1997 Nissan Sentra GXE review from North America

So far, I am quite happy with this car, especially because it's my first car (I'm 17). Nothing is really wrong with it, but here are some minor issues:

There is an occasional grinding noise in the left-front region, possibly due to loose wheel-housing (lining along underside of fender/bumper) or a worn-out brake.

The stock stereo is terrible and I am looking forward to getting it replaced with a nice CD-player or something.

I need to replace my windshield wipers because rainwater is smeared in such a way that I cannot see too well in rainy conditions.

There is no tachometer.

I wish it had a spoiler.

I wish it had the 1998-1999 grille (the black one).

I wish it at least had 15" factory wheels.

Ooh... another wish. Well, it would be nice to have the side mirrors being the same color as the body.

I really don't have any performance-related problems with this car the way it is, but I wish it had a manual transmission.

First of all, this car gets excellent gas mileage! With air-conditioning on most of the time while driving on about 7 gallons of gas in both city and highway conditions, the car has been driven about 200 miles so far according to the nifty trip odometer.

This car is surprisingly quick, especially for a little car with an automatic transmission. I hit 60 MPH in about 7 seconds or so.

Comfort and handling is excellent.

Having all power options such as power windows and locks is everything a 17-year old can ask for in a first car.

This car zips through traffic very easily.

This car has a nice sound to it while being driven.

The air-conditioning works great.

Defrosters work quickly.

I'm so confident in this car that I just might use it on a drive to my sister's house in Florida (about 928 miles).

Nissan Sentra rules!