Nissan Sentra 2000 - 2006 review
Overview
Nissan Sentra 2006 (photo: Nissan Canada) |
Nissan Sentra interior |
The fifth-generation Nissan Sentra has been introduced as a 2000 model and continued with minor changes through 2006. The Sentra is a relatively inexpensive small four-door sedan with decent handling. The 1.8L Sentra posts good fuel economy, while the 2.5L models are very quick. On the downside, the ride is firm, the rear seat space is limited and the reliability is not as good as it should be.
Nissan Sentra has front-wheel drive with a 4-cylinder engine and a 5- or 6-speed (SE-R, Spec V) manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The base engine is the 126-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder DOHC. The optional 145-hp 2.0L engine from 2002 was replaced by the 165-hp 2.5L DOHC, the same engine as in the Altima.
The Sentra has McPherson struts in the front and the multi-link beam layout in the rear suspension; disk brakes in the front, drums or disks in the back. The ABS is optional.
The Sentra's interior is plain and conservatively styled with a simple instrument panel. The dashboard has a convenient storage compartment on the top. The rear space is fairly limited. The split rear seat folds flat for extra cargo room. The trunk is fairly spacious for a small car. The handling is OK for a small car, but the ride feels a bit too firm. The engine is noisy on acceleration.
In the NHTSA frontal crash tests, the 2001-2006 Nissan Sentra received four stars for both the driver and the front passenger.
The engine
Nissan Sentra is available with the base 126-hp 1.8L 16-valve 4-cylinder DOHC engine and the optional 145-hp 2.0L all-aluminum 4-cylinder DOHC motor (for 2000-2001 models). |
Pros
- Good fuel economy
- Not very expensive
- Easy to maintain
- Good trunk space for a small car
- Very powerful optional 2.5 L engine
Cons
- Engine is noisy on acceleration
- ABS is not standard
- Suspension feels too firm
- Plain interior
- Reliability is not as good as it should be
Overall
Nissan Sentra is a simple small economical car. It's relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain. The optional 2.5-liter engine provides plenty of power.
On the downside, the Sentra has had some reliability issues. If you are looking for more reliable small car check Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. If you planning to buy Nissan Sentra, you may want to consider an extended warranty, at least for the powertrain.
What to look for when buying a used Nissan Sentra
As a first step, check used car history records. A history report may help you to uncover some of the problems the car might have in the past such as accidents, flood damage, rolled back odometer, rental use, etc. Follow this link: How to check used car history
- Watch for leaks, they are not uncommon.
- If the "check engine" light is on, have the problem assessed with your mechanic or a Nissan dealer before buying a car; in some cases a defective part might be quite expensive (e.g. the ECM, airflow sensor, catalytic converter).
- Make sure to test horn operation.
- Check operation of all accessories including all windows and heater controls.
Learn more what to look for when buying a used car. Before buying a car, have it checked out by a mechanic. Check the insurance quotes first as some models could be costly to insure.
After you bought a car, visit your local Nissan dealer to check if all necessary recalls have been performed. Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.
Few maintenance tips
- Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint.
- If you live in the area with high humidity, rustproofing will help to protect the car body from corrosion.
- Keep your engine oil and other fluids clean and topped up.
- Avoid overheating the engine; this may cause serious problems.
- Take care of minor issues as soon as you can, before they can cause major problems.
- Always check your parking space for leaks, and if you find one, get it fixed as soon as you can.
- At least once a year have your car inspected in a garage on the lift (e.g. when doing tire rotation) to keep it safe. Many components (e.g. brakes, steering, suspension) cannot be properly inspected by simple visual inspection at fast lube places; the car must be on the lift.
Check more Car maintenance tips from Samarins.com
Nissan Sentra short specs. (2004 model)
| Dimensions: | |
| Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Wheelbase: |
177.5 in (4509 mm) 67.3 in (1709 mm) 55.5 in (1410 mm) 99.8 in (2535 mm) |
| Cargo volume: |
11.6 cu. ft. (328 liters) |
| Base Curb Weight: | |
| 1.8 Manual: 1.8 Automatic: 1.8 S Manual: 1.8 S Automatic: 2.5 S: SE-R: SE-R Spec V |
2513.3 lb (1140 kg) 2587.8 lb (1174 kg) 2580.9 lb (1171 kg) 2624.8 lb (1191 kg) 2763.4 lb (1253 kg) 2761.3 lb (1253 kg) 2710.1 lb (1229 kg) |
| Engines: | |
| 1.8 / 1.8 S 2.5 S / SE-R SE-R Spec V |
16 valves 1.8L DOHC I4, model QG18DE 126 hp @ 6000 rpm, 129 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm 16 valves 2.5L DOHC I4, model QR25DE 165 hp @ 6000 rpm, 175 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. 16 valves 2.5L DOHC I4, model QR25DE 175 hp @ 6000 rpm, 180 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. |
| EPA Fuel Economy (US MPG, L/100km): | |
| 1.8 / 1.8 S Manual: 1.8 / 1.8 S Automatic: 2.5 S / SE-R Automatic: SE-R Spec V Manual: |
city: 28MPG (8.4 L/100km) hwy: 35MPG (6.7 L/100km) city: 28MPG (8.4 L/100km) hwy: 35MPG (6.7 L/100km) city: 23MPG (10.2 L/100km) hwy: 28MPG (8.4 L/100km) city: 23MPG (10.2 L/100km) hwy: 29MPG (8.1 L/100km) |
| Recommended Fuel: | |
| 1.8 / 1.8 S / 2.5 S / SE-R SE-R Spec V |
regular unleaded premium unleaded |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: |
13.2 US gal (50 liters) |
| Engine Oil capacity: | |
| 1.8 L engine: 2.5 L engine: |
3.1 quart (2.9 liters) 4.1 quart (3.9 liters) |
Resources
Nissan Ownership Information -
manuals and guides, maintenance tips schedules and more
Fueleconomy.gov - compare EPA fuel economy ratings.
Insurance quotes - compare insurance quotes before buying a car.
Repair manual - find how you can get access to an on-line repair manual for your car.
How to buy a used car - step by step guide.
How to check used car history - check used car history records before buying a car.
What to look for when buying a used car - illustrated used car checklist.
