4 Star Reviews for 2003 Nissan Sentra

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.40/5 Average
206 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2003, there is a new 2.5 Limited Edition trim, which includes GXE front fascia styling, the 165-horsepower QR25 4-cylinder engine, standard automatic transmission, standard Antilock Braking System (ABS) and side-impact supplemental airbags. The Sentra CA model is no longer available as all 1.8-liter engine-equipped Sentra XE and GXE models sold with California emission specifications offer zero evaporative emissions and meet SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles) standards. Other changes this year include a new power steering ratio for XE and GXE, a revised six-speed manual transmission for SE-R Spec V model and a new bright yellow exterior paint color for the SE-R and SE-R Spec V.

Pros:
  • Pleasing cabin design, SULEV emissions for California-sold cars, 165-horsepower SE-R sport version, fun to drive.
Cons:
  • Generic styling, Limited Edition and SE-R Spec V models command premium price.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 206.00
  • 2003 Sentra S-ER - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    I really like this car. Other than the less than perfect transmission shift quality and bumpy ride mentioned below, there has not been much to complain about. Interior trim details, such as the HVAC controls seem a little cheap, but they work fine. Plus this car will smoke Civics at a stoplight.

  • Your info is wrong! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    Your info listed for this car is wron! There are many more options than you list. You have not available listed for many things that are available! I have auto locks/windows/ mirrors, front interior map lights,vanity mirrors on both sides, abs brakes, split seats in the rear that fold down w/ acces to the trunk, alarm system that shuts the engine down if someone tries to steal it, cd player and other things. So, please list that these things are available. Thanks!

  • Good One - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    Good tight feel. Great for teenagers.

  • The car for those that like to drive - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    I looked at this car along with the Protege, Cavalier and Focus. After driving them all, this car was by far the best choice. It is FAST and FUN. It has room for my family (two car seats) and still puts a smile on my face when driving. The seats are supportive and well bolstered. The R/F stereo is exceptional (although not world-class). I got leather put in on all seats and inserts and would highly recommend this. My only complaint is that reverse is located on the right side of the shifter (off of 5th/6th) and there is only a detente to push through to get there. You can end up there in spirited up and downshifts (at high speed).

  • Fun and powerful - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    WEll i just bought my car yesterday...i love the power and i got a great proce on it...1740O w/ moon roof and audio package not including Tax, tags, and freight...the second i got in the car i knew it had to be mine. You can just feel the power that this small car has. i test drove it and loved it. the 6 speed manual tran is a beautiful thing...responsive and generally has a good sports car feel to it. I will update my enrty as time goes by. Honestly dont pass this one up...i was in the market for amazda 6 but when it cam,e down to it the Spec v had the power and enough options to keep me happy and at a good price.

  • 2 years down the road - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    Well, Ive had this car now for 2.5 years now so I think I know it pretty well. First, second and third gear rubber, not bad. Torque steer can get very bad and out of control. Looks are excellent. Reverse lockout is very poor. Hitting reverse while shifting to 6th gear is possible with little effort (Ive done it several times). Front seats are poor design. Put something flat on it and it ends up in the back on the floor. Turning radius is also poor, Fuel average for city is 20 mpg. I have the black one, paint quality is poor but looks great. Nicks or scratches with little effort. Still, I like this car. Sound system is fine, for me anyway. This car will hold a tight turn like no other.

  • The most features in its class - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    I absolutely love the features provided with this vehicle (165 hp/ABS/Side Air Bag/4 wheel disc brakes/alloy rims/audio package/cruise control on steering/...) the most in its class. The car is very quick with good low-end torque. Took a while to get used to steering wheel stiffness; wish it was stiffer at higher speeds. Good interior design (I disagree with many car reviews). If the car hood had more character then the exterior design with the tail fin is better than the competitions. I wish this car had the SE-R sports-tuned suspension. Major complaints: uncomfortable seats, too much noise entering the vehicle at highway speeds.

  • Good car so far knock on wood - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    Car had an o ring leak at one month of age. At 6 months of age head gasket went leaked anti freeze on belt, Dealership replace head gasket but refuse to replace belt that still from this day squeals cause of glazing. Paint is chipped on bottom of doors due to stones and road salt. Car interior seats stain badly. Car flooded in cold weather just from moving car off driveway onto side of road. Handles great on turns and awesome braking. Great on gas. Small interior for leg room not meant for a family car. handles okay on icy roads.

  • Nissan Sentra 2003 GXE - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    Ive put 9000 miles so far in the first 3 months(expected). I have one problem where the engine idled rough, and was hard to start, and the "Service Engine Soon" light came on. I scheduled an appoint to take to dealer, but the light went off by the time I did, and service dept. didnt find a problem - been fine since then. I bought this car for the fuel economy. The sticker had 29Cty and 35Hiwy, but only 31.5 to 32 MPG. However, it has increased steadily from 28 to now at 32.+. Maybe by 6 months I might hit the 34-35 mpg range? Overall, it appears to be a solid, well built little car.

  • This is a car built for 2 - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    There are a few things about this car that I dont like. The back seat is built for midgets, there is absolutely no leg room for the passengers in the rear. also, my Sentra is sometimes a little sluggish when you take off or are climbing a hill. I like the cup holders in the back, but the ones in the front are too close to the stereo, so only the small to medium drinks will fit in them.

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