2001 Nissan Serena GXE from North America

Summary:

Great if you can afford the maintenance

Faults:

My biggest complaint is although there are great bells and whistles, they all cost a fortune to fix. I miss my Ford.

Replaced the spark plugs 3 times.

Wires were beginning to corrode at 85, 000 km

Oxygen sensor malfunctions.

Required a new head gasket - Canadian $850.00

Alternator Belt went at 100, 000km

Air flow sensor had to be replaced at 95, 000km - $600. Fix it or the car will not run.

Very little room in the back seat. I didn't take this in consideration because... who sits in the back when they're test-driving.

Headlight bulb costs $25 ea to repair. That's a steep climb from $3.

General Comments:

This is a peppy, but temperamental little car.

My biggest complaint is that although there are great bells and whistles, they all cost a fortune to fix. I miss my Ford.

What I do love is the variation in seat adjustments for a comfortable ride. If Nissan could just be more wallet-friendly with the repairs, it would be a great car. Also, if the car's performance wasn't constantly compromised by computer chips and sensors, it would be fine. If I took my car in everytime the "check engine" light came on (which I did at first), I would be living at the garage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th May, 2006

2001 Nissan Serena SE 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Small car performance

Faults:

Headlight seal failed causing condensation. Dealer replaced unit, but did not align headlight properly. 4000 miles.

Overhead onsole lights do not function properly as they stick on and are difficult to operate.

Lights in console shift display failed. Repaired by dealer. 11000 miles.

Paint seems to chip very easily.

One point which is important is to be sure to point your wheels straight ahead when parking. Leaving the wheels turned makes it extremely difficult to start the car due to the steering wheel lock. My wife called me twice complaining she couldn't get the car started.

General Comments:

I bought this car for my daughter. With the SE 2.0 package I found this to be a very enjoyable car to drive. The engine screams and the handling is excellent due to the firm suspension, H rated low profile P195/55H16" tires.

The stereo system is incredible with a 180 watt, 7 speaker package. Pop in a CD and this system will blast you out of the car (if that is your thing).

The seats are quite comfortable even on a long road trip. All gages and controls are logically located and simple to operate.

The 4 wheel disc brakes are absolutely the best I have ever seen on any car. When driving a Sentra be sure to wear your seatbelt or you might just put yourself through the windshield with a quick jab on the binders.

Although I have never been much of a small car guy, this Sentra is a blast to drive.

My only wish is that I had purchased the SE-R Spec-V package. I paid about $15,000 for this car. It was a demo that the salesman was driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th August, 2002

27th Jan 2003, 06:32

The review is for the Sentra and not for the Serena!