The Nissan Sentra has been noted for its quiet highway ride, comfortable seating, and roominess ... not typical accolades for a compact sedan. It's also known for its fuel efficiency, affordability and, for those looking for added performance, its SE-R Spec V model.
The 2009 Sentra offers more of the same and is available in five trim levels: 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R and SE-R Spec V.
Even the base 2.0 model comes fairly well equipped with standard features including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, 15 inch steel wheels, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.
The Sentra S trim adds cruise control, keyless entry, power mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, 16 inch steel wheels, driver seat height adjustment, and a 6-speaker stereo with MP3 capability.
The 2.0 SL model adds leather upholstery, keyless ignition and entry, satellite radio, Bluetooth, 16 inch alloy wheels, and overhead storage for CDs. (Most of these features are optional on the 2.0 S.)
Available optional features for both the S and SL include heated front seats, sunroof, rear spoiler, trunk divider, and an 8-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with a 6-disc CD changer.
The Sentra SE-R model adds upgraded suspension tuning, 17 inch alloy wheels, larger brakes, lower body kit, aluminum-trimmed pedals, cloth sport seats, and oil pressure and G-force gauges. Missing are keyless start, satellite radio and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls (available as options).
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Sentra Prices:
Nissan's sales have been week for over a year, along with most of the other carmakers. There's no question that dealers are struggling in this weak economy ... which means there are some extremely good deals to be had right now on a new Sentra ... often below invoice prices, sometimes far below.
See the link towards the bottom of this article for exactly how to get the lowest price on a new Nissan Sentra.
The Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V upgrades the SE-R further with higher-performance tires, a still firmer and lower suspension, a limited-slip front differential, larger front brakes and sportier interior trim. However, keyless ignition and entry are only available on the SE-R.
Both Spec V and the standard SE-R offer a sunroof and the Rockford Fosgate sound system as options.
Powering the 2009 Sentra 2.0 models is a 2.0 liter inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 140 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. Available transmissions include a CVT (continuously variable transmission) or a six-speed manual (on the 2.0 S only).
EPA gas mileage estimates for the CVT are 25 mpg city and 33 mpg on the highway. Gas mileage for the manual transmission is rated at 24 mpg city and 31 highway.
The Sentra SE-R's engine is 2.5 liters and produces 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available on the SE-R is a CVT with manual shift control.
The SE-R Spec V revs things up with the same 2.5 liter engine to produce 200 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. It's matched to a six-speed manual transmission only. The Spec V has been timed going from 0 to 60 mph in an athletic 6.7 seconds.
Even with the increased performance, gas mileage for the SE-R models is only slightly reduced. The standard SE-R gets 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the Spec V is rated at 21 city and 29 highway.
Standard safety features on all 2009 Sentra models include front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Antilock brakes are standard on all models except the base 2.0. SE-R models are also equipped with four-wheel disc brakes (rear drums on the other models).
The Sentra has also done well in government crash tests, earning a perfect five stars (out of five) for frontal and side impacts for front passengers and four stars for rear passengers in side impacts.
How To Buy A New Nissan Sentra At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Sentra, here's a technique that allows you to buy one at the lowest possible price, especially given the current slow auto sales environment.
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