09/27/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Your info listed for this car is wron! There are many more options than you list. You have 'not available' listed for many things that are available! I have auto locks/windows/ mirrors, front interior map lights,vanity mirrors on both sides, abs brakes, split seats in the rear that fold down w/ acces to the trunk, alarm system that shuts the engine down if someone tries to steal it, cd player and other things. So, please list that these things are available. Thanks!
My Third Sentra
Ron Powell, 09/28/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 2003 Sentra is the third one for me. My first, a 91, lasted me for eight years and I drove that car like there was no tomorrow. Wish I still had it. My second was a 98. Although I didn't like that as much as the 91, it was still a great car. Now I have the 03 model. I love everything about this car. It's sporty (I have a spoiler), great on gas, love to drive it, and it has ample power. I definetly get noticed with this car. There is just so much greatness about this car. I am sure I will be in love with this car for quite some time!
Mixed reviews
Harley, 01/08/2005
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had the car for 1 month catalyst backed up into engine. Nissan replaced engine. Torque steer very pronounced, makes handling a 2 hand job. The car is fast and handles nice, but needs some refinement.
Terrific!
Donne, 10/15/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a great car! Can't go wrong with this baby!Much better than others in the same class, yet value priced!
Move over ION
Paul42, 12/09/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I only have 100 miles but I LOVE this car. Quick off the line and very peppy. Smooth but tight suspension with very little body roll. I would have purchased another Saturn SL but the ION just totally missed the mark.
Approaching One Year
DND, 10/06/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I did a lot of research before buying. Decided on the 165hp automatic SE-R with the Sunroof and the 16in wheels. Purchased my SE-R in Dec'02 for a little under the 12/02 TMV price. This is one solid car. It has a lot of pickup and handles very well. The ride is smooth and relatively quiet. The red light indicator panel and the fog lights make it fun to drive at night. It's great to have a sporty looking 4dr sedan.
#1 sports car under $20,000
Royal Mist, 10/06/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One word to discribe this car: awesome! I was looking to buy a new car, and was considering the following: RSX, Celica, SE-R, Eclipse. SE-R has the best Aggressive exterior looks, BEST performance of 165hp/175lb torque ! 4 dr acaully saved about $500 on insurance. I'm glad I brought the LAST new 03 SE-R model in all the dealers of my area, beause the 04 model is just BUTT UGLY. took me a few days to find this one (black) I wanted to get a Spec- V but it was $5000 more and the car was missing parts, it was also the last brand new one in the all of the dealers in my area.
Wow!
Brant Walker, 12/09/2002
2003 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 2 weeks and came out of a 2002 Maxima SE 6 speed. Wow! the go-kart handling, powerful engine, precise steering, etc. The 6 speed is a world apart from the clunky 6 speed in the maxima. Nissan did their homework on this one. The ride tolerable on all but the worst of roads. What a fun time can be had with the relatively small price of this vehicle.
Spec V
KDAL523, 10/15/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car for the money, torque is the best part of the car
Foreign is the only way to go.
jennerz20, 10/20/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning a Honda, then a Ford and now a Nissan, I have to say I will never own another domestic car. The options I got on my car are incredible for less than 15k and the reliability and depriciation was a major factor in my purchase.
Good car
jt11649, 09/21/2010
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car no real problems until recently (185,000 miles) and now just things wearing out. Drives well and still gets 28 mpg combined. A few minor things bother me like cup holders and the fact hat the fold down rear seats give limited access to trunk. I would definitely buy again. Not as good as the civic I had but still very reliable.
Best Car in Class
GoldfishPimp, 10/18/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the car for almost three months now and I find myself liking it more and more everyday. Have yet to see another Spec-V in Tulsa. I see a hundred Civc EXs everyday. Everyone wants to know what kind of car it is. When I tell them it's a Sentra, the response is always "A Sentra ?!?!" It is a blast to drive.
Very good commute car
kangaroo, 12/10/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car for commute purpose. With Synergy Package. Worth the price.
This is a car built for 2
Sherrie Malmberg, 10/22/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There are a few things about this car that I don't like. The back seat is built for midgets, there is absolutely no leg room for the passengers in the rear. also, my Sentra is sometimes a little sluggish when you take off or are climbing a hill. I like the cup holders in the back, but the ones in the front are too close to the stereo, so only the small to medium drinks will fit in them.
Good as they say...
himura_kenshin, 12/13/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was finally fed up with all of the reliablility and fit and finish issues with my 1999 Ford SVT Contour and was looking for a new vehicle. All of the reveiws said that the Sentra SE-R Spec V was an affordable and fun to drive car (including Edmunds)and I have to say that they were correct.
almost perfect
butkus, 11/07/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is my second sentra in nine years.my last is a 93sentra with 180,000miles and still running.i wanted an upgrade with a little pep.that is why picked spec-v.
Good all-around!!
typo31, 12/15/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good all-around vehicle..Performance is excellent for a naturally aspirated 4-banger....With such a rough-riding suspension, vehicle should handle better...Six speed might as well be a five speed seeing as how first gear is useless and sixth gear tachs around the same as most five speeds...It is still a blast to drive..
nissan vibe
buni44, 11/07/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a Sentra from 89. Reliable and smooth. I wish I hadn't give it away. It's more than one year now since I bought a brand new 2002. Problems with the brakes and the suspension. Safety problems too: today it's been the tenth time that I press the brake and the transmission won't work and car wouldn't stop. RPM increases to almost 4000 sometimes. Very poor on gas. Poor transmission too. I took the car to the dealership for vibration problems. From 2400 to 2900 RPM front vibrates. Very unpleasant in overdrive. They wouldn't say what it is jsut gave me the keys of two new ones. They were worse. I envy the Toyotees.