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Used 2009 Nissan Sentra Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
23 reviews

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Best little car I've ever owned

Mac88, 09/29/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
30 of 31 people found this review helpful

Bought this car with the idea to save money in the future to counter possible rising gas prices, and I was surprised at the design and overall quality. The CVT tranny is a little weird at first, but it's a great performer. Some may say it's boring, but if you just want to drive and not worry about shifting or rpm's then this is the one. Torque right off the bat is good, you can feel it in the seats, once car is at the speed you want, rpm goes down low, and it's quiet, surprisingly quiet on the freeway for a small car. Small on the outside, roomy on the inside. Big trunk, good styling, and fairly wide. It's comfortable enough for my commute, AC kicks butt, a real quality motor, quiet at idle.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

2009 Sentra S

A.S., 04/07/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/09 (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful

This is a good car and there are good cash back recession incentives. But here is why I think consumer reports lists owners to be less than satisfied. When switching vent from defrost to vent or floor, the A/C automatically activates. This cannot be deprogramed to function like a normal car. Routinely end up driving with A/C on in the winter. I'll adapt, but it's frustrating. Back seat seat belt connector very rigid, difficult for kids to buckle w/ booster seat. Not great maneuverability in parking lots. Fuel mileage in city is much less than estimated - highway is good.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Surprising Performance

Mike39, 08/28/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

I've driven this car for only about 2000 miles. My initial impressions are that I am VERY satisfied. The interior is large for it's class (97.7cuft)and very much appreciated by my growing boys. The car I have has the CVT transmission. It runs very smooth and quiet under low torque applications- a little loud during acceleration. the ride is very quiet. The car has great amenities- good sound system, blue tooth, mp3 cd player w/ aux jack, keyless entry, car computer (mpg, dte, temp, etc). The blue tooth and keyless entry are a little extra, but this was the only car I found with a standard computer. Aluminum rims would of been a nice touch- worth the extra$ if you can find one with it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great car / Great value

jeff, 10/07/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
16 of 19 people found this review helpful

Cash for clunkers deal I was due a better vehicle. First new car I have ever bought. I looked at everything small to mid sized out there and I mean everything. I was looking for better mileage. Averaging 30 currently. Most cars were uncomfortable, over priced, cheap quality or no room. I am 6'2" tall and my head hit the roof in half and my legs would have to be held up off of the seat to keep from smashing the gas pedal to the floor in the rest. Not in the Senta. Plenty of leg room, a whole hands with above my head. For you taller people, this one is it. It is very deceiving from the outside. Roomy, comfortable, solid car. Can't say enough good about it.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Not as expected

leonardosd, 06/10/2013
2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/09 (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
18 of 23 people found this review helpful

Purchased the car new in march 2009, in Mexico. Not as easy buying a new car here. Inmediately had problems with the breaks, always made a lot of noise. Dealer couldn't fix it, arguing they were eco-friendly. Besides that, tyres got worn on outside edge in 1 year. Again, dealer said it was normal. Had transmission problems just after the third year, when the warranty passed. Luckily, I had the extendend warranty, and they covered everything. After that, the engine started making weird noises, and dealer said I needed a new one. Apparentely, a cilinder got deformed. (Seriously). When this happened, I was through with it. Previously had a 99' Altima, never complained with it.

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3 out of 5 stars

Could Have Done Better for the Money

VegasJ, 05/25/2010
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful

It is still new so it is still nice. BUT I have to say I am disappointed. Especially since I was so happy with my previous Nissan Altima. The Sentra is a budget car in driving experience but no so much in dollars. I could have found a less expensive way to be bored. The quality is ok but nothing special. Not so comfortable for rear seat passengers over the age of 10.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Not happy

Stacey, 05/10/2010
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful

I am not at all happy with this car. I have had it for 11 months and already the front brake pads had to be replaced and the rotors machined. Today the a/c went out. I'm only averaging 20 mpg. The ironic thing is the FE stands for Fuel Economy. I won't be buying another.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

K.S., 05/03/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I had the car for about a month and found it easy and fun to drive. It's just about the right size for both a daily commute and for longer highway trips. Driver's seat provides good support and the driving position provides for a commanding view of the highway. Please disregard any negative comments you may have read about the interior - it is a classic industrial design. Just look up industrial design or Raymond Loewy for more info on this design style. Mostly city around town driving averages about 29- 30 MPG

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4.25 out of 5 stars

just got mine today

josefina, 04/11/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I love my new sentra even though I bought it today. I got the base model; I love the car overall forget about the Edmunds rating at 7.1 I'll give it a 10! Interior is easy to use comfortable love the auxiliary input jack, although a little bit pricier than its competition its still worth it. Has a lot of power to be a 2.0liter 4 cylinder I love velocity &its really fast & ideal for daily commute. Its also fun to drive.

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5 out of 5 stars

great car

jr, 07/28/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

I love this car! I had a sunroof put in and it works and looks awesome. This is fun to drive. I love how it tells me how many miles I can go before empty. I test drove a toyota corolla before I drove this, it doesn't compare to the Nissan Sentra. Very smooth ride for a small car. Inside is just ride not too close to the passenger and roomy. I like how it auto locks when you go past 15 mph. Very easy to park and back up.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent Sentra

Joe R, 08/26/2010
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful

Had a lot of cars over the years but this has to be one of the best. For a small car, it rides great!

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5 out of 5 stars

Great little car!

lily, 07/21/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love my Sentra! We looked at all of the competitors (Corolla, Elantra, Focus) and I found the Sentra to be the nicest and most comfortable. I love that it has the features of more expensive cars (leather, bluetooth, xm, etc), but it was less than $20000. It's fun to drive and great for in town and long trips. And the gas mileage is good too.

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5 out of 5 stars

Go for it

chacama, 07/28/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

These current Sentra models are mid The new Sentras rock!. CVT is real smooth and have not had any problems with what some call "rubberband effect" (have not experienced it on this car yet!). Before deciding for this car i drove the Mazdas 3 & 5, Toyota Yaris & Camry, a VW and the Nissan Versa but ultimately decided for this car because it's good mileage, driveability and specially comfort... the lines looks somewhat similar to a Lexus.

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5 out of 5 stars

great car for the buck

fieldgeneral, 08/11/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Midyear model in midnight sky was the car I wanted after reviewing everything I could about the nissan vs.mazda3,honda civic and toyota corolla. Had it two weeks now and very happy about choice. Great price too(rebates from dealer and nissan to dealer in addition to 4500 cars voucher) made it a no brainer. Interior comfort and roominess was best of the group. I am 6'2" and interior size was important. Great acceleration and smooth,seamless transmission, Handling is pretty good and quiet for a small car. The only negative comments I can make is the oddly shaped rearview mirrors and security alarm going off when unlocking trunk without unlocking doors first. Otherwise s solid choice.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Another Nice Nissan

Kemp, 08/24/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/09 (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Had A Jeep Grand Cherokee once that was under 36,000 miles and the transmission went out - the freeze Plugs went out and the final straw was when the windows would not go up - that was my turning point to buy a Toyota 4Runner or a Nissan Pathfinder - Thank You Jeep for forcing me to make the Move and Thank You Toyota for being more expensive. This is my 3rd Nissan and I must say my faith in Nissan is as strong as ever - With the added incentive for Cash For Clunkers how could I pass up on trading in a 1986 4x4 Ford Bronco II. To have such a Reliable vehicle again (Nissan) is like a breath of Fresh Air.

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4 out of 5 stars

Cute Little Car No MPG

wallyw, 12/02/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We have put 1500 miles in 4 months. For a small car it is nice to drive. Do not like the gas mileage. It has averaged about 21 mpg in mixed driving since we bought it 4 months ago. Bought it during the clunker program. I always check the mileage when I fill up. I fill the car until the gasoline level stays in the top of the neck. I've never trusted the electronic mpg. Surprisingly enough it is pretty close.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Impressive

Thomas, 01/01/2010
2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We finally purchased a new car. Test drove Nissan Sentra sl and Toyota Corrola S. We then checked out the Nissan Sentra SER sedan. Performance and sporty look an feel sold us. Step out and pass you have the power to go. Recent trip gave all around 34MPG and driving conservatively 100k produced 42MPG highway. Lots of room sport pkg upgrades exterior and adds fog lights. moonroof and sporty bucket seats plus great stereo. Highly recommend this car.

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4 out of 5 stars

Great value for the money

Steven McMacken, 09/06/2016
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have been very happy with the performance of my Nissan Sentra. There have been no major repair issues, other than replacing the battery and the condition of the car is excellent with only some minor cosmetic nicks.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Wouldn’t buy another one

Steve, 04/27/2022
2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/09 (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Okay, so first of let me say I got this Sentra for stupid cheap from my work as it was a trade in. I put some money in for a safety but not much. I wouldn’t buy another one. The car is slow, noisy and the CVT is dreadful. Every time I get into it I have to adjust the seat. The seating position is just weird. Fuel mileage at 26 mpg is a let down. It must just be my car, but whenever I’m at a red light the car idles rough here and there and almost stalls but doesn’t. I’ve had it looked at and have heard it’s just something the car does with higher mileage. It just passed 120k miles. When it’s cold outside and I first leave for work the CVT sits at 3k rpm which is beyond annoying. I will say it’s not all bad. Handles well, seats are comfortable. The 6 speaker sound system is pretty decent. Massive glovebox. That’s about it.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Love My Sentra

Denise, 08/24/2009
2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I test drove Nissan Sentra and just fell in love with it. It handled the curves well and had great pick up and go. I really liked how comfortable the seats were and how smooth the ride was. Having an auxiliary input jack for my MP3, Trip computer with outside temp, distance to empty, and steering wheel mounted audio controls was just extra icing on the cake.

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3 out of 5 stars

Console front

Ferny, 01/10/2020
2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/09 (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Good car overall.the only negative side is the console between front window and side window is too large and many times missed someone walking from side to front of car

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my 09 sentra

Lamp, 04/02/2025
2009 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just got it for my first car, SE-R model. It needs some repairs, other than that its really nice

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars

No

Klofty, 12/04/2020
2009 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/09 (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Worst, loudest, most uncomfortable car I ever owned. No matter how tall you are you will feel gigantic because the driver and passenger windows are so low. If your over 5’6 the interior roofline will cut off your vision so you have to duck to look up at a red light. I’m 5’7. I don’t think I should be too tall to feel comfortable in a car. Oh and the plastic bumpers? ground effects? Whatever they are make the car feel junky and clumsy. However, if you’re looking for good gas mileage and driving home from work on backgrounds and side streets because you are certain you will die if you get in a wreck. Give it a shot.

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
2 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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