2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V from North America - Comments

6-Speed transmission is a pain.

Paint is cheap and thin.

The Exterior- They Said.

"The SE-R rear end gets the de rigueur wing that fails to reduce rear-end lift or visually lift the Sentra's droopy butt." - Car and Driver.

"The SE-R and Spec V are no head-turners, but look racier than regular Sentras, with such items as a Skyline-style front fascia with a mesh grille and large fog lights. " - MSN Autos.

"Staying true to the original Sentra SE-R, the newest version has a plain body style that didn't leave anyone on staff stunned by its lines. Mostly inoffensive, it had a few design quirks, such as a character line (on the sides) that looks as if someone erased it where it approaches the front and rear of the car, and a rather dowdy rear end." - Edmunds.com.

"We thought the Sentra SE-R Spec V was a very good-looking car, even if the spoiler and other add-ons are a rather obvious effort to appeal to the more youthful male buyer. The Sentra, without the do-dads, has an understated simplicity. We like it." - Car Talk.

The Exterior- I Say.

While I like the styling of the SE-R and the Spec V, I'm not blown away by it. I personally like the 2003 MazdaSpeed Prot

Excellent review. I like the fact that you compare industry high points and low points to your own, direct experience. I am an '02 owner and my feelings pretty much match yours. This is the most fun I've had with any car -- I even traded in my WRX to buy this as the WRX was riddled with problems. I actually got a useful tip from you in regards to the gear problems. I will try synthetic gear oil as mine is quite clunky through the first three gears, and sometimes difficult to get into Reverse. I'm going to have the dealer check the synchronizations, but will definitely try the synthetic gear oil. Thanks for your write-up, it was very informative and well written. If you have time, please send me an email with the gear oil you used since it sounds like it's working well for you. Email me at mjensen@chulavista.lib.ca.us

Mike.

Synthetic oils can void your warranty if used under 20,000 km. bull$&^# but if Nissan has an out they will take it. Make absolutely sure that the right oil is used. some oils are not compatable with the materials in our gear box and will cause deterioration.

I got 3,000 km more to go and its synthetic all the way around.

I thoroughly enjoyed your comments about the Spec V. I love my 02 Spec and wouldn't trade it-especially the seats :-). I did want to add on to the synthetic oil comment and suggest motor mount inserts which are easy to install, inexpensive ($58 or so), and eliminate the crunch all together which is really the only problem I've had with the car to date (with the exception of small vibration at idle). Thanks.

The Sentra SE-R Spec V is definitely one of the best pocket rockets. I have to give props to the safety team with this one. I had a 2002 Spec V and rolled it about 4 times and walked away with nothing more than a few bruises. Now I have a 2004 Spec V and I must say that I like the 02-03 body styling better. All of the after-market parts for this car is nearly endless. I wouldn't pick another sports sedan other than the Spec V.

I loved your review of this great car! I turned 16 in July and I acquired an 05 Spec V for my first car. I absolutely love it! It's quick (I toasted an 06 Si and ran with a 93 5.0, along with blowing the doors off a Jag S-Type), has insane handling and is an all around great car. My friends give me crap for driving a Sentra, but I reply that it's as much a Sentra as an SRT-4 is a Neon. Great Review!