2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R

The brand new Nissan Sentra SE-R finds itself in the unenviable position of trying to follow a great act. That great act was the original Sentra SE-R. Introduced here in 1991 with a 2.0-liter twin cam four cylinder, the original SE-R quickly became the darling of the affordable-racer set. Its all-around great performance landed the 140-horsepower compact a coveted spot on Car And Driver magazine’s “10 Best” list every year the car was available in this market, as well as other such accolades. Autocross and street racers ate it up. Then the SE-R went away in ’94, replaced briefly in ’95 by a 200SX SE-R that didn’t measure up to its predecessor. Now, Nissan brings back the legendary SE-R badge in two Sentra models. One is a standard SE-R with a new 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, 165-horse engine. The other is the SE-R Spec V that I tested with the same engine, only enhanced, sport-tuned suspension, a 6-speed manual and the racing heart of its beloved ancestor.

The Good News
The best news is the Sentra SE-R is back in this Spec V with an engine much like that of the hot new Altima and all the instincts racers want. This iteration of the 2.5 liter develops 175 horses at 6000 rpm and 180 foot pounds of torque at 4400 rpm. That’s more horsepower than much of its competition and a load more torque.

As mentioned, it’s mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and relies on suspension designed complement the Spec V’s aggression. A helical limited slip differential strengthens its traction and ability to tackle curves at speed, something racers and enthusiasts alike will appreciate. It’s one sticky little sedan, even when pushed.

And pushing it is a grand temptation, since the Spec V gives so much in return. Acceleration comes quickly, and all that torque makes sure it is sustained. The term “pocket rocket” is well deserved.

Large four-wheel disc brakes, performance tires, body-hugging sport seats, leather-wrapped steering, special gauges, a mesh grille and a rear wing round out the Spec V image. Options like the “Audio Fanatic Package” confirm this is a ride aimed at the young. With a sticker just over $20,000 fully loaded, Nissan fulfills that promise.

The Bad News
As happy as many are to see this new SE-R bear the intentions of the previous one, there are some major drawbacks. The most glaring is an abysmal amount of torque steer. With all that power hitting the front wheels, this SPEC V can be more than a handful for the average driver on takeoff, to the extent it wasn’t fun for every day driving.

I also found this Sentra to be intrusively loud and coarse. That may not bother its core audience, but when I think about its competitors from Honda and Ford, for example, I know that racy doesn’t have to be raw.

Finally, you can plunk a rear spoiler and fasten a new grille on this SPEC V and it still looks like a family compact. Of course, I’ll take a wolf in sheep’s clothing any day to those that pose. But I wonder how much this Sentra’s mainstream style will appeal to its demographics.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 22 mpg city/28 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $16,999;
Price as tested, $20,014

Is it worth it?
If you want to race, the Sentra SE-R SPEC V offers major grins for the money. If you want something sporty to drive every day, you might be happier with one of the more refined offerings in its class.

In either case, I’m glad Nissan decided to restore the Sentra SE-R to its original mission. Those who relished the previous model will be glad to know its spirit remains intact, even if the “new and improved” SE-R doesn’t quite live up to the legend.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.