2004 Nissan Sentra

2004 Sentra Receives Facelift and Interior Enhancements, Maintains Popularity in the Small Car Segment

Nissan continues to refine the fifth generation Sentra sedan for the 2004 model year with the addition of several styling enhancements, new convenience features and a new exterior color, continuing its styling leadership in the small car segment. One thing that hasn't changed is the continued use of the 1.8-liter engine, meeting SÚLEV (Super Últra Low Emission Vehicles) standards, with zero evaporative emissions (when equipped with California emission specifications). The 2004 Sentra is also available with a powerful 165-horsepower DOHC 2.5-liter engine. 'The 2004 Sentra continues to set the pace in the very aggressive small car segment,' said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. 'With the new exterior and interior enhancements and more available options, we are confident the 2004 Sentra will again exceed customers' expectations of performance, quality and value.'



Stylish Exterior Design
The majority of the enhancements made to the 2004 Sentra are in the exterior design. The 2004 model adds more flair to the body design, making it more stylish, assertive and self-confident. With an overall length of 177.5 inches, body width of 67.3 inches and a height of 55.5 inches, Sentra features restyled headlamps and rear combination lamps, a new smooth front and rear fascia with a fresh, distinctive hood design and distinctive grille and a new sport-inspired exterior color – Bronze Shimmer.

Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA), designers of the 350Z and the all-new Nissan Titan full-size pickup, wanted to take the styling of the Sentra to a new level. 'Although the Sentra is an ‘entry level' product, we didn't want it to look like one,' said Tom Semple, president, NDA. 'Our goal for the exterior was to give it a fun, in-motion design seen in more expensive car segments.'



Confident and Distinct Interior
The Sentra's crisp exterior is complemented nicely by its clean-cut interior. The 5-passenger Sentra continues to offer a rewarding interior environment with excellent front and rear head room and leg room combined for a total interior volume of 100.1 cubic feet (88.5 cubic feet passenger compartment/11.6 cubic feet of cargo area).

The front interior features large bucket seats with an 8-way adjustable (4-way on Sentra 1.8) driver seat and 4-way adjustable passenger seat to suit occupants' needs. The seat design provides an open feeling through use of a large, one-piece cut pattern around the shoulder area and the raised hip point aids in easier entry and exit. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seat with locking seat back is now standard on all models (except Sentra 1.8). Cloth bucket seats are standard on all models in three all-new colors, depending on model and trim levels.

The Sentra also receives several new interior amenities including enhanced Rockford Fosgate®-powered sound quality, trip computer (standard on Sentra 2.5 S), sunroof (now available on all models except Sentra 1.8) and a remote keyless entry system. Along with the new features, the 2004 Sentra maintains the basics with power windows and doors, vanity mirrors, map lights, assist grips, conveniently placed cup holders and an optional 180-watt 7-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system (standard on Sentra 2.5 S).

The instrument panel features a cluster design with large easy-to-read gauges. For a vehicle in the small car market, the Sentra is equipped with a substantial amount of storage capacity and storage pockets including a stylish center-console with lid and a large glove box.

Setting Performance Standards
The 2004 Sentra continues to set the performance standard in the small car market with its base model 126-horepower 16-valve DOHC 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Also standard on 1.8 and 1.8 S models is a 5-speed manual, with optional 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. An important carry over from the 2003 model is the impressive California emission level of SÚLEV (Super Últra Low Emission Vehicle) on all 1.8-liter models.

The 2004 Sentra 2.5 S (formerly designated the 2.5 Limited Edition model) continues to feature the Sentra SE-R's 2.5-liter DOHC engine producing 165-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Sentra 2.5 S also comes standard with a responsive 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive. It features an adjusted clutch pack and modified shift schedule creating an effortless performance and torque converter to increase performance and fuel economy.

Sentra's suspension combines front independent MacPherson struts with Nissan's rear Multi-Link Beam™ design with rear stabilizer bar. The Multi-Link Beam reduces road noise and improves Sentra's handling capabilities through the use of a unique lateral link.

The 2004 Sentra's brake package features a power-assisted front disc/rear drum braking system on 1.8 and 1.8 S models, while the 2.5 S features 4-wheel disc brakes with standard 4-wheel/4-channel/4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS is optionally available on the Sentra 1.8 S.

All 2004 Sentra models utilize platinum-tipped spark plugs with 100,000-mile maintenance intervals. Both engines are also outfitted with numerous performance enhancing design features, including variable valve timing, exhaust manifold, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, 32-bit engine control module and a special swirl control valve, which increases air/fuel mixing during engine warm-up to improve combustion.

Safety and Security
Again in 2004, all Sentra models feature standard dual front supplemental air bags, 3-point outboard seatbelts, front seatbelt limiters and pretentioners, manual height-adjustable front-seat shoulder belt anchors, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system and child safety rear door locks.

Along with those standard features, Sentra also offers an energy-absorbing steering column, front and rear crumple zones, and body side reinforcements. Sentra 2.5 S comes standard with front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags (optional on Sentra 1.8 S).

2004 Models and Packages
Sentra model designations have been changed for 2004, with Sentra 1.8, Sentra 1.8 S and Sentra 2.5 S replacing the XE, GXE and 2.5 Limited Edition models names respectively. The 2004 Sentra is also available in two performance models, the SE-R and SE-R Spec V (information available separately).

A number of option packages are available for the 2004 Sentra, including the Convenience Package with air conditioning and a 100-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 speakers; and the Road Trip Package, which includes cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob (manual transmission) and 180-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 7 speakers. Other available optional equipment includes side-impact supplemental air bags and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (standard on Sentra 2.5 S) and power sunroof.

Source - Nissan

2004 Sentra SE-R Receives Sporty Exterior Refinements, Interior Upgrades and Brembo Brake Package

For 2004, the sport-inspired Sentra SE-R receives several body enhancements, including a new front and rear fascia, new headlamp shapes, restyled hood and two new exterior colors. The 2004 Sentra SE-R also upgrades its interior with a standard trip computer and a new charcoal fabric exclusive to SE-R models. A new Spec V Brake Package is offered in 2004.
Originally produced from 1991 to 1994, the Sentra SE-R immediately gained recognition with the automotive media becoming Car and Driver '10 Best' winner four times and an Automobile 'All-Star' twice. It also became a favorite among autocrossers and grassroots racers and developed a large enthusiast base with numerous nationwide clubs, magazine project vehicles and motorsports activities. Sentra SE-R was discontinued after the 1994 model year, but was brought back in 2002, much to the delight of enthusiasts across the nation.




SE-R Style
The SE-R was designed to give a feeling of a mini-Nissan Skyline sports sedan. (concept carz) Building upon the style set by the fifth generation Sentra 4-door sedan at its introduction, the 2004 SE-R receives several body refinements to help emphasize its sporty personality. Most prominent of these refinements is a new front and rear fascia style with a fresh, distinctive hood design. The Sentra SE-R also receives a restyled headlamp shape and rear combination lamps. The flush-mounted, one-piece 'multi-parabola' halogen headlamps and the body-color side moldings and bumpers all add to the sport-styled exterior.

Adding the final touches, a rear spoiler and large chrome exhaust tips provide even more flair to the new Sentra SE-R, along with two dynamic new exterior colors - Volcanic Orange and Sapphire Blue.



For 2004, SE-R adds a charcoal fabric (exclusive to the SE-R models), a standard trip computer and enhanced Rockford Fosgate®-powered audio system with improved sound quality.

The SE-R Spec V features a special interior with black and silver accents, which is accompanied by Skyline-style sport bucket seats (SE-R Spec V). The 2004 Sentra SE-R continues to offer power windows and door locks, conveniently placed cup holders and a substantial amount of storage capacity and storage pockets, including a stylish center-console with lid and a large glove box.

The large, race-style front bucket seats feature an 8-way adjustable driver seat and 4-way adjustable passenger seat to suit occupants' needs. The seat design provides an open feeling through use of a large, one-piece cut pattern around the shoulder area and the raised hip point aids in easier entry and exit.

SE-R Power
Powering the Sentra SE-R is a 16-valve 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 180 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm in the SE-R Spec V model and 165 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm in the SE-R. SE-R Spec V gains 10 horsepower and five lb-ft torque over the standard SE-R with the use of a specially tuned exhaust system.

The Sentra SE-R engine utilizes technology developed for the award-winning VQ-series engines found in the Maxima and Altima sedans, including a modular engine design, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, micro-finished crank journals and cam lobes, electronically controlled throttle and continuously variable valve timing.

To combat vibrations inherent in large 4-cylinder engines, the SE-R's QR25 engine features a silent chain drive and compact balancer system that effectively negates vibrations without taking up too much space – a problem with previous balancer designs.

Available SE-R transmissions include a responsive, close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission (SE-R Spec V) or a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive (standard on SE-R).

A helical limited-slip differential is standard on the 6-speed equipped SE-R Spec V. This mechanical differential is torque sensitive and provides instantaneous locking for increased traction and performance.

SE-R Braking and Suspension
Sentra SE-R's suspension has been tuned to provide a maximum amount of performance and ride comfort. There are two levels of suspension tuning available, corresponding with model choices – the standard SE-R and the ultimate, track-oriented SE-R Spec V. All SE-Rs feature front independent MacPherson struts and Nissan's patented rear Multi-Link Beam™design.

SE-R features performance-tuned shock absorbers, a front strut tower brace for additional stiffness and suspension feel and 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R16 tires.

SE-R Spec V builds upon the SE-R's handling capabilities. Front spring rates increase 15 percent (over SE-R) and the rear spring rate increases 16 percent. High-performance 215/45ZR17 tires on special 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels complete the package and give Sentra an aggressive, sport-compact look.

Braking is provided by large 4-wheel disc brakes – the fronts measure a full 11 inches, larger than many so-called sporting machines. A 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is also available.

A high-performance Spec V Brake Package, new for 2004, is offered on the SE-R Spec V model. The exclusive package includes gold-painted Brembo 4-piston front calipers, 12-inch Brembo vented front discs and 10.9-inch rear discs.

SE-R Safety and Security
The 2004 Sentra SE-R's standard safety equipment includes driver and front-passenger supplemental air bags, 3-point seat belts in all seating positions, front seat belts with adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners and load limiters. Front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and Vehicle Security System with Immobilizer are also available.

Passive safety features include an energy-absorbing steering column, front and rear crumple zones and body side reinforcements.

SE-R also features an emergency inside trunk-release, child safety rear door locks, and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

SE-R Packages and Options
Sentra SE-R comes well equipped with several available options, including ABS brake system and front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags. Packages for the SE-R include the Audio Fanatic Package, featuring the 300-watt Rockford Fosgate-powered audio system, partial fold-down rear seat and Vehicle Security System and Immobilizer; and Power Sunroof, with dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors and sunroof.

Sentra SE-R Spec V models available with the exclusive Spec V Brake Package, as well as the Audio Fanatic Package, Sunroof Package and the front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags/ABS combination.

Source - Nissan