2009 Nissan Altima: Road Test
2009 Nissan Altima ▼
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- MSRP: $19,900 - $29,380
- Invoice: $19,078 - $27,221
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Our road test for the 2009 Nissan Altima includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Nissan Altima from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Nissan Altima, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Nissan Altima help you decide if a 2009 Nissan Altima is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 5.4 |
Conventional 4-cylinder models with CVT automatic are sprightly from a stop and show good highway passing response. V6 versions are stronger in all situations. Our test 3.5 SE with CVT ran from 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. The CVT is well matched to either engine, and its manual shift gate allows for quick, useful gear changes. Altimas with the manual transmission feel quicker still, but the shifter has long throws, which somewhat blunts any sporty feel.
The Hybrid is generally strong, though the CVT in this application slightly dulls passing response.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 3.5 SE sedan with CVT averaged 23.8 mpg in mostly highway driving, 19.1 with more city work, including gas-eating performance runs. Also in mostly highway driving, manual-transmission 3.5 SE models averaged 22.8-24.8 mpg. A Hybrid averaged 29.2 mpg in mostly city driving. No opportunity to measure with a conventional 4-cylinder model. Altima 2.5s use regular-grade gas. Nissan recommends premium for 3.5s. Note that Altima has a 20-gallon fuel tank, among the largest in the midsize-car class.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
Sedan versions are poised and comfortable. The 2.5 models are composed best overall. The sport suspension on the 3.5 SE sedans induces unwanted thump and body jiggle over sharp bumps. 3.5 SE coupes have even firmer suspension tuning and are very stiff over even small bumps. The 3.5 SL does not have a sport suspension, but no examples have been made available for testing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.9 |
Sedans have nicely damped body motions and direct, if a bit light, steering. The steering in one 3.5 SE coupe we tested was light and devoid of road feel. It also suffered from more body lean than we would have expected from a coupe with sporting intentions. The brakes offer generally good stopping control, though one test model suffered from touchy pedal action. We wish Nissan would make an antiskid system available on all models.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 |
Neither engine sounds especially refined, but they're not overly intrusive either. The Hybrid's engine is slightly louder during acceleration than conventional models. Tire, road, and wind noise are well controlled in sedans, less so in coupes.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.3 |
Large and legible gauges. Audio and climate controls are simple to operate in models without the available navigation system. The navigation system isn't easy to program, and it absorbs and complicates audio functions.
DETAILS
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5.5 |
Altima's interior ambiance isn't quite as rich as its use of soft-touch, textured materials would lead you to believe. The use of budget-grade plastics in the center console area is also a disappointment. It's still pleasant inside, though. One test coupe suffered from a number of dashboard rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Good overall headroom and legroom, though six-footers may want more seat travel. Seats have very good thigh and lumbar support, though some testers complain that the seats lack a supportive contour. The steering wheel tilts and is telescopic to aid in driver positioning. Visibility in sedans is very good to all directions. Thick rear roof pillars create large blind spots in the coupe.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5.1 |
In sedans, the rear bench is reasonably comfortable for those under six feet. Tall riders will find headroom limited and legroom lacking unless front seats are well forward. Coupes are cramped for both headroom and legroom. The front seats tilt and slide forward, but the release is located on the inside of the passenger seat, rather than on the outside where it's more accessible.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4.1 |
The sedan's trunk is generously sized and shaped. Lid hinges intrude deeply into the cargo area. Low liftover eases the loading of bulky items, though the split rear seatbacks on conventional models don't fold completely flat. Note that Hybrids have a fixed rear seatback. Coupes have non-intrusive strut-style hinges, but the trunk is small, narrow, and shallow. Interior storage is only average.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 6.3 |
Altima is a sporty alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, with sedans giving up little in terms of everyday usability. The coupes attempt to be even sportier, but they ride stiffly and have little trunk space. Both body styles have subpar rear-seat room and comfort, and any Altima trails our class benchmarks for overall refinement. Altima Hybrid gives up some drivetrain sophistication in the name of efficiency. Its approximately $5000 price premium over a conventional 4-cylinder model would take a long time to recoup in fuel savings, even with high gas prices.
Total Score
| 2.5 S sedan, CVT | 3.5 SE sedan, manual | 3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT | 3.5 SE coupe, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 68 | 69 | 58 | 62.9 |
Total Score: 66
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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