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2009 Nissan Sentra Performance Review

February 18, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the power is more than workable, but the car's no rocket
Cars.com

unfortunately, the manual gearbox is awkward and unsatisfying to shift
Edmunds

Electric power steering is quick, with so-so feel
Motor Trend

The 2009 Nissan Sentra is an economy car at heart and drives like one, especially in the base version. The SE-R and Spec V versions up the excitement with more horsepower and tighter suspension tuning. But even those versions don’t live up to the handling promise.

The 2009 Nissan Sentra comes with either a "140-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder" or a "2.5-liter four-cylinder that generates 177 hp." In the Spec V, the same engine “produces 200 hp…due to modified intake and exhaust, a higher compression ratio and a higher redline of 6800 rpm, among other tweaks." Cars.com isn’t wild about the engines in the Sentra, noting that "the power is more than workable, but the car's no rocket, despite horsepower and torque increases over the previous generation."  ConsumerGuide concurs, saying that 2009’s "2.0 models have decent around-town power, but passing punch is lacking." The Spec V version, Edmunds contends, “is particularly entertaining, as its engine combines a generous amount of low-end torque with a free-revving personality.”

Most 2009 Nissan Sentra sedans come with a CVT that helps fuel economy but saps energy from the drivetrain. Cars.com notes that in this Nissan, 2009 “sees the end of the base Sentra with the six-speed manual transmission." The six-speed manual offered in the SE-R Spec V is not great either. ConsumerGuide says, "the manual suffers from imprecise shifter and clutch action," and Edmunds agrees: “unfortunately, the manual gearbox is awkward and unsatisfying to shift."

When it comes to ride and handling, the 2009 Nissan Sentra looks good on paper but suffers from a less-than-perfect execution.  Cars.com feels the “electric power steering works well, with plenty of boost for parking but a firmer feel once you get moving.” Motor Trend says, “Electric power steering is quick, with so-so feel.”

Motor Trend notes that a firm ride and decent body control don’t coax a sportscar out of this Sentra. It has stiff damping that “makes for a firm ride over road imperfections, but with moderate body roll in the corners, and the tires squeal for their lives when the car is pushed.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Nissan Sentra is good as an economy car but doesn’t quite make the mark with its performance versions.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:the power is more than workable, but the car's no rocketCars.comunfortunately, the manual gearbox is awkward and unsatisfying to shiftEdmundsElectric power steering is quick, with so-so feelMotor Trend The 2009 Nissan Sentra is an economy car at heart and drives like one, especially in the base version. The SE-R and Spec V versions up the excitement with more horsepower and tighter suspension tuning. But even those versions don’t live up to the handling promise. The 2009 Nissan Sentra comes with either a "140-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder" or a "2.5-liter four-cylinder that generates 177 hp." In the Spec V, the same engine “produces 200 hp…due to modified intake and exhaust, a higher compression ratio and a higher redline of 6800 rpm, among other tweaks." Cars.com isn’t wild about the engines in the Sentra, noting that "the power is more than workable, but the car's no rocket, despite horsepower and torque increases over the previous generation."  ConsumerGuide concurs, saying that 2009’s "2.0 models have decent around-town power, but passing punch is lacking." The Spec V version, Edmunds contends, “is particularly entertaining, as its engine combines a generous amount of low-end torque with a free-revving personality.” Most 2009 Nissan Sentra sedans come with a CVT that helps fuel economy but saps energy from the drivetrain. Cars.com notes that in this Nissan, 2009 “sees the end of the base Sentra with the six-speed manual transmission." The six-speed manual offered in the SE-R Spec V is not great either. ConsumerGuide says, "the manual suffers from imprecise shifter and clutch action," and Edmunds agrees: “unfortunately, the manual gearbox is awkward and unsatisfying to shift." When it comes to ride and handling, the 2009 Nissan Sentra looks good on paper but suffers from a less-than-perfect execution.  Cars.com feels the “electric power steering works well, with plenty of boost for parking but a firmer feel once you get moving.” Motor Trend says, “Electric power steering is quick, with so-so feel.” Motor Trend notes that a firm ride and decent body control don’t coax a sportscar out of this Sentra. It has stiff damping that “makes for a firm ride over road imperfections, but with moderate body roll in the corners, and the tires squeal for their lives when the car is pushed.” ConclusionThe 2009 Nissan Sentra is good as an economy car but doesn’t quite make the mark with its performance versions. 2009 NISSAN SENTRA STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: "The Sentra is a nice-looking car—young but not especially daring" Edmunds: "functional interior" MyRide: "The Sentra looks too much like the Maxima and the Altima " The 2009 Nissan Sentra has a very conventional sedan layout ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2009 Nissan Sentra stands in the middle of a fiercely competitive class with many excellent offerings. The 2010 Mazda3 launches in early 2009 and offers features not found on any other competitors; it’s also an enthusiast favorite. The 2009 Honda Civic matches the variety, including coupe and sedan body styles and multiple powertrains—even hybrid and natural gas—and it has more interior style than most others in this class. The 2009 Toyota Corolla has been recently redesigned, and its LE trim level is very attractive. The Ford Focus puts forth a coupe alongside the sedan, plus Ford’s unique SYNC hands-free system and great fuel economy, but it can’t compete with the Sentra on looks. The 2009 Hyundai Elantra and Dodge Caliber lag this pack in overall refinement and style.

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See the Nissan Sentra in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Brett #1, Posted: 4/29/2009

    '07 Sentra

    We've had our standard 2.0 Sentra (2007) for a year or so and I can confidently say that it was a great purchase. We paid $16,400 CAD all taxes in and for the money it has more pep than a base line Corolla and a better ride than a Civic. We also drove from Calgary to Kamloops (700km+) on one tank. Over all, what is there to complain about... it's comfortable, looks good and is economical.

  2. By  Kelsey V. #2, Posted: 7/24/2009

    I have had my Nissan Sentra sine 2007. At first I really liked it, but I rushed into it because I was in desperate need for a car. It was affordable and cute, I only paid 16,000 for it.
    Throughout the last few years I have slowly started to see things falling apart. The paint above the c.d player started to chip, and the parts just started to pop apart. Next week I will have to bring it to the shop to get it worked on because what is holding the engine in the car is deteriorating. Wonderful huh?
    Yeah, I still love my car.. but I think it is time to trade it in.

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