2004 Nissan Sentra SE-R

Pros: Strong, torquey engine, solid handling with excellent grip, low price, high fun factor.
Cons: Abundant torque steer, mediocre steering, dated economy-car interior, generally unrefined feel.

My Experience I test-drove a Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V at a local dealership. My test drive lasted about forty-five minutes and covered city streets, the freeway, and winding secondary roads. Performance The SE-R's 2.5-liter, ...

Pros: Quick acceleration, agile handling, excellent value, eager to please personality
Cons: Bad resale value, torque steer, bad stock tires in bad weather

Although the Sentra SE-R Spec V has taken a "few" hits for its uncouth behavior and unkempt appearance it can offer excellent performance and utility for as little as $15,000 if you get a base Spec V with the $2,000 cash-back offer from Nissan. As for my ...

Pros: Torque, passing power in any gear, fun to drive around curves, good MPG
Cons: troublesome engine and transmission, not enough top-end, still a Sentra

The relationship I have with Nissans is bitter sweet: though they make nice cars I keep having problems with them. My '94 Maxima had the transmission rebuilt 4 times, and my '93 Q45 was just plain junk. Now I hope not to strike out on the third try with ...

Pros: Good acceleration, quality interior, quick handling, adaquate front room
Cons: Suspension makes poor roads feel ever worse. Phony dual exhaust, poor factory standard radio.

I was initially in the market for transportation with good fuel economy. After driving the compact offerings from all the major players, including the civic, corolla, and cavalier, I was dissatisfied with the lack of highway pep from them all. (I drive a ...

Pros: Fun to drive, powerful, roomy inside for a subcompact, CHEAP!
Cons: Need to learn shifter, must like firmer seats, enviro controls plasticy.

I was in the market for a new car. My Monte-Carlo was pushing 110K miles. I needed a small 4 door (kids) that was fun to drive and relatively inexpensive. I wanted a manual. After visiting dealers at the auto mall, I was feeling bummed because either the ...

Pros: Volcanic orange is a wonderful color.
Cons: No Warranty coverage unless you threaten to sue!

The Sentra SE-R and SE-R spec-v initially appears to be a great buy for those looking for a fun, inexpensive car but as soon as the design flaws and shoddy manufacturing processes rear their ugly heads the euphoria fades. I owned a 2004 spec-v for 4 months before i could not handle taking the car in for servicing every week. Nissan does not honor their warranty and treats customers like crap. In 4 months the car had two recalls, a tire blowout due to faulty continental tires, mass airflow sensor replaced, major transmission problems which were never resolved, broken sunroof which nissan refused to fix drivers seat replaced due to tearing, clutch pedal replaced, engine knocking which was never resolved. This car is a great first car for parents to buy their young sons because it will be in the shop more than it is on the road, limiting the amount of driving your kid can do. Avoid this car and buy a nice used Honda, Toyota or Mitsubishi; at least they aren't made in Mexico.

Pros: Quick off the line, a lot of bang for the buck
Cons: Rather boring grill, front and rear bumpers are cheap

I am a practical person. I think and do a load of research prior to making any big purchase. Test driving the Spec V was all the research I needed before buying this car. I was in the market for a vehicle that wouldn't put me in the poor house, yet have some zip and style. The Nissan is the best of both worlds. A tremendous step up from the stock Sentra editions, the six speed transmittion makes even the shortest drive an experience. The 4 doors also helps hold down the insurance prices, so a great buy for the thrill seeking, yet price weary consumer.

Pros: Great gas mileage, reliable, sporty, economical price, 6 Speeds! (Yes, Six!)
Cons: Narrow wheels, Cramped room in the front seat, trunk opening sticks

We purchased our 2004 a little over a year ago. It has been reliable transportation & it gives good gas mileage. It is also a pleasure to drive & 6 speeds are definitely a lot of fun. With that said, of the few things I would change about the car would be tires that came with it. The tires are very narrow and feel as if they will cause the car to flip over when making sharp turns.

I also would increase the room in the front seat. My husband and I find it a little cramped in the front seat when we're both sitting there. The back seat room is a little cramped. It fits 2 people comfortably, 3 skinny people tightly.

As for electricals, power windows, locks and things no problems. I love the interior features like a passenger side makeup mirror and internal lights for the front and back. I also like that it has a compartment to hold your sunglasses accessible by the driver for when the sun hits your eyes.

Roomy compartments are everywhere. Trunk room is a decent size. For the money we paid I'd say this is a really great car.

Pros: Low cost,
Cons: Not powerful enough, cramped, dull looking

The Nissan Sentra is just as it appears from the outside - dull, old style, and cramped. It can get very tight and uncomfortable with just a short ride around town. The back seats expecially are very crowded; I don't know how you could plan to fit 5 in that car. Inside it feels cheaply put together - you get what you pay for. The outside looks dull and worn out, as it despriatly needs a body change. It is not a 'cool car'. I do not recommend this car.

Pros: style, roominess and the panel display is very cool looking.
Cons: None that i know of yet

I bought my Nissan Sentra SE-R about seven months ago and i LOVE IT. It is a very sporty car for the money and very fun to drive. I LOVE IT!!!!