2003 Nissan Sentra: Road Test
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2003 Nissan Sentra ▼
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- MSRP: $12,099 -$17,199
- Invoice: $11,379 -$15,726
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Our road test for the 2003 Nissan Sentra includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Nissan Sentra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Nissan Sentra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Nissan Sentra help you decide if a 2003 Nissan Sentra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
A manual-transmission GXE clocked a lazy 9.9 sec in our 0-60 mph test; expect about 11 sec with automatic. Test 175-hp Spec V took 7.9 sec, close to Nissan's claim for the 165-hp SE-R. Manual transmission in any Sentra suffers imprecise shift action. We haven't yet tested the new automatic-only Limited Edition.
FUEL ECONOMY
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5 | 6.5 |
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, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.4 |
XE/GXE tend to bound over large moguls and jiggle on rippled freeways. SE-Rs have firmer, more-controlled ride motions, but Spec V can be fidgety even on apparently smooth pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 5.3 |
XE/GXE make predictable front-drive moves, with modest cornering grip but quick, responsive steering. SE-Rs have impressively grippy, agile handling, but suffer marked torque steer--unwanted pulling to one side--during quick acceleration. Brakes feel strong, but non-ABS test models tended toward sudden front-wheel locking in simulated panic stops.
QUIETNESS
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Mediocre even for small cars. Tire roar higher than the class norm--especially in Spec V--and engines get fairly loud and thrashy sounding in full-throttle work.
CONTROLS
| 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-Rs dress things up with metal-look finishes and leather trim.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 4.8 |
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 tilt steering wheel, seat-height adjustment starting on GXE models, plus good visibility, but insufficient seat travel may cramp longer legs.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
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
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.8 |
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. Decent interior storage across the board.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| XE, auto. | GXE, man. | SE-R Spec V | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.4 |
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 | 47 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 46
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