2003 Nissan Sentra Research & Reviews

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 191 through 200 of 206.00
  • FAST LITTLE CAR - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    i owned a ford escort before my se-r, so i am really happy. the power is amazing for a 4 cylinder, the stereo sounds great and the front end looks so cool. nissan has really done a great job putting some sports into there little sedan. also the brakes are very smooth and the leather heated seats are a great option for such a low priced car.

  • Somewhat tame SE-R - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    Theres no doubt about it, the SE-R is a supercool car. There is another option though. I have a medical condition (head injury) which makes it very hard to drive a standard. The same condition also makes me want a car with the latest safety features. The LE comes with AT, ABS, and side air bags standard. The SE-R was impossible to find with this combination, at least for me. However, the LE comes with the same 2.5 liter engine as the SE-R. It provides the same grin inducing forward motivation as the near legendary SE-R. The LE is great for driving around town with its abundant low end torque.

  • Best Car under $20k! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    I have had my Spec V for about 6 months now, and I love it. I push the car to its limits, and it keeps up with many cars much more expensive. Its fun to consistantly beat little hindas, and acuras that have been hopped up.

  • Nissan Sentra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    Great Car...interior needs an overhaul though...exterior is great smooth acceleration great car!!!

  • Just a comment - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    I bought this car with 17 miles back in September and I consider myself to be an agressive driver. I also put a lot of mileage on this car as I am already at 11,900 miles a week short from 6 months. The car is awesome and I would buy it again in a heartbeat. It response quickly and no Civic, V6 Mustang or any other car in its class can come close on the highway. There is a downfall though. All this fun vanishes when it rains. I give the Continentals a zero if I had to rate their performance in the rain. The car simply does not stop on wet pavement and skates on the white lines in front of the traffic lights.

  • fast Spec v - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    I bought my Spec v in Jan. of 2003 that is the best car I have ever owned. The speed the car has is great. Its a quick car and good on gas. Just the wheels are very weak.

  • Not for the Average Joe. - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    If you are one of those non car savvy folks with little to no mechanical skills, this is NOT the car for you. Well, unless you have loads of cash at your disposal for repairs. I have owned my SPEC V since 2004, and trust me, changing the oil and basic maintenance just does not cut it for these things. The 2 main issues on this particular model are the butterfly screws inside the intake manifold that NEED to be loctited and the stock exhaust manifold that NEEDS to be replaced with an aftermarket header ASAP after purchase, due to the poor factory design that can cause SERIOUS DAMAGE to your engine. If you enjoy modding, working on cars and learning about them, this car can be very rewarding.

  • No Cruise Control! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    I bought this car, sight unseen, after a recommendation from a friend who had it thoroughly checked out. Not at all disappointed except for one thing. I have the GXE model and there is one thing that really bugs me - there isnt cruise control. This car is loaded for the price has power everything else including keyless entry. Im not sure why cruise control isnt a standard feature since it ranks pretty low on the ladder of options. Overall, Im very happy with it and would recommend this car to anyone who wants reliable and reasonable transportation.

  • Excellent Value - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    I bought my 2.5 Limited Edition one month ago. The major selling point for me was the engine. It only takes 1/2 throttle to merge into freeway traffic. It is really great to know that the car will respond immediately when you want to accelerate, even when its competition wont (even in the 40- 45 mph where most cars take some time to really get going. I have had no problems (so far) and am very pleased. Do yourself a favor and test drive one before you buy any other car in the same class/type.

  • SE--R - 2003 Nissan Sentra
    By -

    Well, I have to tell you, this SE-R is extremely fun to drive! But, please, if you are looking at the SE-R, get maual transmission. Plus, the higher end SE-R Spec V is not too much more and comes with 175 horsepower, 6 speed manual, and other features. The SE-R is very fun to drive, but can swerve a little when accelerating. That isnt too abvious, and isnt that big of a deal. Very good job on the car.

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