2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0

The value-oriented 2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0 sedan comes with typical entry-level features for 2009, including suede cloth seats, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, a tachometer, a tilt steering wheel, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and MP3 jack. The front seats manually adjust four ways, and passengers will find a number of interior storage compartments, including front door pockets, upper dash storage, a driver's-side sunglasses compartment, a center console with adjustable cupholders, and rear cupholders in the center armrest. In addition, the 60/40-split rear seats fold flat to expand the cargo area. Standard safety features include dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags.

A 2.0-liter, double-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine producing 140 hp and 147 lb-ft of torque powers the front-wheel-drive Sentra 2.0. The engine mates to a six-speed manual transmission or an Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), which delivers smooth and seamless shifting. The Sentra 2.0 accelerates from 0 to 60 in 8.6 seconds, and achieves 24/31 mpg with the manual transmission and 26/34 with the CVT. Electric power-assisted steering and ripple-control shock absorbers come standard, while optional features include antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, which adjusts the braking pressure to each wheel during emergency situations to ensure optimal stopping power. The Sentra 2.0 rides on 15-inch wheels. Optional exterior features include a rear spoiler and splashguards.

By R. Feeman