Used 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V Consumer Reviews
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Spec V Owner
03spec v, 03/01/2006
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One of the better cars I have owned. Not the best nor the fastest but I am truly amazed everyday I drive it. One major draw back is I had to buy Snow/Ice tires for it since the factory wheels are "Z" rated. Kind of costly but it is the only negative thing.
Can't find a better replacement
Lance, 04/24/2006
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm looking to buy another commuter car this year, and I'm having a tough time coming up with a better choice for under $20K!
Lots of car, yet affordable
My 3rd Nissan n19yrs, 07/28/2004
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its like having a sports car, yet being conservative.
The car for those that like to drive
JMKLF, 03/10/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I looked at this car along with the Protege, Cavalier and Focus. After driving them all, this car was by far the best choice. It is FAST and FUN. It has room for my family (two car seats) and still puts a smile on my face when driving. The seats are supportive and well bolstered. The R/F stereo is exceptional (although not world-class). I got leather put in on all seats and inserts and would highly recommend this. My only complaint is that reverse is located on the right side of the shifter (off of 5th/6th) and there is only a detente to push through to get there. You can end up there in spirited up and downshifts (at high speed).
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.
I LOVE MY SPEC VIZZLE!!!!!
Andre S, 01/27/2005
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It took me about two years of shopping before I bought my Spec. I looked at every car in its class, and the only one that stood above all others was the Spec V. It just felt more natural, the acceleration, braking, comfort, control, stability, style, and handling where just better then the rest.
awesome
Marc, 08/19/2005
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i think that this car is awesome. it offers more that looks, it offers a style that not many car manufactures can give you.
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!
Say Later
Smith, 03/06/2006
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is fast for a 4 banger. It has a lot of features that are not available any other cars in its class and price range. This car can be a great daily driver, or a weekend racer.
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.
03 sentra spec v
ggskivt, 03/18/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When looking for a new car I was trying to find a small car that I could find fun to drive and at the same time keep the sports car feel. At Nissan world of red bank the staff was great and showed concern for all my needs. I bought the spec-v model of the car and love to drive it.
Think Twice
cal, 06/24/2006
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 2003 (model year) and I have had alot of problems with this vehicle. the throw out bearing was bad as was the rear main seal, the cd player is scratching my cd's and the left side speakers of the car don't work, due to the cd deck.can't wait to get rid of it!
Something to Consider (update)
VSpec_Silver2, 03/21/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For V-Spec owners: Although the Sentra should be inexpensive to maintain (econosport car), there are some hidden costs which are shocking. I recently hit a pothole with my right front tire at about 45mph. The rim was severly bent as a result. Since you may not be aware, Nissan charges $580 for ONLY THE WHEEL! The tire is another $140! So the Sentra, on its face seems like a bargain but hidden costs can get you. Needless to say I ordered 4 aftermarket wheels/tires from www.tirerack.com for $1150 instead of paying $720 for ONE Nissan wheel/tire. If you don't believe this, call your local dealership for a price quote on a new Spec-V wheel.
Spec-V-iagra
dentremonkey, 04/07/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If it wasn't for the fact that I managed to get myself smacked with $400 for what amounts to an economy car, I'd be much happier. But I literally sold the car to myself so I shouldn't complain. This car's closest competition costs $5000 or so more (RSX type-S, Cooper-S.) I LOVE flying past Honda kids as they're getting pulled over by Johnny Law. That's until I got pulled over myself - doing 92 in a 50. Other than the temptation of impending traffic violations, this car is a fun, well built and thrifty little beast.
Love my Spec
logan, 04/16/2007
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2003 Spec V for about a year now and absolutely love it! I was fortunate enough to purchase the car with a nismo short shifter and nismo rear sway bar. Handling on the car is second to none. I love the power it has, which is great for a four cylinder. It's also a great "sleeper" car. I have yet to lose a race (no, I don't race evos and stis). My point being it's a blast to drive and fun to drive hard. I have not had any problems with the car (I've put 20,000 mi on the car and it has 65,000) and hope to keep it for a long time.
Spec V - it does a body good!
donman, 04/17/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I wanted to replace my 2001 Z24. This car was everything I wanted, plus I get a huge Nissan supplier discount (got it for just over $15k) so there was no competition in this class. Plenty of power, nice seats, GREAT suspension, yummy exhaust sound. The base stereo is adequate, but I wish they had one with the upgrade on the lot. The six-speed shifts nicely all the way up until you go for sixth gear. The limited-slip differential can catch you by surprise if you haven't experienced one before.
Buck Bangin' Silver Bullet
Spec Vicious, 04/17/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
ABS/Side Air Bags, Audio Fanatic, Sunroof packages. I'm already surprised at neck snapping performance. I haven't experienced the torque steer problems yet, but I'm driving conservatively during break in. Stock Contis have me worried for wet weather, so I'm already planning to replace them. Rockford Fosgate system sounds better than BOSE in Mercedes and Volvo for rock, jazz and classical. Shifter feels precise but clutch pedal travel is a little long. Brakes feel great and stop with authority. Instrument cover is cloudy with inside smudges. Ride is firm but not uncomfortable, a great compromise.
Lots o'fun
poogman, 04/19/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got my Spec V 10 days ago and am very happy with it so far. Still in break- in period so I haven't been on the gas too much, but even still it's strong up to the 4k rpm break-in limit. The best part is the shortage of them on the roads. There's millions of Civics out there, and it's a nice car, but not many SE-Rs. From what I hear, the Matrix/Vibe needs to hit 6k rpm before the alternate valve timing kicks in. Glad that's not the case on the SE-R. A Sentra is a compact car, so don't expect to comfortably fit a family of four in it, but for a daily single/double occupant driving, it's hard to top.
Better than an SUV or ordinary Compact
MARCUS, 04/24/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
An exceptional car for the price. Gives you a real sports car feel. The 175 horse engine and 6 speed stick really move. The 17" performance tires and sports suspension hug the road like a tight leather glove. The interior is functional and user friendly and is enhanced by the Rockford Fosgate stereo. Bottom line - The Toyota Corolla is "cute", and the average SUV is so big you feel like you're sitting in your living room. This car ROCKS and makes you appreciate driving again.
SpecV The car I wanted
Daytona, 05/07/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got it 2 wks ago. Good car. Probably paid to much though. Fun to drive. Watch out shifting from 4 to 5. Gas milage seems okay. Very noisy on concrete roads. Not many on the road, this is good.
The most bang for your buck
chemboy, 05/09/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After test driving several of nissan's competitors, including the hyundai tiburon and the Acura RSX, I chose to purchase the Nissan SE-R spec V. This is a fantastic car! The engine and transmission are solid. The engine produces plenty of power throughout the power band. I decided against the Rockford Fosgate system because I'm going to install my own but The RF radio package is well worth the money. My favorite part of the car is the suspension. Its absolutely fantastic. Firm yet not bouncy. You have total control of the car. A top of the line spec V shouldn't set you back more than 18,000 which is a value that none of the other cars can touch.
SE-R Spec V
tyo789, 11/27/2007
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my Spec V two months ago. It was a good choice. I was actually looking at the eclipse or tiburon as my other choices. The Spec V just stood out to me. The car runs pretty good except for I need to get new brake rotors because the front ones are bent. I guess the last owner was driving the car recklessly. Other than that the car is in perfect shape.
Fun and powerful
Carlos M Larios, 02/27/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
WEll i just bought my car yesterday...i love the power and i got a great proce on it...1740O w/ moon roof and audio package not including Tax, tags, and freight...the second i got in the car i knew it had to be mine. You can just feel the power that this small car has. i test drove it and loved it. the 6 speed manual tran is a beautiful thing...responsive and generally has a good sports car feel to it. I will update my enrty as time goes by. Honestly don't pass this one up...i was in the market for amazda 6 but when it cam,e down to it the Spec v had the power and enough options to keep me happy and at a good price.
A fun little car
mark Chan, 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 SENTRA SER SPEC V IS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE, WITH LOTS OF TORQUE AND PLENTY OF POWER. THERE IS NO TURBO LAG OR WAITING FOR THE VTEC MECHANISM TO KICK IN, PRETTY MUCH LIKE DRIVING A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MUSTANG, IF THERE IS ONE. THE SUSPENSION SETTING IS FIRM BUT COMFORTABLE. FORTUNATELY, NISSAN HAS INSTALLED THE HELICAL LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL INTO THIS VEHICLE, OTHERWISE IT WOULD BE A REAL CHALLENGE TO DRIVE THIS LITTLE MONSTER IN RAIN OR SNOW. BODY STRUSTURE IS IMPRESSIVE, COMBINED WITH THAT PRIMITIVE REAR BEAM AXLE, IT HANDLES MUCH LIKE A GOLF GTI, WHICH IS NOT A BAD THING.
Spec V rocks!
Spec V driver, 03/06/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best sport compact for the price. I have the sunroof and rockford fosgate system, and it is great having a loaded car (17" wheels, 6 spd, helical limited slip, racing suspension, strut bar, sports seats, mongo brakes, etc) without breaking the bank. Extremely fun to drive, plenty quick, corners awesome, and the car has plenty of "attitude." Go buy one now!!!
WOW
MarkG, 02/06/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is just great to drive. I only have 1000 miles on it right now so I have not taken it to the track but this car is just quick. It puts you in your seat and makes you feel like your flying. When you step on the gas you are in for the ride of your life. Warning to everyone, do not try flooring it around a turn unless you have some mussels to hold the wheel.
Wolf in sheep's clothing
happyspecvdriver, 05/09/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After trying to find a used MaximaSE manual for a couple of months, I decided to go with the SpecV as my commuter car. It doesn't have as much power as my wife's Max SE, but it is very quick and gets on the freeway with ease. I have an 80 mile commute, the limit is 65, but traffic routinely moves at 70plus. Not a problem cruising at 75, revs at 2700 with plenty to spare. Techwise, it's got a lot of perks, which all combine to make it an economy car with attitude. This isn't your grandpa's Civic or Corolla. Ready to race out of the box, no after-market parts required. And at $16312 it was a great deal. Best thing is, I'm not one of the Civic or Corolla or Jetta masses.
SPEC V or M3
7SPEED, 02/13/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car 2wks so far and have nothing but love. Quiet engine and minimal wind noise. Usually I have the 180w stereo(standard equipment) turned up so I don't hear anything. This thing even pulls hard at 60mph in 6th gear. This is the poor persons' M3!!
reliability
ginubrian, 04/16/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Realibilty on this car is extremely questionable. I am not alone either...try checking the spec v forums.
Great Car
O2raw, 05/20/2003
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! Love it
SPECV
Naim Nader, 05/23/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this car it is so nice to drive and speeding up in first and second gear is soo much fun. I dont like the 4th to fith change but you get used to it. I love the car
Despite few problems, Sweet Car
YellowSpecV03, 06/16/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was between a Mazda 6 or the Spec V. I drove the 6 first and was really dissapointed with the performance of the 6 cylinder. Dont get me wrong, love the design but performance sucked. Well, decided to go with the Sentra and have had a blast with it! Its a mini model of my dream car, the R34 Skyline! Fun car to drive and now that the aftermarket is picking up on it, its even more a blast! Will say that the 6 speed tranny needs some kinks worked out and the paint quality sucks! Already in 2300 miles the tranny locked up in 6th and a large amount of paint flaked off during washing.
awesome
lisa711, 06/24/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has amazing power, especially for being a 4 cylinder. The seats are very comfortable and great on long trips. My oly complaint is that its a little hard on ga.
spec
npecora, 06/25/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good car, reliable, and fun to drive. bought it and got what i expected out of it! excellent car! YEA
Nissan has done it again!!
JON B FAN, 06/27/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best SE-R that I have owned yet!! I had a 91 and a 93 and this one blows them away!! Excellent 4 banger!!
Bang For Your Buck...
MPMSpecV, 07/08/2003
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
purchased 12/31/02 for about $17,600. loaded less ABS and side airbags..base model is only $16.2K !! i've owned a 450+ hp NOS mustang and my specV isn't dissapointing when you campare apples to apples -- a compact sedan with 7 sec 0-60mph, 15.5 1/4 mile and razor sharp handling and 6 speed for $16-18K. remember, at these prices each $2K equates to 10% more. Don't even think about the neon srt4 - at least $20K IF you can find one!) The specV is pure value..nothing fancy inside or out to jack up the price, just above average performance with great price and quality -- certainly worthy of a test drive if you're shopping around.
Not the greatest
Kelly, 10/30/2021
2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had an 03 sentra se r spec v and I gotta say the only thing that I liked about it was the fact that it was a manuel shift. Things kept going on it and it was repair after repair. This car is garbage and it's basically a mechanics special if you want to keep dumping money into it. I do not recommend this car to anybody unless, like I said, you want to keep dumping the money into it. It doesn't handle well especially in the winter and not at all a reliable car what so ever. It's just a crappy car all around.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value