Nissan Sentra (2010 and older) Midsize | Compact

Nissan Sentra (2010 and older) Midsize | Compact 

DESCRIPTION

The 2010 Nissan Sentra is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 6 trims, ranging from the 2.0 to the SE-R Spec-V.

The 2.0 is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 140-horsepower engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway.

The SE-R Spec-V is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I4, 200-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 191-200 of 311  
[Mar 14, 2001]
L Settles
Model Reviewed: SE

Strength:

GREAT GAS MILEAGE. I 380 miles to a full tank of gas. I feel this is one of the best financial choices I have made. I haven't spent much money on it. I drive this car very HARD. WHY? I just do. In all, have spent about $800 on it in 9 years. The car is just now on it's second set of brakes.

Weakness:

The only complaint I have about this car is that the bulbs -headlight, taillights, backups, etc. burn out rather quickly. I seem to have the same problem with the driver side window that the other owners mentioned. Nissan replace the track mechanism, but the problem persists on a minor scale. This car also has nagging front wheel drive problems- boot, joint and axle problems.

I feel that this car was given to me by the dealer. The fact that it was the last one on the lot may be a factor. I got it for $10,500. I am just now starting to do repairs. I need a new power steering pump. The water pump was replaced last year. Nissan replaced the fuel pump with their recall. I have replaced the shocks and struts. I am now on only my second pair of breaks. I did have the clutch cable replaced. I do not consider these major repairs simply because of the amount of and time driving I do. I have friends with much more expensive cars who have replaced both sets of brakes three or four times. They have had numerous engine problems, etc. I like this car and, as I said, don't consider the maintenance to be or have been exorbitant.

This is a great student car, car for a single person or economy car for anyone who doesn't feel they have to drive their paycheck down the street for show and tell.
Overall, I have been very pleased with my Sentra. I had the struts,shocks and the front axle replaced about two years ago. I drive so much that I attribute this to small car front wheel drive wear and tear. I cannot complain about the gas mileage, handling and pick-up speed of the car. When I put my foot on the accelerator to pass something on the highway, I DO NOT have to sit around and wait for it to pick up speed. It moves when I need it to. I currently have 146,000 miles on the car and am hoping to keep it at least another two (maybe three) years. I absolutely HATE the words "CAR NOTE."

Similar Products Used:

I had a Datsun B210 before this and it was 8 years old when I bought it. I kept it for another two years. I felt that the car was entitled to the normal replacements of wear and tear after 10 years. I also had a Subaru hatchback. It was similar in comfort, driveability, etc. to the Sentra. I probably would have had it longer if some boob hadn't tried to steal it and torn it up in the process.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 05, 2001]
Bill
Model Reviewed: Limited Edition

Strength:

Solid performer. Never a major problem with the car. Cuts thru the ice and snow well. Great a/c in the summer time - o.k. heat in the winter. Good pick up, quick handling. Excellent gas mileage.

Weakness:

Slow-to-warm heater: It seems to take quite a long time for the cabin to get warm.

Overall, it's been a great car to own. Very reliable. This car typically puts on 48 miles round trip from home to work per day. Other days it can go as high as 70 miles per day. At 97,xxx there are somethings that have failed - the thermostat just went bad this winter, as did the STOCK battery (yes, got six years out of it). But overall, this car has never let me down! Great car for the long haul commuter or the college student looking for economical, cheap, and reliable transport.

Similar Products Used:

Previous cars: Pontiac T-1000 (whoo, yeah!!) and Chevy Beretta (2.8L V6 motor).
Well, the T1000 was, um, no challenge. End of story on that. The Sentra kicks the Beretta in a couple of ways. First is reliability - the Bert had major failures at around 75k on up to when I got rid of it (intake manifold gasket, 5 of six fuel injectors bad, hard-to-trace electrical issues, on-board mgt computer failure at 18k, too many to list).
Second - the Sentra seems to be just a better built car. It doesn't creak and moan like the Beretta.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jun 08, 2001]
isaiah kronin
Model Reviewed: sentra se

Strength:

0-50 in 5.8 sec. 0-60 in 7.6 sec.

Weakness:

i think i paid too much.....more weaknesses when i put more miles on it maybe...

i now have 2000 miles on the new sentra. a little too early for complaints. i like the way it handles on turns with the new suspension. it is very fast and it seems to rev a little high when going 70mph on the freeway(about 3200 rpm's) i love its overall performance. i had a 1984 sentra that just hit 180,000 before we got the 2001. best car out there and you dont see them everywhere like the two other cars in its class.

Similar Products Used:

better than my 1984 sentra, and burns all the civic's at green lights.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Feb 27, 2001]
Felipe
Model Reviewed: GXE

Strength:

#1 Value.
#2 Engine is very peppy for this size car.
#3 The auto transmision. Nissan did an excellent job, this thing shifts seriously smother than the 95 Civic we own. Never get the "hunting" for the right gear.
#4 Good torque for around town driving.
#5 Center dash pocket is something other cars should start having too.

Weakness:

#1 Interior is a little small compared to other cars in class
#2 Odd shape of radio makes it tough to replace with an aftermarket unit without disrupting the look of the dash.

Great car, got it well below listed invoice price. Would trade in for the new 2002 SE version only. Current SE may have more horsepower but the GXE has better torque at lower RPM's which help you merge onto freeways after metering lights!

Similar Products Used:

1995 Honda Civic 4dr DX (Auto seems to always be looking for the right gear), 1990 Nissan Sentra XE (bullet proof reliability), 2001 Honda EX CRV.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Feb 22, 2001]
Matthew Billings
Model Reviewed: nissan sentra xe

Strength:

Engine can go forever! little 1.6 L will out proform any car in its class. and because if its light weight, its is very peppy, and good on gas.

Weakness:

Having to say "I drive a Sentra, .....it's a 4 door,.....its good on gas.....what have i done!" but once the initial shock of the fact that you have just bought a "good reliable automobile", you will really enjoy this car. Also, all 4 mudflaps have broken in half, or have broken right off. Who designed those 2 plastic screws which hold them in place?

This car is industructable, i have owned this car for 2 years and ive only put about $500 into it....Including gas! I've driven this car everywhere, i drove from "Calgary, Alberta" to "Toronto, Ontario" with this car; which included a 40 hour marathon first day, (calgary to minnesota). And i drive to toronto and back every day (200 Km)aprox 160 miles, with out any problems!

Similar Products Used:

92 honda accord. <---similar car but way more money. You pay for the name "Accord"

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Feb 20, 2001]
Brian
Model Reviewed: GXE

Strength:

Cant think of any.

Weakness:

Engine power (has none), turning radius (too big), A/C (doesn't work or cool off), Radio (just crap), gas mileage (15-25)

Had this thing tuned up several times by different people and the engine diagnostics said that it was okay, but lacked any kind of power. Couldn't get above 30 mph on a mountain pass. I had an 84 subaru that could outperform this car and that is not saying much. Just a cheaply built car and also the windshield had a weird curve in it and was hard to see out of especially at night. Would not recommend this car.

Similar Products Used:

None

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[Feb 19, 2001]
Phil
Model Reviewed: Sentra SE w/ Performance Package

Strength:

As much car for the $ as you can get. Good stereo, quiet, smooth, quicker than my Integra, comfortable, good AC system. Feels like you have a lot of car wrapped around you. Feels like a bigger, more expensive car. Can hardly believe I am driving a "Sentra" good cornering, road feel. This is an "economy" car for the person who loves to drive. Feels like a small European sports sedan.

Weakness:

mid-range on stereo weak. Accleration from stop w/ AC on a little disappointing unless you stomp on it, but still good. For the money, fewer weaknesses than you'd expect. Steering stiff at parking lot speeds for weaker drivers.

still in the "honeymoon" stage, but I love this car. I give it "best in class" rating regardless of how many "experts" give the Honda Civic top marks. Definately on my Top 10 list. Feels like I am driving a car that costs a lot more than I paid.

Similar Products Used:

Traded in a 92 Integra, This Sentra does not suffer by comparison. Drove Civic (for grannies) and Focus, for ??????? Sentra SE with performance package easily most car for the money.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 16, 2001]
Frank
Model Reviewed: Nissan Sentra SE-R

Strength:

Pocket-Rocket Deluxe! Great price for such a quick car. No one has any clue how much speed this car has. Reliability has been great. Great gas mileage.

Weakness:

No power windows available. Stock radios kept going out on me. Seats are good if you were a race car driver, but not very comfortable on long trips.

I would recommend this car very highly. They have toned down the newer ones but they are still a great deal. Insurance is low, performance is high. Very little maintance needed. Not a great car for long road trips but other than that it's all good.

Similar Products Used:

Civic Si. At the time this was sold I also looked at a Saturn SC2 and Mazda MX-3. Sentra had the best all around performance for the price.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 17, 2001]
ron
Model Reviewed: LE

Strength:

Its faster then you think(really). My friend said it handles well, its still a little too loose to me. You get what you pay for, and nothing beats the sentra when you consider the price and what you're getting. This car is 6 years old, and get up to 80mph plus easily daily. Its gone 120mph. Its not something that i would recommend, but its actually capable of doing it. Its a good car for the money, and will surprise you. Its a tough car, i've been in accidents, its survived great with little repair.

Weakness:

i had to fix the car quite a bit around 100,000, but its been back to normal since. Its reliable. I get really crappy mileage for some reason, 20-24 city. Wind noise, windows closed and everything, wind noise plain sucks.

i would recommend this car brought used, but make sure its checked first. Its a really good car for the money, and you could probably get it for around $3000-$4000 now. I've driven this car rough, and its been able to keep up just fine.

Similar Products Used:

99 Sentra, didn't like the look as much, but handles better, and the materials are nice. Again, you get what you pay for, and a sentra is a good deal no matter what angle you look at it. Cavalier-this car made alot of engine noise, was slower than the sentra, and the basic quality of it just sucked. New Beatle-fun car, surprising torque, its better than the sentra, but it cost more.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 18, 2001]
Max
Model Reviewed: Sentra SE with Performance Pkg.

Strength:

In it's segment, the Sentra SE offers unequaled performance and reliability at a great price. The 2.0 Liter SR20DE is one of the most bullet-proof engines on the road. The Fit and Finish on the interior and exterior is excellent.

Weakness:

Radio only worked intermittently (fixed under warranty.) Lack of availability of front mud-flaps on performance package optioned SE's (car is always dirty.) The stock Firestones are more ideally suited for a Geo Metro.

Although I only have 1,300 miles on the car, it's strengths become aparent as soon as you get behind the wheel. The interior is well thought out with lots of storage areas and easy to read gauges. I questioned some of the material choices initially, but after spending time inside the cabin I really like what I see. The Titanium faced speedo/tach/fuel/coolant temp. gauges add a sporty flair to the interior.

Headroom is ample (without the sunroof.) Even at 6'5" tall, I still have clearance available. Leg room is a bit tighter for me, but I don't find the seating position uncomfortable...even on longer trips. The seats are very comfy and bolstered in all the right places. The height adjustment on the drivers seat is a welcome addition.

The stereo is a topic of great debate. The Performance package on the SE includes a "180 watt" upgraded 7 speaker CD system. The front stage is handled by a component set, with tweeters mounted above the dash on the A-pillars. Rear fill is accomplished with low quality 8W full range paper cone speakers. There is also a 7" subwoofer to help with the low end. Yes, this upgraded system does sound better than the "base" system, BUT it can be pushed to it's limit quite easily. It doesn't sound bad, but it isn't everything I had hoped it would be.

Moving to the exterior, the car presents with a sedated, yet sporty appearance. The rear deck wing on the SE helps round out the back end of the car, and differenciate the SE from the run of the mill GXE. Fit and finish is excellent. I have not noticed any misaligned panels or paint imperfections.

Now for the fun part of the car....the engine! The Sentra SE is powered by Nissan's venerable SR20DE motor. This engine is one of Nissan's most famous engines, ranking up there with the L-series motor from the original Z-car. With 145HP and a rev-happy nature, it IS a fun car to drive. Power comes on strong after 4K RPM's, but there is MUCH MORE torque available at any RPM than the competition (Focus, Civic, ect.) The motor is bullet-proof and will provide many many years of trouble free service. The SE performance package also includes a Limited Slip Differential. There is NO OTHER CAR remotely close to the Sentra's price with this feature. Essentially, it will evenly distribute power between BOTH front drive wheels, even if one is slipping. It's cool, and it works.

Suspension on the SE with Performance package is on the stiff side. Nissan calls it the "stage II" suspension kit. Essentially, it includes stiffer shock valving and firmer suspension bushings. What it means in the real world is that the car corners like it is on rails. Even with the crappy stock Firestone's, the car will impress you when the going gets twisty. There is minimal body roll, and a lot of stability, even in the hairiest of corners. The combination of a great engine, sporty suspension and Limited Slip Differential make the Sentra one FUN CAR TO DRIVE!!

Although there are a couple niggling details on the car I don't like (tires, stereo) I realize that Nissan had to make comprimises. I decided not to subtract stars for these things because I don't feel that they would have impacted my decision to buy the car. The Sentra represents a TREMENDOUS value in the compact car segment, with features some of the big boys don't have. For that reason, I give it 5 stars.

If you'd like more information on the 2000-01 Sentra's, visit www.b15sentra.net . This is the internet community catering to the 2000 + Nissan Sentra Enthusiast.

Similar Products Used:

My previous vehicle was a 1986 Acura Legend. There is no comparison!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 191-200 of 311  

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