2003 Nissan Sentra Spec V review from North America

ECU went out about 1 year, covered under warranty (later there was a recall for this -- mine died before the recall notice was sent out)

Problem with temp control knob.

Had the butterfly valve issue; caused very rough running.

All items fixed under warranty.

I chalk the above issues to "so what?" The car is really fun to drive, cheap to maintain (well, some of the maintenance trips can be high -- $500+, which blows).

I've experienced the problem getting the thing into reverse, just need to be careful, let it roll forward an inch or two... shifter can still be a little crunchy, but I've learned where to shift on the RPM curve and this isn't much of an issue. Still love how smmmooooooth the engine is. Just a wonderful plant.

Great handling, great feel... good feedback through the steering wheel. The original Conti's are too slick for rain (hydroplane VERY easily) and impossible in the very infrequent ice/snow in Dallas... Fuzon's do much better in the rain.. MUCH better, but maybe a notch lower performance-wise on dry pavement.

Love the l-s differential (remember that, guys?) Only chagrin is: hey Nissan, you can tweak this baby for more horses/torque, afterall it's a 2.5l. Does anyone remember that idiotic 210hp *supercharged* v6 Exterra from a couple of years ago. I know, everyone dumbs down their engines, but they can do better by the Spec V and we ALL KNOW IT.

Incidentally, I drove this thing from Dallas to Reno and back in early 2004. No problems, no kinks in back or butt... very, very nice ride. And, I still think it looks great, preferring the more aggressive front end treatment. I did add a pair of tweeters in the front pillars... brought the front soundstage a little higher and closer to my ears (and added a little "crystal" to the sound).