The 2009 Nissan Sentra comes in five models: 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SL, SE-R, and SE-R Spec V.

Sentra 2.0 models come with Nissan's 2.0-liter four-cylinder aluminum engine, making 140 horsepower and 147 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission in the 2.0 and 2.0 SL is a high-tech and fuel-efficient Nissan Xtronic CVT.

Sentra 2.0 ($16,730) comes with cloth seats, air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, remote manual mirrors, four-way adjustable manual front seats, 60/40 split fold-down rear seats, power windows, power door locks, electric power steering, AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers, auxiliary audio input jack, theft-deterrent system, and P205/60R15 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers. Anti-lock brakes are optional ($250). A read deck-lid spoiler ($210) is optional for all 2.0 models.

The Nissan Sentra 2.0 S ($16,960) adds a height adjustment for the driver's seat, power exterior mirrors, remote keyless entry, cruise control, illuminated steering wheel audio controls, a six-speaker sound system, vehicle information display, and P205/55R16 tires. ABS with electronic brake-force distribution is standard. The 2.0 S comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but is also available with the CVT ($17,760). A Convenience Plus Package ($850) for the 2.0 S with CVT includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth wireless cell phone link, overhead CD storage, power trunk release, and Intelligent Key keyless entry and ignition. ABS with electronic brake-force distribution is standard. Options for the 2.0 S include XM Satellite Radio ($150), a Moonroof package ($750), and alloy wheels ($350).

The Sentra 2.0 SL ($19,660) gets leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering-wheel, Intelligent Key, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link, XM Satellite Radio with three months of service, and alloy wheels. Optionally available is an Audio Package ($700) with a 340-watt Rockford Fosgate AM/FM radio with six-disc CD/MP3 changer and eight speakers. The Divide-N-Hide trunk is optional ($150).

The Nissan Sentra SE-R ($20,660) features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 177 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque, and it is mated to a CVT. The SE-R comes with a sports suspension, a rear spoiler and P225/45R17 all-season tires. Both SE-R models offer an optional Premium Audio Package ($850) and an SE-R Upgrade Package ($1,000).

The Sentra SE-R Spec-V ($21,160) comes with the 2.5-liter engine tuned to produce 200 hp and 180 pound-feet of torque, and it links to a six-speed manual gearbox. The SE-R Spec-V sports a performance suspension and W-rated P225/45R17 tires. It deletes the folding rear seat. A helical limited-slip differential is optional ($400).

Safety equipment is extensive on all models, including dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, active front-seat headrests, and a tire-pressure monitor. Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution are standard on all but the 2.0, where they are optional. Electronic stability control isn't available.