2003 Nissan Sentra Review
Price Estimate: $1,627 - $2,711





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Nissan Sentra model years
Nissan Sentra types
- Sedan
- SE-R Spec V
- SE-R
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Pleasing cabin design, SULEV emissions for California-sold cars, 165-horsepower SE-R sport version, fun to drive.
Cons
- Generic styling, Limited Edition and SE-R Spec V models command premium price.
What’s new
For 2003, there is a new 2.5 Limited Edition trim, which includes GXE front fascia styling, the 165-horsepower QR25 4-cylinder engine, standard automatic transmission, standard Antilock Braking System (ABS) and side-impact supplemental airbags. The Sentra CA model is no longer available as all 1.8-liter engine-equipped Sentra XE and GXE models sold with California emission specifications offer zero evaporative emissions and meet SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles) standards. Other changes this year include a new power steering ratio for XE and GXE, a revised six-speed manual transmission for SE-R Spec V model and a new bright yellow exterior paint color for the SE-R and SE-R Spec V.
Edmunds says
An economy sedan that doesn't act like an economy sedan.
For sale nearby
9 listings
- $3,900good price$1,121 below market
- 96,478 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 24 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- New Wheels (550 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Glendale Heights, IL
Runs and drives great with low miles but is over 22 years old and has rust underneath. Seems fine but is being sold "AS-IS" to error to the side of ca...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3N1CB51D63L797774
Stock: 797774
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-26-2025 - 86,104 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use only
- 24 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- MANDG Automotive (812 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Mason, OH
UP FOR SALE IS A 2003 NISSAN SENTRA XE !!! CLEAR TITLE!!! FWD, AUTOMATIC, POWER WINDOWS, CRUISE CONTROL, AM/FM/CD PLAYER, TILT STEERING, POWER ST...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3N1CB51D23L793012
Stock: 1154
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-21-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$137/mo for Sentra XE
Sentra XE
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Nissan Sentra Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
i have owned 3, let me be the judge!
5 out of 5 starsreaperhooks, 02/13/2014
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
i just bought my 3rd Ser spec v today. and there is a reason i have owned 2 spec v's prior to this and the reason is simple, the cars are amazing for the cost. i know you will read alot of bad reviews here and a bunch of fake hype but you cant find another car to out perform or outlast a Spec v for 4000$-5000$ period. unless you wanna risk buying a lemon. i owned a 2002 spec v, a 2005 … spec v and now just bought a 2003 spec v and have NEVER had any issues aside from the fuel pump Recall they had which was FREE. best car for the price and a great car to start learning how to tune on, super easy to find your way around the engine. change the oil and tires and it'll last you 250k miles NP
Not for the Average Joe.
2.5 out of 5 starsop559, 03/14/2012
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
If you are one of those non car savvy folks with little to no mechanical skills, this is NOT the car for you. Well, unless you have loads of cash at your disposal for repairs. I have owned my SPEC V since 2004, and trust me, changing the oil and basic maintenance just does not cut it for these things. The 2 main issues on this particular model are the butterfly screws inside the intake … manifold that NEED to be loctited and the stock exhaust manifold that NEEDS to be replaced with an aftermarket header ASAP after purchase, due to the poor factory design that can cause SERIOUS DAMAGE to your engine. If you enjoy modding, working on cars and learning about them, this car can be very rewarding.
I Miss my Sentra
5 out of 5 starslkt82961, 07/10/2012
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my Sentra new in 2003.
It was a great car, but since I live in the north, I found out the first winter that it needed snow tires, and after getting those it was a great winter car.
I live in a town with steep hills so great traction is really important.
Although the car rode a little low, it never got stuck in snow.
The cluster that controls the gauges failed in about the 5th … year, and luckily my extended warranty covered it.
I recently traded it for a very low mile 2007 Toyota Corolla and regret it so far.
The Toyota has horrible road noise and handling. I am going to replace the tires and hope that helps.
Love my car!
4.75 out of 5 starsMarajc, 04/27/2010
2003 Nissan Sentra GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
I bought my Nissan Sentra in 2003, right off the lot. I wanted something dependable. I had my first issue with the car at 85,000 miles. I had to replace a belt, $30. At 93,000 miles I replaced a battery, $75. At 115,000 miles I replaced a sensor, $160. An now at 125,000 miles I have another $50 issue. So in 7 years, I have only put $315 worth of parts in it(minus tune ups, oil changes, & … tires). I can't complain AT All! Daily Driver and now is managing to be my childrens car to learn to drive it. I trust it completly with my kids. Just not sure that I trust my kids with the car! :) My next new car will be a Nissan. Hope this one lasts over 300,000 miles though!
2003 Sentra Highlights
Sedan
XE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $12,099 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $137/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sentra include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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