2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 4 cylinder

Summary:

Good performer for the money

Faults:

Nothing major.

General Comments:

A very good car for the money.

I test drove the automatic and manual versions, found the 5-speed was a bit "sportier" and I would recommend it if you are able.

I had a little problem early on with a squeaky belt, took it to the dealer for repair and they oiled it. The problem returned a few weeks later, but the dealer replaced the belt with no fuss.

The Sentra has good gas mileage, especially for highway driving.

Overall a good bargain and surprising performer for the money, especially with the stick shift

Highly recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2004

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8

Summary:

Excellent vehicle and would by another one if something were to happen to this one

Faults:

Map light switches would stick, but dealer replaced quickly.

General Comments:

Excellent car with no problems.

The gas mileage is great, between 32 and 39 miles per gallon with an average of 34.

The styling is sporty and is fun to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th December, 2003

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8 liter OHC engine

Summary:

A cheap car made cheaply

Faults:

After just three short months, the engine light went on and I went back to the dealer. I needed a new thermostat already.

About six months after that, I was driving on a high traffic street when my Sentra died, mid-street. Everything just went out-lights and everything. I had to get someone to help me push it off to the side of the road. I called AAA and even the tower was surprised that such a new car had just died like that. Turns out it was an electrical problem that took the dealer about 3 minutes to fix.

At 36,000 the gas pedal began to stick & continues to even though I have sprayed it with carb cleaner.

At 37,000 (just over warranty) the horn blew out and now I need a whole new one, which I was told by the dealer will cost me $185.

General Comments:

This car seemed like such a great buy. However, it has become an unreliable lemon even though I care for it and get regular oil changes. A co-worked bought a Toyota Corrolla at exactly the same time I bought my new car and she has had no problems with it at all. I wish I had bought one too because this Nissan is not a quality car at all. I'm sadden and shocked that so many things have gone wrong already.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th November, 2003

20th Apr 2004, 07:54

I have a 2001 Nissan Sentra and have experienced very similar problems. My car died on the highway 3 months after purchasing it. It took them 5 minutes to get it started again. They said it wasn't a big deal... just a small electrical problem. The engine pulley had to be replaced 6 months later. I'm glad that it was under warranty because they can be very expensive. Two years later, after 2 sets of new brakes, new rotors to replace the warped ones, new exhaust system (including the $600 catalytic converter), the transmission has died, the electrical system has haywired and there is no horn anymore.

It's glossy black, extremely clean, and not paid for yet. It has become our pretty storage unit parked on the side of the road.

I also wish that I bought the Toyota Corolla. It would have been worth the extra $1000 they wanted! Live and learn.

22nd Sep 2004, 08:53

I have a 2002 Nissan Sentra that I consider to be a lemon. The front rotors on the car were warped at 12,000 miles. Prior to Renault purchasing a controlling interest in Nissan, the "Nissan" I knew at one time would have replaced the rotors rather than resurface them. Second, and most dangerous of all is a sudden acceleration problem than Nissan is unable to diagnose (and Nissan consumer affairs claims they never heard of such a complaint). Third is a sticky accelerator pedal. Nissan claims that they couldn't duplicate the problem - I had complained about it for 18 months. However, an independent mechanic offered a solution for the "sticky" accelerator pedal - clean the throttle body on the inside with throttle body cleaner and "NOT" carburetor cleaner. With that in mind, I cleaned the inside of the throttle body and the "sticky" pedal problem was gone. The mechanics at Nissan are so stupid that if the on-board computer doesn't leave a code/message, they have no clue what to do with a car. Anyway, this is the last Nissan I'll ever buy - and to tell you the truth Toyota and Honda are getting a bit sloppy with the quality in their cars also. I would try a Hyundai next - I know 5 individuals who have purchased a Hyundai in the past three years and all three love their cars.