Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
22 -27 City / 28 -33 HWY
Horsepower
126 -175
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Johnson L
My Nissan Sentra is a good running car to be a 2002.
It's a gas saver. It runs well even though it is an aged care. I love it. The parts are cheap, a really can do job yourself watching YouTube. Its small but comfy. It is just right for me. If given the chance I would purchase another Nissan Sentra, maybe this time with a sunroof and black. It drives easy and smooth also.
accountCircle Jayson f
Mileage per gallon is the most outstanding feature for this car.
My sedan is very reliable. I am proud that it is durable. I do wish the paint job was better.
accountCircle john s
Good, reliable, inexpensive car. The next generation has even better lines.
I like that it has a timing chain instead of a high maintenance belt. This lets it be inexpensive to maintain. I dislike that the interior has so much plastic. It becomes brittle over time and breaks.
accountCircle Adrian W
Great gas mileage! Love this car.
I really enjoy this car. Great gas mileage. I haven't had to do anything other than change the spark plugs. Part have been rather cheap as far as I have looked also. Definitely recommend this car to anyone.. Kids, old folks, middle age people. Air and heat are both great. Plenty of trunks space for a small car.
accountCircle Katherine S
My first car.. My Nissan sentra
I really like my Nissan. It has style and comfort. It has an adjustable set that you can change to your preference. It is 4 door which helps when you have more passengers. I like the roomy backseat and very roomy trunk. I don't like the tire size which causes it to sit low to the ground but of course that is adjustable. It has dual airbags and it is definitely good on gas which helps on longer trips
accountCircle Susan P
Good value for the money. Style is nice. Reputable make.
Just the right size for me. It does not have all the modern technology, and conveniences. It does not require much maintenance.
accountCircle Miss H
My 2002 Sentra is reliable and hasn't let me down.
My vehicle is very old but yet it is very durable. The interior is cozy and comfortable and I can for 4 people in the car with me. It is very reliable and doesn't remind me of a super old car. The only problem I have had with my car is the noise of an old car which is common with all older cars. I have no complaints I love my car.
accountCircle Armando R
It still needs one more part to replace but it still can last a while
I bought my car used but it runs great i just needed to give it a oil change and replace some little parts that cost almost nothing... I do wish it would spend less gas... It doesn't burn through it don't last as much as it probably should that would be my only complaint either than that it's really reliable.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Shohreh K
It helped us to communicate to work and school. Although it's old, we count on it
It's too old and doesn't have AC. It's shaking all the time. Hope I can change it
accountCircle Jacki H
I have owned that car for several years now and I have gotten my money's worth out of it.
I like the fact that my car still gets me around and can still pass inspection. I dislike that it breaks down a lot and needs a lot of repairs.
accountCircle Jennifer W
Had 3 different tires on it, one that was a size too big. It is drivable.
Bought at a seedy auto dealership. Found out it has more issues that need to be fixed soon. They be made promises and have not kept their word. Not worth price I paid. Very let down.
accountCircle Gavin N
Budget car, if you do not have any other choice to buy.
The seats and interior is all fuzzy. Keep getting static shock from the doors. The only the radio is old. There is no AUX port, no Bluetooth. Other than that, the driving is decent. Cannot complain if your load on money. The automatic gear shifter is kind of slow.
accountCircle Gavin G
Not a great car, get a newer car with more features.
Functional. Basic radio, unless you customize it. Seats are a bit tight. Trunk is small. Not a fast car. No lights for the gear shifter. Just get a Toyota Camry. No AUX port to plug your phone. Seat adjustments are manual. This car is only good for close distances. I do not sweetheart it for a road trip.
accountCircle Michelle A
The one most important thing is the it costs a lot to fix.
Because it old. Had a lots of problems. It costs a lot to fix. I can trust it to get me where I need to go.
accountCircle Heather C
It's an ok car it gets. Me where I need to go.
My car is ok, but the air condition doesn't work, it acts like it wants to stall out sometimes, and it does this thing where I push on the gas and it revs up but I don't go any faster, other than that it's not that bad. The inside is nice, it burns gas kind of fast, the seats are comfortable, only the front speakers work.
accountCircle Eva M
Nissan Sentra 2002 review. I like that it started on 1st try after for 2 mos.
It wasn't bought new. It starts up great after sitting for 2 months w/o a problem. It, however, has electrical problems and is falling apart inside. Window switch malfunctions and overhead compartment fell down while driving nearly hitting me in the face.

Nissan Sentra Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
XE
126 HP 30-30 MPG 5 Seats
car
GXE
126 HP 30-30 MPG 5 Seats
car
CA
126 HP 30-30 MPG 5 Seats
car
SE-R
165 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
SE-R Spec V
175 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2002 Nissan Sentra Owner Reviews

3.80
51 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 24%
4 stars 47%
3 stars 18%
2 stars 10%
1 star 2%
accountCircle Pamela P on March 24, 2021
Trusty, Trendy, Nissan Sentra
This car has a great amount of room in the back and the front and has 4 doors as well as 4 windows. The seats are comfortable without being too close to the ground when getting into or out of the vehicle. The seat belts are comfortable and adjustable which is important not to have too tightly on your neck area. The motor in this car is great and gets great gas mileage. It comes in 5 speed standard or automatic transmission. Ours is 5 speed standard and they really handle in icy, snowy weather.
accountCircle jackie g on March 20, 2021
My car drives good and gets goo mileage
Like the mileage I get ... The size of the car ... Enjoy having 4 doors ... Wish it had come w/a better radio/speakers.

Ranks #17 Small Cars by Owners

The 2002 Nissan Sentra has an average owner rating of 3.89 out of 5 which ranks it #17 of 24 other Small Cars.

1
car
5
2
car
4.8
17
car
3.8

Ranks #7 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Nissan Sentra has a combined MPG of 35 which ranks it #7 of 24 other Small Cars.

1
car
41 MPG
2
car
40 MPG
7
Tie
car
33 MPG

Is The 2002 Nissan Sentra A Good Car?

Yes it is. I like it very much. I have never like foreign cars but I like this one because it's good on gas and it handles the road good. It has a few minor issues that need work but other than that... Read More
William W.
Yes, and it gets great gas mileage. This vehicle is low maintenance and very dependable, my next vehicle will definitely be a Nissan.
Erika W.
It's decent. It was left unused for a few years and possibly flooded, but that's not the cars fault. Been dealing with mystery wiring and electrical issues. And can't pass an emissions test.
Jon Q.
It's wonderful. My mother bought it new and she has had no problems. I do most of the driving now and I think it's a very good car.
Mark S.
Yes it is a very reliable vehicle. My Sentra is a 2002 and I have owned it since 2017. It has given me minimal trouble in the past 3 years.
Louise C.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Nissan Sentra?

Yes it's reliable. It has a few problems. It needs shocks. It needs new tires. It needs a tune up but other than that it's a really good car. Gets me where I need to go
Charity B.
My 2002 Nissan sentra is extremely reliable. The only problem my 2002 Nissan sentra has would be the headlight lenses.
Cynthia B.
It has electrical issues. Spent $700 on figuring it out, but no luck. The car runs great. But won't pass an emissions test.
Jennifer Orchard J.
It has been reliable for the past 17 years and I would use it for a road trip if needed. The tires have of course been changed and we just did the brakes last month. Regular oil changes and... Read More
Alta S.
It is very reliable. It has given me minimal issues. The only issues I have had is related to rusting since it is old and proper care was not taken of it.
Denise J.

Is The 2002 Nissan Sentra A Good Value?

It cost me 3000. It was a good value at the time. I think I could have gotten it for a lower price if I wanted to. But didn't know it had some issues when I bought it
Lauren K.
I paid $1900 for my 2002 Nissan sentra, used. The 2002 Nissan sentra had just 130,000 miles on it and drove like a brand new car. Yes it was a good value.
Patti O.
I got it as a trade for personal training services. It valued at $1,500. Would not have been able to put up the money otherwise.
Daniel M.
I purchased it from a previous owner at 1500. I believe it is a great value for the price. It has given me a good few years and hopefully it will continue to give me great years.
Christina L.

Related Articles for 2002 Nissan Sentra

From the Vehicle History blog

car
Nissan Sentra: Common Problems You Might Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2002 Nissan Sentra starter relay location?

Answer: The starter on the 2002 Nissan Sentra is located inside the steering column and is connected to the ignition where You put the keys in. One of the most important “ and most forgotten “ components of any...

What's the 2002 Nissan Sentra power steering fluid type?

Answer: The 2002 Nissan Sentra power steering fluid type is Prestone. The power steering fluid needs to be changed every 75,000 miles or so. Along with replacing fluids, You will come across noises from steering parts....

What is the 2002 Nissan Sentra GXE fuel filter location?

Answer: The pump is not serviceable by design but You can replace the fuel filter. The Nissan Sentra gxe fuel filter is located in the tank by the fuel pump. Do not poke around at these, if You do not know what You're...

Does the 2002 Nissan Sentra GXE have a timing belt or chain?

Answer: The 2002 Nissan Sentra GXE has a 1.8 L 4Cylinder engine that is equipped with a timing chain instead of a timing belt. Many people prefer the timing chain as it's strong and built to last and You usually won't...

What's the 2002 nissan sentra oil type?

Answer: The 2002 Nissan Sentra uses SAE 5W-30 engine oil. Nissan recommends that You use synthetic oil whenever You need to change it. There are two types of oil that are on the market these days, synthetic and...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety