Nissan remains a leader in the small car marketplace with the 2003 Sentra, featuring sophisticated styling, advanced option packages and new exterior colors. For 2003, Nissan continues to refine the fifth generation Sentra sedan with a new Sentra 2.5 Limited Edition Package and other equipment changes. The 2003 Sentra will be offered in five versions – SE-R and SE-R Spec V (covered separately), the well-equipped XE and GXE models and the Sentra 2.5 Limited Edition Model. The Sentra CA model is no longer available as all 1.8-liter engine-equipped Sentra XE and GXE models sold with California emission specifications offer zero evaporative emissions and meet SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles) standards. Highlights of the 2003 Nissan Sentra include:
Body
- Available fog lights and rear spoiler on GXE
- Flush-mounted, one-piece “multi-parabola” halogen headlamps
- Crisp styling with fresh, distinctive design
- Body-color front grille, side moldings and bumpers on XE
Engine and Driveline
- 126-horsepower 16-valve DOHC 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 129 lb-ft of torque
- 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 165 horsepower on Sentra 2.5 Limited Edition Model
- All 1.8-liter engine-equipped Sentras sold with California emission specifications offer zero evaporative emission and rated as SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle)
- Choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (standard on Limited Edition Package)
- Front engine/front-wheel drive
- New exterior color – Envy (super dark green)
- Platinum-tipped spark plugs with 100,000-mile maintenance intervals
Suspension, Steering and Braking
- Independent MacPherson strut front suspension; front and rear stabilizer bars (GXE), front subframe
- Rear Multi-Link Beam™ suspension
- New power steering ratio for XE and GXE
- Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
- Standard 15-inch tires for XE and GXE models
- Power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes with optional ABS on GXE
Interior Features
- Remote keyless entry system, 60/40 split down rear seat and rear heater ducts now standard on GXE
- Standard power windows with driver-side one-touch auto-down feature, power door locks (GXE)
- Choice of two interior colors – Sand and Stone
Safety and Security
- High strength body construction, front and rear crumple zones, pipe-style steel side-door guard beams
- Dual front supplemental air bags, available front seat side-impact supplemental air bags (GXE, Limited Edition Model)
- Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren), emergency inside trunk-release
Models and Manufacturing
- Offered in three well-equipped models: XE, GXE and 2.5 Limited Edition Model
- New 2.5 Limited Edition Model, which includes GXE front fascia styling, the 165-horsepower QR25 4-cylinder engine, standard automatic transmission, standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and side-impact supplemental air bags
- Assembled by Nissan Mexicana (NMEX), Aguascalientes, Mexico