2000-2006 Nissan Sentra: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2000-2006 Nissan Sentra and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Rear-seat entry/exit
Vehicle Highlights
Nissan redesigned its smallest sedan for 2000, with bigger dimensions for its fifth generation. Introduced after the 2000 model year began, the "entry-level" 4-door was the first version to be designed exclusively for the U.S. market. XE and uplevel GXE versions used a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that made 126 horsepower. The sportier SE got a 145-horsepower 2.0-liter four. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard with either engine, but a 4-speed automatic was optional. A special Sentra CA, sold in California, met that state's Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle requirements. Antilock brakes and front side airbags were optional, as a package for the GXE and SE only. The SE sedan had standard 4-wheel disc brakes and was the only Sentra available with a sunroof. XE and GXE models rode on 14-inch steel wheels, while the SE got standard 15-inch alloy wheels. An in-dash CD changer was optional only for GXE and SE sedans.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Sentra XE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2000-2006 Nissan Sentra. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2000-2006 Nissan Sentra.
Year to Year Changes
2001 Nissan Sentra:
Except for the addition of an in-trunk emergency release, little was new for 2001. The base XE edition lost its driver's-seat height adjuster.
2002 Nissan Sentra:
Gone was the 145-hp SE model, replaced at the top of the line by the SE-R and SE-R Spec V. These new models had a larger engine with 165 hp in the SE-R and 175 in the Spec V. The SE-R had unique interior trim, a sport suspension, and 16-inch wheels vs. other Sentras' 14s or 15s. The SE-R Spec V got further suspension revisions, 17-inch wheels, distinct exterior styling touches, and its own interior decor, including sport front seats.
2003 Nissan Sentra:
The Limited Edition, basically a GXE with a 165-hp 2.5-liter engine, plus standard automatic transmission, ABS, and front side airbags was added to the lineup for '03.
2004 Nissan Sentra:
The Sentra got minor front and rear exterior changes in 2004.
2005 Nissan Sentra:
Availability of satellite radio is among the few changes to Nissan's smallest sedan for 2005. All models get new upholstery fabrics for 2005, and the 1.8 S adds cruise control and a trip computer as standard.
2006 Nissan Sentra:
No 2006 changes for Sentra.
Our road test for the 2000-2006 Nissan Sentra includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2000-2006 Nissan Sentra and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2000-2006 Nissan Sentra is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Sentras don't exactly feel underpowered. SE-Rs are among the quickest subcompact cars: 7.8 sec 0-60 for SE-R, 7.0 sec for Spec V, Nissan says. Still, a test GXE with a manual transmission needed a relatively leisurely 9.9 seconds to reach 60 mph. Automatic adds at least a second to that pace. With its bigger engine, the SE is quicker--but not by all that much unless it has the 5 speed, which helps this small sedan feel quite spirited. Automatic transmissions are smooth and responsive enough, but some 5 speeds have suffered imprecise shift action and overly sharp clutch engagement, which makes smooth driving tricky. As for economy, a GXE averaged 24.9 mpg, while an SE managed 28.5 mpg. Both had manual shift. Sentra's base suspension delivers safe, predictable front-drive handling, but only modest cornering grip on its standard all-season tires. Some bounding at higher speeds is noticeable, as is marked wheel patter on washboard-surfaced freeway segments. Although the ride isn't really bad, the suspension is less absorbent than that of a Honda Civic, Volkswagen Jetta, or Toyota Echo. A firmer suspension gives the SE sportier handling, with a slight loss of ride comfort. No model is really quiet, with tire roar higher than the class norm. Even without ABS, a GXE stopped in reasonably short distances with little nosedive and easy pedal modulation, but some sudden wheel lockup. Interior space could be more generous. The lack is most noticeable in back, where 6-footers can sit upright but have little leg or foot space if the front seat is pushed all the way back. Front seats don't move far, either, so tall drivers might also feel cramped. Entry/exit is hindered by small rear door openings. Gauges and controls are simple and handy. The radio is high, but smallish buttons and markings make it a little hard to use. Interior storage is above average, but trunk space is not, aggravated by a moderate-size opening and scant height beneath the parcel shelf.
Value for the Money
Not as refined as a Civic or as roomy as a Ford Focus, Nissan's "entry-level" sedan is solid enough--and priced right on the secondhand market.
Not as refined as a Civic or as roomy as a Ford Focus, Nissan's "entry-level" sedan is solid enough--and priced right on the secondhand market.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Sentra XE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 7 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Sentra includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Sentra .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
If the air conditioner does not cool, the thermocouple in the evaporator may be at fault. A new probe must be installed in a different location. (2000-01)
Audio system:
Popping and crackling noises in the audio system are often due to cell phones plugged into the cigarette lighter. Using a different power source or moving the phone often helps. (2000)
Steering noise:
Squeaks or rattles from the front end when turning are often due to misaligned, and damaged, strut bearing not fully seated in its recess. It was being replaced under warranty. (2000)
Water leak:
The driver's-side floor gets wet because the air-conditioner evaporator drain hose has a tendency to fall off the pipe at the evaporator case. A hose clamp may help. (2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $610 |
| Alternator | $320 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $740 |
| Brakes | $200 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $430 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,230 |
| Exhaust System | $345 |
| Radiator | $325 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $520 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $770 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Sentra details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| Sentra 1.8/1.8S | $8,500-9,400 | $7,700-8,500 | $4,400-4,900 |
| Sentra SE-R | $10,800-12,000 | $9,700-10,800 | $5,800-6,500 |
| 2005 | |||
| Sentra 1.8/1.8S | $7,200-8,000 | $6,400-7,100 | $3,500-3,900 |
| Sentra SE-R | $9,300-10,300 | $8,400-9,300 | $4,800-5,400 |
| 2004 | |||
| Sentra 1.8 | $6,000-6,700 | $5,200-5,800 | $2,500-2,800 |
| Sentra 2.5 | $7,200-8,000 | $6,400-7,100 | $3,500-3,900 |
| Sentra SE-R | $7,900-8,800 | $7,100-7,900 | $4,000-4,500 |
| 2003 | |||
| Sentra Limited Edition | $6,100-6,800 | $5,300-5,900 | $2,600-2,900 |
| Sentra SE-R | $6,600-7,400 | $5,800-6,500 | $3,000-3,400 |
| Sentra XE, GXE | $5,000-5,700 | $4,300-4,800 | $2,000-2,300 |
| 2002 | |||
| Sentra SE-R | $5,500-6,200 | $4,700-5,300 | $2,300-2,500 |
| Sentra XE, GXE | $4,200-5,000 | $3,400-4,100 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| Sentra SE | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| Sentra XE, GXE | $3,600-4,300 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 2000 | |||
| Sentra SE | $3,800-4,400 | $3,100-3,600 | $1,200-1,400 |
| Sentra XE, GXE | $3,200-3,900 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Sentra include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 99.8 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.3 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.5 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2548 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.6 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.9 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.0 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.7 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Sentras came with either of two dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engines, depending on model. A 1.8-liter four rated at 126 horsepower went into the XE and GXE, while the SE sedan used a 145-hp 2.0-liter. Both engines came with 5-speed manual shift or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The 145-hp SE model was replaced by the SE-R and SE-R Spec V. These new models had a larger 4-cyl engine with 165 hp in the SE-R and 175 in the Spec V.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.8 / 110 | 126 | 129 | 5-speed manual: 27/35 4-speed automatic: 26/33 |
5-speed manual: 24.9 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 145 | 136 | 5-speed manual: 24/31 4-speed automatic: 24/30 |
5-speed manual: 28.5 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.5 / 152 | 165-175 | 175-180 | 5-speed manual: 24/29 6-speed manual: 22/28 4-speed automatic: 23/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 6-speed manual: 18.2 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Mexico
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Sentra include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2000 Sentra |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2000-2006 Nissan Sentra directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2000-01 Senta:
Steel wheels could fail and separate from the mounting hub without prior warning.
2000-02 Senta:
May be missing tamperproof caps meant to prevent horizontal headlamp adjustment.
2001 Senta:
Bolts used to attach each front-suspension lower control arm to the body on the left and right sides may not have been properly manufactured and could fracture, increasing the risk of a crash.
2002 Senta w/ 2.5 liter:
Exhaust pipe hanger pin may catch debris from that could be ignited by contact with the main catalyst. Dealers will remove the protruding pin and install heat shield(s).
2002:
The engine may stall while being driven at low speed due to an overheated crankshaft position sensor. Dealers will reprogram the ECM.
2003 Senta:
Corrosion on resistor in ECM could cause check-engine light to come on or cause the engine to stop.
2005 Senta:
Vapor hose in fuel tank may not have been formed correctly; if tank is full, fuel may flow into the hose, causing vapor canister to fill and excess fuel to spill onto the ground.
2005-2006:
The engine may stall while being driven at low speed due to an overheated crankshaft position sensor. Dealers will reprogram the ECM.
2006 Senta w/ 2.5L engine:
Excessive engine oil consumption as a result of improper performance of the piston rings may occur. If the oil is not maintained at least at the minimum level, engine damage can occur, and in extreme cases, an engine fire. Nissan notified owners of the possibility of excessive oil consumption and the importance of maintaining the oil at a proper level.
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