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.

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.

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

Good gas mileage, Usually affordable to drive and maintain. We had absolutely no problems until the 100,000 mile mark.

Started having problems about 3 months ago, and since then we have replaced the Transmission(Standard and clutch), Transaxles, Alternator, battery, Brakes, starter, cv boots.

I would recommend this car to anyone as long as it has under 100,000 miles. It's been really great, but if one problem starts, you may expect others to follow (the sentra's sister, the Maxima, is known for this). Hopefully we just fixed the last problem, and we'll be able to drive it for another 100,000 miles! Usually very reliable.

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94 Cavalier - after one major repair (transmission) we have had no problems.

It look nice drive nicely. Not bed price. Its preetty good car for the price. To light if you going over 110mph watch out for side wind. Too loud sometimes it piss me off i can hear the engine even when i put some music on. I keep hering something in the back but who knows what is it. but i love the car and im not disapointead with it i just hope is gonna last long but with my driving it would be a miricle lol haha.

Loude engine. could be little biger.

i would recomend that car is goood for the price you paying but remember wait at least 2000 miles before you gonna bit the shi*t out of it.

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I didn't used anything similar. i owned before only Mercedes Benz C280 but you can't compare those two cars Benz is toooooo good. ANd i owned a Jeep wrangler cool car but i like sentra more.

The 2.0 engine is a dynamic engine. The gas mileage is very respectable I get 28 city 34 freeway. The fit and finish/quality of materials. Solid ride
solid feel. The performance package has a great suspension ( it may be stiff for some) but it feels very european and has excelent handling and steering. The dash layout is very user friendly.

The tires it came standard with are HORRIBLE!! ( Firestone Firehawks GTA )
The whole hype about it being roomier inside is exagerated. Assembled in Mexico, so long term will it be like my 1994 model???

The Sentra SE is the best car in it's class in my opinion and having riden in the likes of Honda Civic, Protiege and Corolla. The Sentra SE is more powerful, more solid feeling and has more personality than the competition.
I hope that even though the new generation of Sentras is built in Aquascaliente, Mexico, that it will maintain it's proven reliability I got from my 1994 model.

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I traded in my 1994 sentra XE for my 2000 SE. The 1994 was a terrific car I loged in 93,000 miles on it and only had to replace the tires.

VERY Reliable!!! It has 159000 miles on it an the only repair job
we ever had to get done was to replace a fuel pump. It hasn't even
blown a headlight!!!

The only problem we had with it was that you can't operate the AC/
heater controls if you have cans in the beverage holder. A minor
inconvenience, though.

We bought this car 8 years ago. A month after getting it we were involved
in an accident(not our fault!) which left almost $6,000 worth of damage to the driver's side. We had it towed to the dealer and six weeks later,
it was brand new again. It has driven flawlessly since, showing no signs of
having been in such an accident. It certainly doesn't LOOK as well as
it runs, but it's an 8 year old car and we have two chilren. We have
replaced the original radio with a CD player, the original brakes with some
that would stop us better, the original spark plugs with some that weren't quite as dirty and the original tires with some that had a bit more tread on them. The above-mentioned fuel pump was the only thing that she had to go to the shop for! We are presently looking for a new car to replace this one. We have looked at Civics, Accords, Integras, Proteges, and PT Cruisers, among many others. The only car out there with the most bang for the under-$18,000 buck is, you guessed it,the new Sentra!!!When we get it, we'll tell ya how much we like it,too!!!

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Looked at Civics and Corollas. Bought the Sentra.

Engine well made, comfortable car, reliable, easy to get parts, easy to find garages that work on it, never any major problems

Brakes in both sentras needed replacing early. Headlights always seem to go out. The dealer was the scummiest ever (Serramonte Nissan in Daly City).

I've owned two Sentras. I did a lot of research for cars in this class and the Sentra is the best. Now that I've owned them since 1989, I can tell you first hand, it's true. My current Sentra has 170,000 miles on it and runs fine. It gets good milage and is totally reliable. I want a car I don't have to worry about and this car is that. Just do your oil changes and tune ups and you'll never have any problems.

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None

A peaceful driving experience. Feels substantial, secure, refined, quiet and spacious. Sophisticated powertrain. Very nice fit and finish. Good looks. Good gas mileage; I'm getting 35 highway. A really good value. I paid one dollar over invoice. Also an exceptionally low priced extended warranty program that covers everything.

Simular weaknesses of small cars in general I suppose. Also, I am spoiled to the better 360 degree commanding view from my 1990 Acura Integra and I've noticed that most of the newer car models in general have higher front hoods and dash-boards.

I noticed that in Consumer Reports it is shown to be expected to be geared towards the college student age crowd, but I live in a big college town and I see very few college students driving one. I see more mature folk like me:-) (30-40ish) driving them much more often. I see a lot of older models even dating back to the mid and late eighties still being driven which attests to its durability and reliability. I think they did a very good job on the recent thorough redesigning of it and with more power. It may now even be a little larger than the Altima. It feels more like a family sedan than a small car. I highly recommend it. Oh one more thing, many people may not know this (even my dealership didn't) but as it says in the manual you are suppose to break-in your car's engine during the first 1000 miles. That means no jack-rabbit starts, vary your speed, and no high speeds for that period or risk engine damage. Just thought you might like to know. If you want the feel and spirited pick-up of a sedan for a small car price and fuel economy you can't match it.

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It is larger and feels more substantial and drives smoother than any of the other cars in its class that I test drove, including the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda Protege and the VW Beetle. The powertrain is a big plus.

It's all power, very good handeling on turns and an excellent gas milage.

It should have stronger front and rear bumper, very easy to break down.

Since I bought this car I did not have any kinds of problems, even thought it is my first car, I really recommend this vehicle,It's very realible,confortable and great gas milage.
I wouldn't trade this car for anything in this world.

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With other cars from 1994 Nissan Sentra it's a real good car.

Great power, Good stereo, The styling is cute, Zippy little 1.6 liter I-.

trunk is small and no light under the hood.

i would recommend it to young people who want a cute, zippy little car.

I would not recommend it to people who have owned any kind of luxury car sports car because they will complain about the lack of a tach and power.

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1997 Neon- the neon is a worse car in every aspect.

This is my first "new" car and I love it!! It has all the extras, CD player, power windows & locks, alloy wheels. I also added the extended warranty and car alarm...

I love the car, but according to most of the reviews I've read today, I probalbly am paying too much for it... I think it's worth it though...
I had a very old car with no A/C or heat and this car is my dream come true!

I'd recommend this car, because it has a great ride, and it's roomy enough to fit 5 people. I do recommend doing your homework, before purchase to get the best price out there.

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I drove a 2001 Ford Taurus before purchasing the Nissan and the ride was fine, but when I went to check out the reviews, there weren't very many "good" ones. And since everyone in my family owns a Nissan, I couldn't break the family tradition.:)