2004 Nissan Sentra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
A Sentra by any other name would still drive as sweet...The 2004 Nissan Sentra changes its trim designations, but essentially keeps...
A Sentra by any other name would still drive as sweet...The 2004 Nissan Sentra changes its trim designations, but essentially keeps everything else the same in its economy compact sedan. From commuter to budget driving enthusiast, the 2004 Sentra tries to please every type of driver.
Engine size replaces the old trim names. The XE and GXE are now the Sentra 1.8 and Sentra 1.8S, both with a 1.8-liter, 126-hp I4 engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The 1.8S adds on power features, remote entry, an 8-way driver's seat, and CD player. The 2.5 Limited Edition is now the 2.5S, carrying the 2.5-liter, 165-hp I4 from the SE-R. It carries the auto tran only and adds on ABS brakes and side impact airbags, which are optional on all other models (but the base 1.8). The SE-R and SE-R Spec V retain their names, engines, and their racing-inspired suspensions. They come with larger wheels (16" and 17" respectively), and in 2004, the Spec V gets more supportive sport seats and optional Brembo brakes. Both SE-R models and the 2.5S get a standard trip computer, and all models feature an upgraded audio system.
The 2004 Sentra is the number two seller for Nissan, most likely because it is an affordable compact that comes with a lot of standard features and, with the SE-R, a fun driving experience. Rear seats are cramped, but they do split-fold 60/40 for more trunk room, and there are many storage options throughout the cabin, including a dash-mounted box. Gas mileage is great in the 1.8 models (28/35) and decent in the 2.5 (23/30). Owners like the handling and zippy performance of the 2004 Sentra, and love the power and torque in the SE-R models. They complain about interior quality, with easily breakable plastic parts that show scratches and stains. Paint chipping is also a problem. Reliability has been an issue with the 2004 Sentra, with many drivers reporting starter failures. Side impact crash ratings were disappointingly low.
What owners say
"Overall, most drivers are pleased with the 2004 Nissan Sentra, appreciating its performance, reliability, and affordability. Many enjoy the smooth ride and good gas mileage, making it a solid choice for both beginners and long-term use. However, some drivers mentioned it lacks power and can feel cramped, particularly for longer trips. A few also pointed out that it might not feel as sporty as they would like."
The Sentra SE-R Spec V is a great performance 4 door. Has an option to get brembo breaks, sunroof, and rockford fosgate stereo system. The car is built to take corners and turns very well, great acceleration. The appearence is a nice clash between sporty and evey day driver. This car gets really good gas mileage around 28 in town and 30 highway. the fun factor of this car is 10 out of 10
March 9, 2009Performance was great once I did cold air intake, synthetic motor oil, iridium spark plugs, and cat back exhaust. Also the result was improved gas mileage with the modifications. I am happy with the Sentra, and it has great potential as at performance tuner car.
June 13, 2009It's a surprisingly quick little sedan with the six speed and 2.5. It handles like its on rails but isn't too stiff to be comfortable. It seems to be pretty solidly built, but does make extensive use of plastic in the interior. I think it's a pretty good looking little car, and so do most people I come into contact with. It is an economy car, although not as much as, say, a Prius. It gets around thirty miles per gallon and I have had no maintenance issues so far, and I've had it for over a year. It is a fun little car to drive. Its small, light, and very nimble in the curves, plus the six speed makes it feel much faster than it really is. But be warned, you will speed EASILY in this car because it pulls pretty good even in top gear. Over all, a fun car to drive that actually isn't over the top boy racer looking and gets good milage with minimal maintenance.
February 3, 2009What owners say
The Sentra SE-R Spec V is a great performance 4 door. Has an option to get brembo breaks, sunroof, and rockford fosgate stereo system. The car is built to take corners and turns very well, great acceleration. The appearence is a nice clash between sporty and evey day driver. This car gets really good gas mileage around 28 in town and 30 highway. the fun factor of this car is 10 out of 10
March 9, 2009Performance was great once I did cold air intake, synthetic motor oil, iridium spark plugs, and cat back exhaust. Also the result was improved gas mileage with the modifications. I am happy with the Sentra, and it has great potential as at performance tuner car.
June 13, 2009It's a surprisingly quick little sedan with the six speed and 2.5. It handles like its on rails but isn't too stiff to be comfortable. It seems to be pretty solidly built, but does make extensive use of plastic in the interior. I think it's a pretty good looking little car, and so do most people I come into contact with. It is an economy car, although not as much as, say, a Prius. It gets around thirty miles per gallon and I have had no maintenance issues so far, and I've had it for over a year. It is a fun little car to drive. Its small, light, and very nimble in the curves, plus the six speed makes it feel much faster than it really is. But be warned, you will speed EASILY in this car because it pulls pretty good even in top gear. Over all, a fun car to drive that actually isn't over the top boy racer looking and gets good milage with minimal maintenance.
February 3, 2009Performance is great on the track. Car handles extremely well and braking is outstanding. Car is very well built. Have never left me on the side of the road or given me any major problems. I will say that I love driving this car whether it be on the track or around town. Definitively a fun car.
December 3, 2011It's a generally good car to have. Suspension is great and offers a pretty smooth ride for an entry level car. Price is fair and maintenance is also relatively affordable if you source from the right places. They should maybe lose the 1.3 engine and begin at 1.6 to really let this animal loose. Response is quite nice. Turning radius is also good.
June 30, 2009I love this car! It handles amazingly for being a front-wheel drive car. The torque helps the car pull pretty decently in the low and mid ranges and just carries to the redline! The stock sound system also sounds great!
February 14, 2010This was my first car and the best car that I have ever had. I would highly recommend this car for long term use. I have never had any problems with it, except for a dead battery. I regret the day that I traded it in.
November 3, 2020the spec v is a sport compact lovers dream car. it has awsome performace in all ranges. the handeling of this car stock is nothing short of excellent. This car also has a great sleek look, yet wont have cops following you for miles waiting for you to speed. This car is a fun car to drive. the sound that this engine puts out when the secondary intake runners open up is phenomanal. if i were to rate this car i would rate it a 9/10. no other car can give you all this for this good price.
December 10, 2008The acceleration was amazing and the handling in the curves incredible. The bench were design to hold you in the curves. Very confortable and it didn't cost a lot for insurrance because the companies didn't know about the car ! Overall I give a 9/10 appreciation and i recommend the car for people over 25 years of age because it's easy to reach 215 km/h.
August 10, 2008Acceleration isnt that bad for being a 1.8 liter, its not that roomy, kinda noisy, doesnt ride well over bumps at all. Only gets up to 116ish, gas mileage is good. over all not a bad car for having 133000 miles on her!
March 9, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $17,860 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $14,960 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 126 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $17,460 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 165 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $12,960 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 126 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,060 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 175 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
