When I drove the SE-R Spec V back in 2002, Nissan failed to impress me with their attempt at making a sports sedan out of the otherwise humbling Sentra. The 2002 Spec V delivered better performance than the base Sentra, but had many faults that just couldn't justify its nearly 18,000 dollar price tag. The SE-R and SE-R Spec V haven't been revamped for 2005, but there have been some positive changes over the past 3 years. Can the Sentra SE-R Spec V finally win my recommendation?
For 2005, Nissan offers its Sentra in a few trim levels; 2 base models with an only adequate 1.8 liter engine and 2 performance models equipped with Nissan's powerful 2.5 liter 4-cylinder. The SE-R Spec V is available solely as 4-door sedan with a 6-speed manual gear box.
On the road- Spec V
With its DOHC 2.5 liter engine producing 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, the lightweight 2005 SpecV makes for quite the pocket rocket. Uncharacteristic of most Japanese pocket rockets on the market, i.e. the Civic Si and the RSX, the Spec V offers amazing low end power. If you are a fan of the high revving cars from Japan, you may want to pass on the Spec V, as its power peaks at an uninspiring 6,000 rpm and hits its rev limiter at just a few hundred rpm past that. Like the original Spec V, the 2005 model suffers from typical front wheel drive torque steer. Stabbing the Spec V's throttle results in dancing tires and more torque steer than most, if not all, FWD cars I have driven in this class. Although the suspension, tires, etc. have been modified for its increased power, its suspension still feels inadequate.
Nissan has addressed some of the complaints it has received about the Spec V's 6-speed manual transmission; the updated 6-speed feels aeons more refined than the 2002 models'. Gear changes with the first Spec V felt very plastic and 2nd and 3rd gear engagement, at times, could be a pain in the butt. While the throws of the 2005 model’s 6-speed are still a bit long, the gear ratios are closer and gear engagement is now generally smooth. Note: nismo (Nissan's aftermarket company) offers a short throw shift kit for this car along with a multitude of overpriced shift levers.
The 2005 Spec V doesn't do too well on the freeway either, at least when it comes to noise levels. The Spec V's cabin sounds like any cheap econobox on the highway; wind, engine, and tire noise can be heard throughout the cabin anytime this car is pushed past the 70 barrier. Noise levels aside, the Spec V does a very good job tacking steep hills at high speeds. While the Spec V's relatively large engine may cause some annoying torque steer under full throttle, at the same time it makes tackling steep hills and passing those big semi trucks as simple as pressing harder on the throttle; no need to downshift.
The Spec V has always been a decent handler, but like the Dodge Neon SRT-4 it neither fails nor excels in this department. Despite torque steer when accelerating in a hard turn, the Sentra Spec V is adequately agile on the twistys, is well balanced, and provides good grip from its 215/45ZR/17" performance tires. Some body lean/roll can he had under aggressive driving, however the Spec V is able to keep itself composed under most driving conditions. Although Nissan has skimped out on giving the Spec V standard ABS brakes ( a $600 package with side air bags) it stops without any fade or vibration. Nissan also offers performance Brembo brakes for $1,000; however the standard disc brakes do more than an adequate job stopping this vehicle, so I don't see the need to upgrade.
The Spec V may offer above average performance, though its fuel numbers are merely adequate. With an EPA of 23/28, under normal driving conditions, the Spec V should receive about the same type of fuel economy as a 5.7 liter Chevrolet Corvette. Cars in the Sentra Spec V's class such as the RSX Type-S and the SRT-4 are good for about 2-3 MPG better on the highway.
Interior:
Despite consumer complaints, Nissan has done virtually nothing to make its Sentra Spec V's interior any better; other than change the standard seat colors. All Spec V's come with the same drab interior. Nissan's interior theme consists of gray and dark gray plastics, with a few titanium accents tossed around the cabin. That said, the inside of the Sentra Spec V looks more like it belongs in a mid '90s car; the entire dash layout certainly doesn't look like it belongs in a sports sedan of today.
The bucket seats in the Spec V aren't the best of seats, but certainly are one of the Sentra's better attributes. The bolstering of the cloth sport bucket seats (leather is not available) are very pronounced, keeping the front occupants snug in their seats. Eight-way manual adjustments are standard for the driver, while the front passenger gets 4-way manual adjustments. The rear seats are more of a penalty box than a comfortable place to ride. There simply isn't enough leg room for tall drivers. Even being a somewhat short 5'6," my knees would hit the backs of the front bucket seats; I can't imagine anyone taller than me sitting in the back.
The Spec V may offer very little in the way of interior quality and style, however it does offers a decent amount of standard amenities. Some noteworthy standard equipment includes power windows, locks, cup holders, AC, leather wrapped Steering wheel, 4 cup holders, a 180 watt sound system with a single CD payer and 7 speakers is standard, however my Spec V came with a slightly better sounding 9 speaker Rockford Fosgate system (part of the $600 audio fanatic package) that pumps out 300 watts, dual front air bags, (dual side air bags are only optional $600). Other than the Rockford Fosgate sound system, the only other option on my SE-R Spec V was power sunroof ($700).
Offering an almost useless cubby on the top of the dash, a large glove box, and a decent sized center console, the Sentra does offer adequate stowage space. The trunk of this car is where the Sentra excels in the stowage department. Being about as roomy as the 1st generation Nissan Altima's trunk, the Sentra can hold as many groceries as you'll probably ever need in one round of shopping. One should take note that only about 60% of the rear seat folds down due one of the Rockford Fosgate speakers, so don't expect to haul around anything too large.
Exterior innovation:
I have never been a fan of the current generation Nissan Sentra's style and the SE-R Spec V is no exception. The exterior of the Sentra SE-R Spec V looks much like the regular wholesome sedan, but gets a wing, 17" alloy rims, dual exhaust outlets, fog lights, SE-R spec V badges, and some unique colors. Unfortunately none of these additions look good on the Sentra. The Sentra has one of those designs that just don't respond well to exterior modifications; much like the Buick Century or a Dodge Aries K sedan. For those who require even more garb, Nissan offers a host of exterior and performance upgrades for the Spec V by their performance company; nismo.
Price and Warranty:
For 2005, Nissan offers its Spec V for $18,000 before destination. With the sunroof and the upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio system, the sticker of my Spec V came to just a smidgen under $20,000, this is nearly $2,000 less than a comparably equipped SRT-4 and about the same as a comparably equipped base model Acura RSX. That said, the Spec V is amazingly affordable nor is it priced out of its class. If anything goes wrong with your 2005 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, Nissan offers an only average 3 year/36,000 mile bumper-bumper warranty and a 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty.
Final Thoughts :
The 2005 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V offers great acceleration and handling, but that's about it. The material integrity, overall build quality, and the Spec V's homely design earns this car a below average rating of 2.5 stars (rounded to 3). If you are looking for a car in this class, I highly suggest checking out any of the Acura RSX trim levels, the Honda Civic Si, or the Dodge SRT-4.
Willing to spend a few extra grand? Check out
My review on the RSX
Thanks for reading!
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