- 2010
2009 Nissan Sentra
- Used Nissan Sentra
Nissan Sentra - What the Auto Press Says
Its low MSRP and high fuel economy rating make the Sentra one of the best values in the affordable small car class. However, its 2.0-liter engine is not as potent as the sporty four-cylinder engines in the Honda Fit or Volkswagen Rabbit.
The 2009 Nissan Sentra has a lot of things going for it -- great gas mileage, sound build quality and notable comfort for a small car. In addition, reviewers say this car is very reliable and features some of the best automatic shifting available for an economy car. But for the most part, the automotive press is bored with the Sentra. They report that the car's safe styling and decent engine power can be easily overlooked among sporty Civics-and-functional-
The 2009 Sentra has changed little since its redesign two years ago. Three basic trims are offered with the same engine -- the 2.0, the 2.0 S and the 2.0 SL, as well as a performance trim version, the SE-R Spec-V.
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- "Sentra is a competent compact sedan with a number of upscale features." -- Consumer Guide
- "If it's overshadowed in this realm by the Honda Civic, at least it's roomy, possesses good road manners, and is priced to sell." -- Car and Driver
- "The 2009 Nissan SEntra is a decent choice for an economy sedan, mainly because of its spacious cabin. However, other choices are better rounded, particularly in terms of fun factor, even compared to the SE-R models." -- Edmunds
- "Most people buy a compact car to get the job done: namely, traveling economically from point A to point B. Just because a compact car often is a utilitarian purchase doesn't mean it has to be generic. With the 2009 Sentra, Nissan injects character without forgetting the small-car manifesto: the car has to be inexpensive to buy and operate." -- Washington Times
- "If it weren't for the ugly styling and the cranky-sounding engine, Sentra would be an easy car to applaud, mainly for its driving feel and pleasant furnishings. But it's not necessarily pick of the litter." -- USA Today
- "Sentra is truly like an IKEA appliance, attractive, modern, and perhaps just the furniture for your life, even if you're well beyond the target age. But before long, you'll be aspiring to something more." -- Motor Trend
Sentra Performance - 6.8 (Mediocre)
According to Car and Driver and others, the Sentra is not an exciting drive. Although they have a smooth ride, it is "devoid of surprises" and offers little fun with its four-cylinder engine and limited horsepower. But the automotive press does find plenty of good things to say about the optional continuously variable transmission. Kelley Blue Book says the Xtronic transmission is "a good match for the Sentra engine and offers EPA fuel economy ratings that are superior to those of the six-speed manual gearbox that's standard on the 2.0 S." Read More
Sentra Exterior - 6.9 (Mediocre)
Auto writers have mixed reactions to the 2009 Nissan Sentra's design similarities to the Altima or the Maxima. Representing the positive, AutoWeek calls the styling handsome, "with a French flavor, fully in keeping with other Nissans. It's a bit of a different look for this segment in America -- it won't make the Sentra sell in Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla numbers but may draw some folks out of those cars." Read More
Sentra Interior - 7.9 (Good)
The Sentra's interior is more spacious than the hum-drum tight squeezes of the affordable small car class. The Auto Channel writes, "Inside, the quality of materials seemed in keeping with more expensive cars, with pleasant fabrics and nicely textured plastics. Comfort, fit and finish were on par with a recent Toyota Camry that passed through our fleet." Reviewers' strongest complaint against the car's cabin is that some of the gauges are difficult to read at night. Read More
Sentra Safety - 9.7 (Excellent)
The 2009 Sentra does well on government crash tests, but earned only moderate scores in insurance industry crash tests. Read More
Sentra Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Nissan Sentra reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Sentra has a three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty. Nissan's powertrain warranty is good for the first five years or 60,000 miles. Read More
