1998 Nissan Sentra Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I got this car when it was 1 yr old and I had just graduated from driving school. I used it all through out high school and my collegiate career. Granted, it kind of stunk in college when everyone I knew had a Benz, BMW, GT, or just a new model vehicle, here I was in my ole realiable. This car will never be called "fancy", there's 2 front seats and a backseat that seats 3. The interior is bland. It has a solid AC, heat, and a radio. Therefore, it's enough for me. Was paid it off long ago and decided to keep it because it gets great gas mileage in a $4 a gallon economy and run it in until my maintenance is more than my gas. Had a few problems with the battery, the engine overheating, the motor on the passenger window, visors, and a few flat tires but all those were fairly easy fixes. It's even been hit side on in a vehcile accident but with good insurance and a great body detalier, it was brought back to life. Again, gas mileage is awesome, it's a nice little compact car, comfortable enough for to and from the office, and for Saturday excursions all over town. It won't turn heads or impress anyone but then again you can always start it and know it's going to get you home.
VS
Critical Review
I have a 1998 Sentra SE with the 2.0 liter engine. I drive it a lot -- so will focus on maintenance issues. I've gone through about 4 alternators -- Nissan no longer makes these, and rebuilt/aftermarket ones aren't reliable. Front struts replaced. Both front half axles replaced (boots had torn and that screwed up things). Transmission -- 1st gear synchro shot and some of the bearings weren't that happy -- rebuilt. Paint is showing some rust at some of the body joints. I decided to get the check engine light problems fixed - caused by problems in the purged-canister system -- seems that mechanics did not have a grasp of repairing this system. Engine doesn't have its original power, but this whole car likes highway speeds(75-80 mph). Does not burn oil. Have slight overheating problem in summer with AC on -- mechanics have not been able to diagnosis the cause. Radio is a piece of junk. Haven't seen many of these Sentras on the road lately.
1998 Sentra Reviews
Showing 8 of 235 reviews.
Please use only Non- ethynol fuel. Make sure tire pressures are up to factory specifications, Change engine oil at 5,000miles. check your brakes at least every 15 to 20000miles You will easily get over 200,000miles or better of years of good service.
Fuel economical
Doesn't have a lot of power going up mountains.
I have had my 1995 Sentra GXE since 1995 when I got it brand new. I now have 199,000 miles on it and the engine still purrs like a kitten and still runs as quiet and smooth since the day I got it. This was my first ever car so I have held onto it for sentimental value. But I have also taken care of it throughout it's life. I have fixed things immediately when they break and always keep up to date with changing the fluids on schedule. If you take care of your car, it will take care of you. I have replaced pretty much every major part in this car as they all wear out over time just like they would in any other car. The only thing I have never replaced is the exhaust, water pump and fuel pump. I ended up replacing the transmission at 190,000 miles with a used one. I currently have 199,000 miles on it, so I'm hoping it will at least last me for another 100,000 more. Within the last several years though, I have restored my Sentra to where you would never think it's a 25 year old car. I have painted it and replaced all the cracked plastic parts on the interior and exterior with brand new OEM parts I bought off e-bay or from a website in Japan. I replaced both front headlamps and signal lamps and rear tail lights and backup lamp assembly (which I had to buy used off of e-bay, but the one I bought didn't have a single scratch on it). I have done a lot of work to restore it to where it almost looks like a newer model car. Everything electronic in my Sentra still works: AC, heat, cruise control, rear defrost, power windows, locks and mirrors. Awhile back I also installed a Viper alarm system to have keyless entry and a remote start. This car is one of the most fuel economical cars out there. The only drawback is it only has 115 horsepower so it doesn't have a lot of get up and go. If going up a steep mountain, it will top out at 65-70 mph and that's flooring it. But if you live in a flat area like I do (Florida), then it's perfectly fine and has enough get up and go to handle flat terrain. It performs just fine on the highways here in Florida. I have probably put more into my car to restore it then it's worth, but this is the first car I have ever owned so it holds some sentimental value to me. But it also still runs smooth and quiet and is just a great car.
Great gas millage, super reliable, fun to drive
I cant drive it forever. :(
Ive had this car for 17 years and will be so sad when it finally dies. Other than a few mechanical issues (a couple starters and fuel filter/pump/oil pan gasket replacements) and minor typical older car problems (broken sun visors,etc.) it has been the perfect vehicle. I bought it from a rental agency and it had less than 20,000 miles on it and now it just rolled over to 185000 and still runs great. I know eventually it will die and the cost will be more than its worth which is a shame.
she's too old now for comparisons sake, but great
very little storage in the back
This car has been amazing imo. Very little work done, nothing major and honestly, the way I drive, about an oil change every 9 months or so. Very little maintenance needed has meant only 60 dollars a year avg or less for this car's history with me. I've enjoyed having this car and for having so little worry concerning problems.
I have a 1998 Sentra SE with the 2.0 liter engine. I drive it a lot -- so will focus on maintenance issues. I've gone through about 4 alternators -- Nissan no longer makes these, and rebuilt/aftermarket ones aren't reliable. Front struts replaced. Both front half axles replaced (boots had torn and that screwed up things). Transmission -- 1st gear synchro shot and some of the bearings weren't that happy -- rebuilt. Paint is showing some rust at some of the body joints. I decided to get the check engine light problems fixed - caused by problems in the purged-canister system -- seems that mechanics did not have a grasp of repairing this system. Engine doesn't have its original power, but this whole car likes highway speeds(75-80 mph). Does not burn oil. Have slight overheating problem in summer with AC on -- mechanics have not been able to diagnosis the cause. Radio is a piece of junk. Haven't seen many of these Sentras on the road lately.
its been and still is a great car the 1999 gxe
faulty sun visors and weak engine
Today is june 19, 2015 and it has 206,556 miles! I bought the car used at 35,000 miles in 2000. mechanically it has and still is great. both sun visors broke. I have always changed the oil at 3,000 miles and since the day I bought it have only put Chevron gas with the exception of 5 times. My car was assembled in Mexico! the only major repairs done have been the radiator, fuel pump/filter, oxygen sensor and ignition switch. Consumer reports states the late 90s are very reliable than the 2015s. I have one of the good ones I guess.
just do it
dont procrastinate
love it
This was the best year for Nissan Sentra GXE limited Edition! No engine problems, reliable and fun to drive. In the last year have replaced alternator, and Right Radiator fan assembly and added FREON get really COLD now! I would keep it but I just got an excellent deal for a 2012 Nissan VersaS.....good friend will be buying this from me because he knows how well it was taken care of.
