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2002 Nissan Sentra Full Review
Date Published: 5/31/08
Also in the 2002 Nissan Sentra Review:
2002 Nissan Sentra Review
New sport models highlight 2002 changes to Nissan's smallest car. All Sentras are 4-dr sedans with a 4-cyl engine. Base XE and midline GXE models have 126 hp. (As does the CA model, sold only in California to meet strict emissions standards.) Gone is the 145-hp SE model, replaced at the top of the line by the SE-R and SE-R Spec V. These new models have a larger engine with 165 hp in the SE-R and 175 in the Spec V. The SE-R has unique interior trim, a sport suspension, and 16-inch wheels vs. other Sentras' 14s or 15s. The SE-R Spec V gets further suspension revisions, 17-inch wheels, distinct exterior styling touches, and its own interior decor, including sport front seats. Manual transmission is standard on all models--a 6-speed on the Spec V and a 5-speed on the others. All but the Spec V are available with automatic transmission. Side airbags and ABS are optional on all but the XE and CA. SE-R and Spec V have 4-wheel disc brakes.
Competition
A perennial favorite, the Honda Civic, is as good as ever. We love the wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and a high degree of civility. We also love almost everything about the Ford Focus, but were reluctant to rank it a Best Buy because it was new from the ground up. After a year of living with a ZTS model, we can say that the reliability is good. Focus ranks a notch below Civic in some areas but costs less.
Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Toyota Echo, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
Topping the crowded Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys. However, they are among the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Toyota Echo, the sporty Nissan Sentra, and the roomy Mazda Protege.
News
Helped by early introduction of redesigned 2001 models, Sentra sales jumped 56.5 percent year-to-year in calendar 2000, then rose another 13.5 percent in the first nine months of 2001. Of course, people often turn to smaller, more affordable cars when economic life gets difficult, but Sentra's recent showing is commendable all the same.
The revived SE-R and new Spec V models put Nissan back in the "pocket rocket" game against Honda's latest Civic Si and Ford's newly heated SVT Focus, to name two. Sentra's next full redesign reportedly awaits the 2006 model year, with the current generation seeing no fundamental change in the meantime.
The revived SE-R and new Spec V models put Nissan back in the "pocket rocket" game against Honda's latest Civic Si and Ford's newly heated SVT Focus, to name two. Sentra's next full redesign reportedly awaits the 2006 model year, with the current generation seeing no fundamental change in the meantime.
2002 Nissan Sentra Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Rear-seat entry/exit |
| Acceleration (SE-R) | Ride (SE-R) |
| Steering/handling (SE-R) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test manual-transmission GXE did 0-60 mph in a lazy 9.9 sec; automatics need about 11 sec. SE-Rs among quickest subcompact cars: 7.8 sec 0-60 for SE-R, 7.0 sec for Spec V, Nissan says. Manual transmission in any Sentra suffers imprecise shift action.
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 | 7 | 3.7 |
Test manual-transmission GXE did 0-60 mph in a lazy 9.9 sec; automatics need about 11 sec. SE-Rs among quickest subcompact cars: 7.8 sec 0-60 for SE-R, 7.0 sec for Spec V, Nissan says. Manual transmission in any Sentra suffers imprecise shift action.
Fuel Economy
Test manual-transmission GXE averaged 24.9 mpg; expect slightly less with automatic. SE-R Spec V averaged 18.2 mpg. Nissan recommends premium fuel for the Spec V.
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 5 | 6.7 |
Test manual-transmission GXE averaged 24.9 mpg; expect slightly less with automatic. SE-R Spec V averaged 18.2 mpg. Nissan recommends premium fuel for the Spec V.
Ride Quality
XE/GXE tend to bound over large moguls and jiggle on rippled freeways. SE-R has firmer, better-controlled ride, with Spec V reacting sharply to most any surface imperfection.
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.1 |
XE/GXE tend to bound over large moguls and jiggle on rippled freeways. SE-R has firmer, better-controlled ride, with Spec V reacting sharply to most any surface imperfection.
Steering/Handling/Braking
XE/GXE have predictable front-drive handling with quick, responsive steering but modest cornering grip. SE-R versions stick to the road, stop, and change direction with impressive athleticism, but suffer some torque steer--unwanted pulling to the side--during quick acceleration. Brakes feel strong, but non-ABS test models tended toward sudden front-wheel locking in simulated panic stops.
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 4.9 |
XE/GXE have predictable front-drive handling with quick, responsive steering but modest cornering grip. SE-R versions stick to the road, stop, and change direction with impressive athleticism, but suffer some torque steer--unwanted pulling to the side--during quick acceleration. Brakes feel strong, but non-ABS test models tended toward sudden front-wheel locking in simulated panic stops.
Quietness
Average in any model. Tire roar higher than the class norm--especially in Spec V--and full-throttle work makes the XE/GXE engine fairly loud and thrashy sounding.
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Average in any model. Tire roar higher than the class norm--especially in Spec V--and full-throttle work makes the XE/GXE engine fairly loud and thrashy sounding.
Controls
Neat, logical, unremarkable. Radio sits nice and high, but has small buttons. Interior materials solid and serviceable. SE-R versions dress up with metal-look finishes and leather trim.
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Neat, logical, unremarkable. Radio sits nice and high, but has small buttons. Interior materials solid and serviceable. SE-R versions dress up with metal-look finishes and leather trim.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Typical small-car space. Seats nicely padded and shaped; special Spec V buckets are very firm with prominent bolstering for great support in fast cornering. Drivers enjoy standard seat-height adjustment and tilt steering wheel, plus good visibility, but insufficient seat travel may cramp longer legs.
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4.4 |
Typical small-car space. Seats nicely padded and shaped; special Spec V buckets are very firm with prominent bolstering for great support in fast cornering. Drivers enjoy standard seat-height adjustment and tilt steering wheel, plus good visibility, but insufficient seat travel may cramp longer legs.
Room/Comfort (rear)
OK head room for those 6-ft and under, but very little leg or foot room if front seats very far back. Entry/exit hampered by narrow door bottoms.
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
OK head room for those 6-ft and under, but very little leg or foot room if front seats very far back. Entry/exit hampered by narrow door bottoms.
Cargo Room
Subpar for class, with intrusive trunklid hinges and scant height beneath rear parcel shelf. Average-size trunk opening too. All but the Spec V have folding rear seatbacks, and Sentras have decent interior storage.
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.3 |
Subpar for class, with intrusive trunklid hinges and scant height beneath rear parcel shelf. Average-size trunk opening too. All but the Spec V have folding rear seatbacks, and Sentras have decent interior storage.
Value within Class
No Sentra is as refined as a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta, or as roomy as Ford's Focus. But these are solid enough small cars, and prices are competitive, even for the lively SE-R versions.
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 4.7 |
No Sentra is as refined as a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta, or as roomy as Ford's Focus. But these are solid enough small cars, and prices are competitive, even for the lively SE-R versions.
Total Score
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
| 45 | 47 | 48 | 44.2 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 31 | |
| Average Score | 44 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2002 Nissan Sentra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/01/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| XE 4-door sedan, manual | $11,999 | $11,285 | $540 |
|
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| XE 4-door sedan, automatic | $12,799 | $12,038 | $540 |
|
|
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| GXE 4-door sedan, manual | $13,949 | $12,754 | $540 |
|
|
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| GXE 4-door sedan, automatic | $14,749 | $13,486 | $540 |
|
|
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| CA 4-door sedan, automatic | $15,099 | $14,392 | $540 |
|
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| SE-R 4-door sedan, manual | $16,199 | $14,812 | $540 |
|
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| SE-R 4-door sedan, automatic | $16,999 | $15,543 | $540 |
|
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| SE-R Spec V 4-door sedan, manual | $17,199 | $15,726 | $540 |
Price note: CA model available in California only.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XE
Powertrain
1.8-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, rear defogger, remote fuel-door and decklid release.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
185/65R14 tires, wheel covers.
GXE adds to XE:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, height-adjustable driver seat, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors.
CA adds to GXE:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 195/60R15 tires, alloy wheels.
SE-R adds to GXE:
Powertrain
2.5-liter dohc 165-horsepower 4-cylinder engine.
Safety
4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights, sport suspension, 195/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
SE-R Spec V adds to SE-R:
Powertrain
2.5-liter dohc 175-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: split folding rear seat.
Spec V suspension, 215/45ZR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
XE Option Pkg.
|
||
|
XE
|
$1,249
|
$1,084
|
|
Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player.
|
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Road Trip Pkg.
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GXE
|
$359
|
$311
|
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Cruise control, upgraded sound system, overhead console, map lights.
|
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Road Hugging Pkg.
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GXE
|
$499
|
$432
|
|
Fog lights, 195/60R15 tires, alloy wheels.
|
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Synergy Pkg.
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GXE manual
|
$1,049
|
$910
|
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GXE automatic
|
$999
|
$866
|
|
Road Trip Pkg. plus Road Hugging Pkg., leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear spoiler.
|
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Sunroof Pkg.
|
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SE-R automatic, SE-R Spec V
|
$699
|
$606
|
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Power sunroof, illuminated visor mirrors. SE-R Spec V requires Audio Fanatic Pkg.
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Audio Fanatic Pkg.
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SE-R automatic, SE-R Spec V
|
$549
|
$477
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Rockford Fosgate sound system, partial-folding rear seat, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.
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Safety |
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Front side airbags and antilock brakes
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GXE, SE-R, SE-R Spec V
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$749
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$650
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Interior air filter
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XE, GXE, SE-R, SE-R Spec V
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$49
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$38
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
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SE-R automatic, SE-R Spec V
|
$399
|
$346
|
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Requires Sunroof Pkg., Audio Fanatic Pkg.
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Floormats
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CA, GXE, SE-R, SE-R Spec V, XE
|
$79
|
$61
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Rear spoiler
|
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XE, GXE
|
$359
|
$278
|
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2002 Nissan Sentra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Sentra 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.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.8 /110 | 2.5 /152 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 126 @ 6000 | 165 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 129 @ 2400 | 175 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 27/35 | 24/29 |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 22/28 |
| 4-speed automatic | 27/33 | 23/28 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Nissan Sentra 4-door sedan |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | Extra cost/-- | Security Plus |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Mexico
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Nissan Sentra Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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