Nissan’s entry into the growing muscle war among compact cars is a relative newcomer to the game.  The Sentra SE-R doesn’t have the rally-bred cachet of the Subaru WRX or the Mitsubishi Lancer.  Heck, even the Ford Focus has been rally racing.  It hasn’t got the classic nameplate of the Mini Cooper, the giant-killer attitude of the upcoming Dodge Neon SRT-4 or even the next-big-thing versatility of Mazda’s Protege5.  All the Sentra SE-R has is a nameplate that harkens to a wonderful little hot-rod coupe that flourished in the early 1990s, and even that’s been forgotten by all but the more dedicated gearheads.

That doesn’t stop the Sentra SE-R from being one of the better entries in this already-wonderful class, though.  This micro-sports sedan combines ample power and fantastic handling into an everyday package, and that’s not an easy thing to do.  The SE-R package adds a bit of spice to the basic Sentra with stiffer shocks, a bigger engine and bigger wheels.  For even more fun, opt for the Spec V model with even more power and a track-bred suspension, order it in Sunburst Yellow, and go looking for a twisty road.

The sporty SE-Rs get a unique face, to distinguish them from cooking Sentras.  It’s influenced by Nissan’s legendary overseas Skyline coupe model, with healthy side cladding and spoilers.  Most noticeable is the gaping grille opening, with the friendly pedestrian chrome grill removed and replaced with a deep, air-sucking maw that drops into the bumper.  Large fog lights and headlights with blacked-out trim give the Sentra SE-R Spec V a more race-ready look.  17” wheels are unique to the Spec V.  Already a handsome car, the Sentra benefits hugely from the sporty styling package.  A spoiler graces the trunklid.  It’s more aggressive looking than Ford’s similarly-themed Focus SVT, but not quite as wild as the Subaru WRX.

The Sentra SE-R builds on an already decent interior with seats designed like those in the Skyline.  These racer-oriented seats are comfortable enough to spend all day in.  Subtle trim tweaks and nicer interior cloth for the SE-R eliminate the bargain-basement feeling that plagues the otherwise nice Sentra.  The Spec V also has unique red-faced gauges and an overhead console that separate it from its econobox cousins.  Our car was also equipped with the 300-watt Rockford-Fosgate sound system.  It’s only got a single CD unless you pony up for the optional 6-disc changer, but with nine speakers and a subwoofer it’s plenty loud.  There’s no point in being a boy-racer if you can’t sound like one.

Don’t waste your SE-R Spec V by cruising slowly up and down Main Street, though.  That would be a terrible waste.  The 2.5 liter four-cylinder is a source of amazing grunt.  The Spec V’s 175 horsepower (35 more than in standard Sentras) is about par for the course in mini-sport sedans, but 180 foot-pounds of torque gives the Sentra SE-R pulling power matched only by the turbo cars.  This car is happy to provide a squirt of power whenever you need it, in any gear.  It’s all a bit much for the drivetrain sometimes; we experienced quite a bit of torque steer under hard acceleration.  New for 2003 is a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that cleans up some of the driveability problems of the 2002 model.  The six-speed is standard on the SE-R Spec V and includes a limited-slip differential to help get the power to the road.  Want an automatic?  Then don’t get a Spec V; there isn’t one offered.  Of course, with all the performance add-ons, the SE-R’s fuel economy goes right out the window.

But who cares?  Find a few good curves to throw the SE-R into and you’ll forget all about those pesky fuel prices.  On paper the suspension doesn’t sound like much; it’s basically the same independent front, beam rear setup as the basic Sentra.  For the SE-R Spec V, however, Nissan has added super-stiff front and rear springs and a front strut tower brace, and the car is transformed.  The SE-R is incredibly eager to scramble up and down twisty roads.  It handles just as well as the rail-riding Focus SVT, or even the more expensive Acura RSX, but with all that torque available you don’t have to row the gears as much as you do on the other cars.  Big four-wheel disc brakes with optional ABS haul the Spec V down when necessary.  It’s a heck of a lot of fun, but be realistic–the all-wheel-drive, rally-bred Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer EVO will still leave you behind.

That’s no reason to feel bad.  The Sentra SE-R Spec V offers plenty of giggles for the price, which starts at $17,199.  Our $19,006 test car also included the “Audio Fanatic” package for the Rockford Fosgate sound system, a sunroof and floormats.  What more could you ask for in a car that doesn’t break $20,000?

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, which we tested.
Length:         177.5 in.
Width:            67.3 in.
Height:            55.5 in.
Wheelbase:        99.8 in.
Curb weight:        2707 lb.
Cargo space:        11.6 cu.ft
Base price:        $17,199
Price as tested:     $19,066
Engine:         2.5 liter DOHC inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain:         six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Horsepower:         175 @ 6000
Torque:         180 @ 4000
Est. mileage:        24/29

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