2001 Nissan Serena GXE

Summary:

Great if you can afford the maintenance

Faults:

My biggest complaint is although there are great bells and whistles, they all cost a fortune to fix. I miss my Ford.

Replaced the spark plugs 3 times.

Wires were beginning to corrode at 85, 000 km

Oxygen sensor malfunctions.

Required a new head gasket - Canadian $850.00

Alternator Belt went at 100, 000km

Air flow sensor had to be replaced at 95, 000km - $600. Fix it or the car will not run.

Very little room in the back seat. I didn't take this in consideration because... who sits in the back when they're test-driving.

Headlight bulb costs $25 ea to repair. That's a steep climb from $3.

General Comments:

This is a peppy, but temperamental little car.

My biggest complaint is that although there are great bells and whistles, they all cost a fortune to fix. I miss my Ford.

What I do love is the variation in seat adjustments for a comfortable ride. If Nissan could just be more wallet-friendly with the repairs, it would be a great car. Also, if the car's performance wasn't constantly compromised by computer chips and sensors, it would be fine. If I took my car in everytime the "check engine" light came on (which I did at first), I would be living at the garage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th May, 2006

2002 Nissan Serena XE

Summary:

Good car for its price range and value

Faults:

It was a new car so nothing really went wrong. Of course, someone it has involved in a hit and run where a the radiator and some other vitals were damaged. Insurance took care of it and made it like new.

General Comments:

This car was VERY comfortable for an economy car. Its actually very sporty, fuel efficient, and quiet considering its msrp is about $15000 dollars.

Drawbacks: previous family experiences have told me this car has problems after 40,000 miles. Leaks spring up quickly and easily (oil, window cleaner, coolent).

It can be very sluggish if you merely floor it and requires a precise gradual acceleration for optimum speeds.

Its round dome like interior makes it perfect for a good sound system.

Turning radius is also very poor, its not a very large car, but it seems like you need the whole road to make a 180.

Good performance at high speeds.

Exellent car for middle to upper middle class teenagers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2005

19th Jun 2005, 10:05

Good performance at high speeds, well your very optimistic.

Its slow as a old bear getting out of bed before spring. Very glad I don't own one. Recommend this car to a scrap metal yard owner.

28th Sep 2005, 14:26

By Goerge some people talk a load of hogwash don't they, precise gradual acceleration makes it go faster. Ye'h right.

2001 Nissan Serena SE 2.0

Summary:

Small car performance

Faults:

Headlight seal failed causing condensation. Dealer replaced unit, but did not align headlight properly. 4000 miles.

Overhead onsole lights do not function properly as they stick on and are difficult to operate.

Lights in console shift display failed. Repaired by dealer. 11000 miles.

Paint seems to chip very easily.

One point which is important is to be sure to point your wheels straight ahead when parking. Leaving the wheels turned makes it extremely difficult to start the car due to the steering wheel lock. My wife called me twice complaining she couldn't get the car started.

General Comments:

I bought this car for my daughter. With the SE 2.0 package I found this to be a very enjoyable car to drive. The engine screams and the handling is excellent due to the firm suspension, H rated low profile P195/55H16" tires.

The stereo system is incredible with a 180 watt, 7 speaker package. Pop in a CD and this system will blast you out of the car (if that is your thing).

The seats are quite comfortable even on a long road trip. All gages and controls are logically located and simple to operate.

The 4 wheel disc brakes are absolutely the best I have ever seen on any car. When driving a Sentra be sure to wear your seatbelt or you might just put yourself through the windshield with a quick jab on the binders.

Although I have never been much of a small car guy, this Sentra is a blast to drive.

My only wish is that I had purchased the SE-R Spec-V package. I paid about $15,000 for this car. It was a demo that the salesman was driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th August, 2002

27th Jan 2003, 06:32

The review is for the Sentra and not for the Serena!