2004 Nissan Sentra Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Freshened styling is the main 2004 news for Nissan's smallest cars. All Sentras are 4-dr sedans with revamped front and rear appearance for '04. The line starts with 1.8 and step-up 1.8 S models, both with a 126-hp 1.8-liter 4-cyl engine and a choice of 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. The 2.5 S and SE-R use a 165-hp 2.5-liter 4 cyl and come only with automatic transmission. The performance-oriented SE-R Spec V has a 175-hp 2.5 and comes only with a 6-speed manual. SE-R and Spec-V have sport suspensions and 16- and 17-inch wheels, respectively. Other Sentras have 15s. All but the 1.8 models have 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS and front side airbags are standard on the 2.5 S and optional for most other models. The Spec V has exclusive exterior and interior trim, special sport seats, and, for '04, is available with a Brembo-brand brake option.

News

A redesigned Sentra is due for 2006 as the first vehicle developed by Nissan with its French partner, Renault. It's structurally related to Renault's latest Euro-market Megane, which means a taller, roomier Sentra with a longer wheelbase, plus unique styling. Though Megane won Europe's 2003 Car of the Year award, Nissan stresses that new-Sentra powertrains, suspension and other underskin components will be Nissan's own, not Renault's. And Sentra will still be sourced from Japan, not France. We'd expect current engines to carry over with various improvements, but it's unclear whether Nissan will offer 2- and 4-dr hatchbacks like Renault or stick with "trunked" sedans.

For 2007, Sentra will reportedly add a hybrid powertrain option, the first from Nissan for regular retail sale. The gasoline-electric system is licensed from Toyota and may also be supplied by Japan's number-one automaker, though we can't confirm that. Powertrain specs are also unknown right now, but don't be surprised if they duplicate the Hybrid Synergy Drive of Toyota's much-in-demand new-generation Prius.

2004 Nissan Sentra Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (SE-R)	Ride (SE-R Spec V)

Steering/handling (SE-R)	Rear-seat entry/exit

Fuel economy	Cargo room

	Noise

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	4	6	4

Test manual-transmission 1.8 S clocked a lazy 9.9 sec 0-60 mph; expect about 11 sec with automatic transmission. Test Spec V took 7.9 sec. No opportunity to time 2.5 S or automatic SE-R. Manual transmission in any Sentra suffers imprecise shift action.

Fuel Economy

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
6	7	5	6.6

Test manual-transmission 1.8 S averaged 24.9 mpg; expect slightly less with automatic. SE-R Spec V averaged 18.2 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel for Spec V.

Ride Quality

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	3	4.4

The 1.8 and 2.5 S tend to bound over large moguls and jiggle on rippled freeways. SE-Rs have firmer, more-controlled ride motions, but stiffly sprung Spec V can be fidgety even on apparently smooth pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
5	5	7	5.3

The 1.8 and 2.5 S have 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. Spec V's standard limited-slip differential helps quell torque steer. Brakes feel strong, but non-ABS test models tended toward sudden front-wheel locking in simulated panic stops.

Quietness

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	3	3	4

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

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, 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.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
4	4	5	5.1

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 and, starting with 1.8 S, seat-height adjustment. Insufficient seat travel may cramp longer legs. Good outward visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
3	3	3	3.9

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

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
2	2	2	3.9

Subpar for class, with intrusive trunklid hinges and scant height beneath rear parcel shelf. Average-size trunk opening. All but 1.8 and Spec V have folding rear seatbacks. Decent interior storage across the board.

Value within Class

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
7	7	6	5.6

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 sporty SE-R and Spec V versions.

Total Score

1.8, auto.	1.8 S, man.	SE-R Spec V	Class Average
45	47	47	48.4

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		48
High Score		64

2004 Nissan Sentra Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 02/16/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

1.8 4-door sedan, manual	$12,300	$11,762	$560

1.8 4-door sedan, automatic	$13,100	$12,527	$560

1.8 S 4-door sedan, manual	$14,300	$13,300	$560

1.8 S 4-door sedan, automatic	$15,100	$14,044	$560

2.5 S 4-door sedan, automatic	$16,800	$15,625	$560

SE-R 4-door sedan, automatic	$17,200	$15,997	$560

SE-R Spec V 4-door sedan, manual	$17,400	$16,183	$560

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

1.8

Powertrain

1.8-liter 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, passenger-side visor mirror, rear defogger, remote fuel-door and decklid release.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

195/60R15 tires, wheel covers.

1.8 S adds to 1.8:

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, map lights.

2.5 S adds to 1.8 S:

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder 165-horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, trip computer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, alloy wheels.

SE-R adds to 1.8 S:

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder 165-horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, trip computer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 195/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.

SE-R Spec V adds to SE-R:

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder 175-horsepower 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
Convenience Pkg.
1.8	$1,250	$1,085
Air conditioning, AM/FM/CD player.

Road Trip Pkg.
1.8 S manual	$450	$391
1.8 S automatic	$420	$364
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob (manual), cruise control, upgraded sound system.

ABS and Side Airbags Pkg.
1.8 S automatic, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$600	$520
Antilock brakes, front side airbags.

Spec V Brake Pkg.
SE-R Spec V	$1,000	$867
Brembo upgraded brakes, gold-painted front calipers.

Sunroof Pkg.
1.8 S automatic, 2.5 S, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$700	$607
Power sunroof, illuminated visor mirrors. 1.8 S requires Road Trip Pkg., ABS and Side Airbags Pkg.

Audio Fanatic Pkg.
SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$550	$478
Rockford Fosgate sound system, partial folding rear seat, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

Safety
Front side airbags
1.8 S	$250	$217
Requires Road Trip Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Interior air filter
1.8, 1.8 S, 2.5 S, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$50	$38


Premium Audio Pkg.
1.8 S	$150	$131
Upgraded sound system.

Floormats
1.8, 1.8 S, 2.5 S, SE-R, SE-R Spec V	$140	$105
Includes trunk mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler
1.8, 1.8 S, 2.5 S	$360	$278

2004 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.	2513

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	dohc I4

Size, liters/cu. in.	1.8 /110	2.5 /152	2.5 /152

Horsepower @ rpm.	126 @ 6000	165 @ 6000	175 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	129 @ 2400	175 @ 4000	180 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	28/35	--/--	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	--/--	23/29

4-speed automatic	28/35	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

Side Impact, Driver	2

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	Optional/--	--

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

< 2004 Nissan Sentra Photos

Also in the 2004 Nissan Sentra Review:

Nissan Sentra

Nissan Sentra Road Test

Nissan Sentra Prices & Equipment

Nissan Sentra Specs & Safety

Nissan Sentra Photos

Nissan Sentra Full Review

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