2002 Nissan Sentra GXE 1.8L I4 from North America

Summary:

Great money saving car!

Faults:

Right after I got the car a week after buying it from the dealership the Oxygen2 sensor went out, but was replaced for free.

Ran over a nail and got a flat tire which I admit was my fault. Very cheap to fix though.

General Comments:

First time I looked at this car I thought it was cheap and very poorly put together by Nissan. And boy was I wrong. Of course it's on the bottom of the Nissan assembly line so I was at first expecting more. After driving it around for 2 or 3 days I began to love this car. Compared to other cars that closely resemble the Sentra, this car can stick to the road.

The in-line 4 under the hood can be a little weak at times when passing up traffic. Especially when you turn on the air conditioning you can feel a noticeable difference in acceleration. That's what's expected from a car that can get 28 to 35 miles to the gallon.

I drive a lot so I only have to fill up once a week and the cost is anywhere from $15 to $19 to fill up. Very cheap compared to the first car I was driving which was a C-10 that need $25 worth of gas every 3 to 5 days.

Suspension is rather weak. Not much for me to say because I don't know much about the suspension system. Compared to my previous truck I'd say the suspension is decent.

Decent head room, leg room can be quite cramped at times. Spacious trunk for the size of the car. You would expect less room looking from the outside of the car, but it can be quite roomy inside. Adequate lighting for inside the car at night. One little problem though. At night you can't see what gear you're in. This can be a problem when first started out on your night drive. The problem though can be quickly solved, it just becomes a hassle after awhile.

Overall, good performance that lacks in certain areas and a great comfortable cabin with nice looks on the inside and the outside. In this case I believe I got more than what I paid for.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2004

2002 Nissan Sentra GXE synergy package 1.8 from North America

Summary:

Reliable, but lack of storage space and uncomfortable

Faults:

A national recall was sent out approx. Jan 04 from Nissan in the mail.. It 2 recalls. Both for the engine, as the recall stated the engine could stop running while driving.

General Comments:

This car is so reliable. It always starts up and takes me where I need to go. I have to give Nissan that!

I am 5"9 female, and the seats are firm, but very uncomfortable... it hurts my back (i must say I do have arthritis in my spine). I have tried a lumbar cushion for my back, and different car cushions to relieve the discomfort. I am seriously thinking of trading this in for something for comfortable, but have been holding out, as it is so reliable.

The car is so low to the ground, that is difficult to get in and out of the car.. it takes much effort.

Also, the leg room is poor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th May, 2004

22nd Sep 2004, 08:02

You must be Large.

2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 2.5L H4 from North America

Summary:

A great bargain and tremendous potential

Faults:

My sunroof has a recurring leak to it, dealer said the drainage holes were plugged when I brought it in.

A/C vent got stuck shut about a thousand miles after I got it, this was a warranty issue and a known problem for the model and year.

Moderately high oil consumption for the size of the engine, I have read in other reviews that this is also a common issue for the year and model, but is not supposed to cause any problems other than putting a fresh quart in the tank every now and then.

Hang on tight if you plan on getting on the gas too hard! Keeping the car heading straight can be a challenge sometimes!

General Comments:

I happen to absolutely love the gear box and transmission on this car. It is very quick off the line and has a very broad power band.

Handling is very sharp and precise.

Helical LSD, all I have to say about that.

Serious performance bargain!

Unbelievable potential for a true sleeper, loads of untapped horsepower and torque. A few mods = a ton of power.

Six speed transmission and a quasi-spacious interior (for the type of car).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th February, 2004