Overview & Reviews

The base model is now simply called "Base" instead of S. Nissan works to quiet the Sentra's interior by using a bigger muffler and reducing the number of suspension-mounting points.

• Relatively powerful engine, nice interior ergonomics, and good fuel economy.

• Boring styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 43.00

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  Shell Be Missed - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Long-time driver - October 16 - 5:20 pm

  After 12 years and 208,000 miles, the old girl finally gave up the ghost (timing chain and more - would have cost almost three times the cars worth to fix). But over that time, I only had two major repairs - one involving the oxygen sensor right after the warranty expired (of course) and another a few years ago. And I drove this car everywhere. The visors fell off, the headliner was drooping, the bumper was dinged and a tail light had electrical issues - and still she drove like a dream. No get-up-and go, but thats not what this cars about. If you find one in good cosmetic shape, buy it for your kid - great starter car, even 12 years later.

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  "Old Reliable" - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By dustnh - October 4 - 10:16 pm

  I got this car when I was 17 after my car was totaled an accident. I always thought it was a good car as a teenager but after my husband & I slowly got new cars, the Sentra ended up just sitting for about a year. My newer car bit the dust after 7 months of a 100 mile round trip commute every day. My husband & I got the Sentra tuned up & it is as good as new (with 167,000 mi)! We did have to do some regular repairs while we drove it in the early 2000s, with one repair costing approx. $600. However, the car is a gem that is well worth doing a few minor repairs to in order to avoid a car payment while we save up for a new one. I would definitely buy another Nissan, no doubt about it.

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  My Nissan Sentra - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Yaasika - April 1 - 2:00 am

  For a little car, it does really well. Ive owned it for about 4.5 years and my car has treated me more than great. I bought the car used from a dealer with almost 17K miles. I kept up routine maintenance, but I didnt get my first tune up until 106K miles. I just put in a new alternator at about 120K miles. I still have the same muffler, all the power windows/locks still work. I havent had any major repairs. Driving this car has been a joy & surprisingly low maintenence. I would definately buy another Nissan product (Ive out grown the Sentra). All in all, I love my little car!

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  Not so good - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Danielle - March 9 - 9:53 am

  I purchased this car in 2000 with 30,000 miles on it. About 3.5 years into having the car, the check engine light went on and stayed on. It doesnt really give me a problem and it goes off in the winter and back on in the summer. Ive had to replace a lot on this car though. Ive replaced the brakes about 4 times, the fan belt twice, the starter once, the fuel pump once and the MAP sensor once. I dont know if the car is garbage or if I just drive it hard. I do know that I wouldnt buy another Nissan Sentra, it served its purpose at 19 years old, but now being 26 Ive grown tired of its lack of power and size. Its now up to 108,000 and when it dies there will be no more repairs.

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  Cant beat it with a stick - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Roy Yeager - December 4 - 6:13 am

  We bought this car new in 1997. It is a 5 speed with the 1.6 engine. 203,000 miles later it is still a good solid car that has had nothing but normal wear repairs for a car with this many miles. After it hit 170,000 I have replaced 1 starter, EGR valve, oxygen sensor and driver side axle. It developed a main seal leak at 180,000 which I havent fixed yet but will. With that done I would drive it cross country. Still has the original clutch. 38 MPG average and 42 MPG on the interstate running 75 to 80. Its part of the family.

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  A solid, reliable, used car. - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By J.R. - June 15 - 12:43 pm

  Have had my 97 GXE for seven years, and it has been an excellent choice in a used car. Just under 100,000 miles on it, and it delivers a solid 27 MPG in mostly city traffic and needs very little maintenance. This is a commuter car, though, no doubt. The 1.6L engine and auto transmission are pretty well paired and give good power delivery. Seats in the 1997 models are lacking, particularly in lumbar support. Spirited driving is definitely not recommended, as youll quickly hit the limitations of a soft suspension and too-small brakes for the class. Still, if you can find a 95-99 with low miles that hasnt been flogged hard, its a good choice for a kids first car or a station car.

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  1997 Nissan Sentra - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By osgoodusa - April 17 - 11:43 pm

  This is the second worst care I have owned. out of about 15 cars and pickups. At 88000 miles, the fuel system failed completely, the steering and front suspension are going out, and the timing chain is about to go. The oil and filter have been faithfully changed every 3000 miles. It is a strange combination of poor performance and bad gas mileage. Yuk!

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  Great car, simply great - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Timothy - April 2 - 2:00 am

  i bought my sentra from a friend of mine and immediately i fell in love with it. it handlres really really well, its well deisgned, and it gets excellent gas mileage

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  171k miles - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By 171k miles - February 18 - 7:53 am

  I bought this car used with 171k miles for my girlfriend to drive. I paid $1800.00 and the car has new tires and paint. I invested another $100.00 in a radio and a hubcap (both missing). I took the car to my mechanic who suggested an alignment, then took the car for CA emmissions. It passed. Since then I have had to replace clogged windshield washer sprayers.

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  I cant stand this car any longer!!! - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By tortured - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Well whenever I try to go up a hill with this car, it goes at about 10 mph, unless I floor it...and in that case, it just makes the car do this weird thing where it feels like its being thrusted by the gear shift. It has a very noticable shift(I have an automatic), and it feels very unstable on the highway. I mean, the car works, but not well, in my opinion.