Used 2003 Nissan Sentra Consumer Reviews
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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.
2ND Nissan Sentra
CURTIS, 11/13/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Sentra, the 1st was a 2000 with a 2.0 ltr. on a lease. The 2nd was to buy and keep and thus so far it has been a great car. The only problem i've had was to replace the CD player 2 times because the CD's wouldn't come out, but other than that 3rd CD player seems to be working good, thanks to a warranty. Since this is a 1.8 ltr. it is not as powerful as the 2.0, but the gas milege is pretty good and the car feels soild and comfy.
My First Foreign Car!
bob@fagnant.com, 12/27/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I gave American auto dealers 30 years to get it right but American cars are actually worse today than ever- and Ford didn't even honor their own recall! Sound familiar? So I bought a Nissan! I have been surprised at the performance and when a Honda skid to a crash, I was steady on the road. I just got nicked on my left mirror by a guy going 60 miles an hour down a side street today (and the mirror is still solid) and this is only my 3rd week! Buy one, it's a great value for a foreign car and you only have one life!
Fix the AC system!
Henrygrc, 11/18/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My complaint is the A/C system. When "defrost" is selcted the A/C compressor starts working as it should with the A/C switch off. However when I switch the Mode Control Knob back to the dash wents, the A/C ramains on(with the A/C switch off),the compressor keeps cycling and it is impossible to turn it off unless the vehicle is restarted. Nissan issued a service bulletin HA03-002 NTSB03-065 advising that this is a "normal" condition. How is it normal when you have to stop and restart you car in order to turn your A/C off? Looks like not too many people noticed this and Nissan wont issue a recall unless there is more complaints
The best car to buy
mika, 10/23/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I picked this car over the Civic and Hyundai Elantra. I love the way it rides and this car dooes very well on the road if you like to travel.
03 SE-R, M3 for everyone
Henryg, 01/04/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded my 96 Caprice LT1 for the SE- R about four months ago. The complaints I have is poor gas milage on the hwy, it's very close to the 96 Caprice with a V8 in it! The suspension keeps the car glued to the road and is smooth as long as the road is smooth. Driving over cracks and bumps in the road that's a completely different story. Lastly, the engine lacks power at higher (over 90mph) speeds. Overall the car is a blast to drive, comes fully loaded and the floor mats with the SE-R logo, 7 speaker sound system, rear heat and heated mirrors are included in the base price. This car would be sweet with rear wheel drive.
Sentra GXE
Bill123, 11/20/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy the car alot, but the finish leaves something to be desired. While driving the wind noise from the doors can be very loud. The dealership says this is normal. I have had Hondas and VWs and never heard this much noise from my other cars. Also I doubt my odometer is accurate. It seems I am now driving about 6 or 700 hundred miles a month more than I did with my previous car. Would I buy this car again? Hmmm I do not know. It is fun to drive but the issues mentioned above mean alot in a car priced at $16,000 and change.
nissans are the best
amandab, 12/03/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i feel comfortable in it, i can wake up and know it will ride like a dream every morning. very comfortable, and great with gas, that helps with me going to school full time
Fun to Ride
Bnslee, 01/10/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car have amazing performance and stability. The power is great cruise right through the freeway at will. The stability is so great that you will barely feel any unlevel grounds on the road.
Very Nice
James, 06/26/2005
2003 Nissan Sentra 2.5 Limited Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car in April, 2003 and it has 26,000 now. I had 0 problems and never had to go to the dealer except for the ECM recall. I highly recommend this car. I usually get 26MPG+. Not bad for a fast car!
What a way to learn to drive a stick!
FreeThinkerNJ, 10/30/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently learned to drive a manual transmission due to my new job at Flemington Nissan. I learned on the Spec V and loved it so much, I bought one! The car handles incredibly well. Acceleration is very good and the ride is sporty. Having 6 speeds is nice for all the highway driving I do on my commute.
Best car for the money
BlackSpecV, 01/10/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hands down, this is the best car for the money. Paid $16,395 out the door for a '03 SpecV w/ floor mats and microfilter. Great financing from Nissan. Each time I get out, I find myself looking back at it with pride. Why get an underpowered Celica or Civic, when you can get this beast at the same price?
Just Bought
2003Spec-V, 12/11/2003
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 a day now. The car is real fun to drive. Great pick up even without down shifting. Rides real nice. Turns well. I got it with all the options plus some. SE-R engraved leather seats, SE-R Bra, Wheel Locks,Moonroof visor.Rockford Fosgate sound system. Little bit more than some competiors but alot better of a car in my opinion.
Fun to Ride
Bnslee, 01/10/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Stability and Performance is too amazing. I wouldn't ever thought of buying a sentra until after shopping around for cheap affordable car. I went to check out the civic and corolla, both extremely expensive both insurance and sticker price, and powerless. I purchase my car at 15600 before tax, for that price you can't get anything better. So before checking out a civic and corolla or any other car go test drive a SER sentra.
2003 Sentra
Danamo, 12/26/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra 2.5 Limited Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Sentra for only 4 months now, but so far like it very much. I owned a Stanza previously for 17 years and that car was worth every penny. I am hoping that this one will carry on the tradition of dependability and quality build.
SE-Rprised!!
Wetzel's Pretzels, 12/29/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a Torque monster! It blows away my turbo VW. The suspension is very tight with minimal body roll. Initial quality was great. I was very surprised how much power the car had after I broke it in. The gear ratios are perfect for the elastic 2.5l and the brakes are superb. Keep an eye on the TACH because 6,000 comes up quick!!!
I love this car!
poichky, 10/31/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for 1.5 months and I absolutely love it! It is comfortable, smooth, and looks great with the 5 star rims and fog lamps, and the tints I added. This car looks and runs great, and I am VERY happy with my purchase!
Ecellent
Justin White, 01/17/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car has given me no problems what so ever
Sentra 2003
Heatherl, 12/29/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the best car in its class. solid and reliable. not very zippy but it still drives really nice.
2003 Sentra GXE
steve01, 06/10/2004
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little starter car. I purchased it with the synergy package that included power options (windows, steering, etc) along with fog lights and a rear spoiler. One annoying thing concerns the gas cap. If it is not put on tight, the "service engine soon" light comes on and takes days to reset unless you take it in to get evaluated and reset at the dealer. Air conditioner is a bit on the weak side also. Overall, I have been very pleased with the car!
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.
a GREAT car!
mfisher150, 07/17/2004
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
loved the Nissan more than my VW convertible! And that's saying a LOT!
Street Racer
Mark F, 01/17/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the Spec V because I needed a 4-door car to transport the wife and kid, needed a low payment and good fuel economy, yet still wanted to autocross on the weekends. The Spec V does it all very nicely thank you. Room for the family and it also powers around the pylons like crazy. No complaints.
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.
Good One
sbjtn, 08/17/2004
2003 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good tight feel. Great for teenagers.
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.
Well Satisfied
Grumpyman, 12/08/2004
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great little car! I did a lot of research when looking for a new car and the SE-R seemed to be the best value. I haven't been disappointed! This is a great car for the price range and a lot of fun to drive.
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.
Great Car
Tha P, 03/12/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Powerful, very fun to drive and comfortable. Good price for the car. The best quality/price in the range of car.
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!
Sentra quality down
Michael, 03/11/2005
2003 Nissan Sentra XE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This engine was leaking antifreeze in the engine. We needed a new headgasket.It was covered under warranty but we had to fight to get the Nissan dealer to fix it. The engine has suffered damage from the coolant leak. It takes longer than usual to start. Also during an oil change, the dealer tech noticed we were losing alot of oil through the crankshaft oil seal. also replaced during warranty. This with a car with only 18k miles at the time. I would avoid this car with the 1.8 L engine. I've talked with others who own this car/engine. they had the same problems! Sentras are made in Mexico. buyer beware.
Just a comment
Targetseeker, 02/21/2003
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 with 17 miles back in September and I consider myself to be an agressive driver. I also put a lot of mileage on this car as I am already at 11,900 miles a week short from 6 months. The car is awesome and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. It response quickly and no Civic, V6 Mustang or any other car in it's class can come close on the highway. There is a downfall though. All this fun vanishes when it rains. I give the Continentals a zero if I had to rate their performance in the rain. The car simply does not stop on wet pavement and skates on the white lines in front of the traffic lights.
2003 SE-R Spec V
bnewton_xp, 11/02/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car! I love everything about this car. I have about 400miles on it so far - I have nothing but good things to say about this car.... bnewton
Yikes...
Chris0101, 01/20/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra 2.5 Limited Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has real punch. I'm still amazed how quick this car is after nearly a month with it. The transmission does a good job of kicking down quickly too. Nice to get 4 wheel disc brakes, side airbags and abs in a car for $15.8K
nice but fragile
JMSFred, 01/05/2004
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After I had put 1500 miles on my Spec V both the airconditioner and cruise control failed to work. They were both fixed under warranty.
A wolf in sheep's clothing
Kedrick , 10/06/2005
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one of the most well made economy cars on the road today, with is sleek front end styling to its high spoiler this vehicle its a force to be reckoned with. I purchased this car after having an accident in my '97 BMW 328i and was forced to quickly find a cheap replacement... the anwser SE-R Spec V. This car delivers exceptional performance from quick take offs from a red lights to satisfying the urge to pass the slow driver on the interstate while in 6th gear... just give the gas a push and the car will respond well beyond your expectations. This is a great car for the $ and I would highly recomend it to anyone who likes to drive a car that will suprisingly eat a lot of others 4 lunch!
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
Watch out!
Stephan625, 03/18/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for 5 months and it has developed a condensation problem in the fuel system causing the car to stall. Nissan has yet to do anything about it. I also had a 2002 Mustang GT and needed a four door car and my mustang with mods pushing the car to over 300hp was better in the snow and rain.
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.
Sentra GXE 2003
Yves Boisvert, 03/04/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Up to date, my experience is wonderful, before I bought this car I had a road test with the Hyundai Elentra VE but even if the performance are better with the Elentra, the interior is too much better in the Sentra. I bought the luxury package that game me the 15" mag wheels, in dash compartment and 180 audio system + more... and I appreciate it. The look of the car is impressive ( vibrant blue ) and interior look is just perfect. For fuel economy, i can't really express my self, i'm little disapointed cause it is too much for now, buy I have only 2500 miles done yet. My m/gal will improve soon i'm sure of that i'm not worry.
Love the car... hate the tires
phillipw, 09/03/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the car I justwish there was more room in thebackseat and that the tire (Bridgestone Potenza's) were better in wet weather. I have slid into a curb causing the alloy wheel to be replaced and hydroplane quite often at such low mileage (4300) the tires are horrible but the car is great.
What a ride
automonogamist, 11/08/2002
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drove a 92 SE-r for 10 years and upgraded to the Spec V earlier this year. What a car for the money. Styling is on par with anything out there within 10 grand. I am biased, but you can't beat this one in black.
Sentra Good? My family owns three!
toga333, 01/22/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Sentra GXE offers great styling, and reliablity. The ABS/Side air bags are only availiable as an add-on package. Fuel economy is 29-32MPG, with about a 300-340 mile Range. We have had no issues with the 3 Sentras my Family owns (01SE,02GXE,03GXE). 180 Watt stereo in uplevel packages are a plus, so are alloy wheels. oh, and make sure you get a rear spoiler, it really improves the rear look of the car!
Somewhat tame SE-R
mossimo, 03/04/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra 2.5 Limited Edition 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There's no doubt about it, the SE-R is a supercool car. There is another option though. I have a medical condition (head injury) which makes it very hard to drive a standard. The same condition also makes me want a car with the latest safety features. The LE comes with AT, ABS, and side air bags standard. The SE-R was impossible to find with this combination, at least for me. However, the LE comes with the same 2.5 liter engine as the SE-R. It provides the same grin inducing forward motivation as the near legendary SE-R. The LE is great for driving around town with its abundant low end torque.
Very Pleased
cheap, 01/24/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall I am very pleased with the Sentra. I previously owned an Audi A4 so I miss many of the little comforts of the Audi, but I do not miss the expensive upkeep and low gas milage. The Sentra is reliable, performs well for the gas milage it get's and with a spoiler it's not that bad to look at either. I've only had the car for a few months and I already have 14,000 miles on it. If the 2.5 was out when I bought it, I would have gotten the 2.5l
Great So Far...
G&G, 01/21/2004
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We are leasing a 5-speed, and have been very pleased so far. About 24,000 km to date, mostly highway commuting to work. No major repairs required to date. Controls are easy to find and operate, split seats in back make it easy to "borrow" more trunk space when we need it, great storage space inside. We test drove the Mazda, Honda and Saturn in the same category and feel we are getting more car for the money.
For the price, y not
jjcc, 02/15/2004
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i got this car in jan 2003 simply out of necessity. i had a 93 altima that was giving more problems as each day passes. budget was a concern so the cheapest, reliable vehicle was what i was looking for, looked at other sedans like civic and corrola but we stopped in nissan first and got a convinng salesman so we got it. pick up is slow, bumper sags, my nissan dealership likes to rip people off so i will not buy a nissan anytime soon.