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2009 Nissan Altima Full Review
Date Published: 7/23/08
Also in the 2009 Nissan Altima Review:
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Nissan Altima Full Review
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2009 Nissan Altima
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Nissan Altima should see no major changes. Nissan's midsize cars come in sedan and coupe form. Compared to the coupes, sedans ride on a longer wheelbase and are slightly longer overall. Four-cylinder and V6 engines are shared between body styles.
2.5 models have a 175-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. 3.5 models use a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the 3.5 SL. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on the 3.5 SL and optional on all but the base 2.5. Altima Hybrids are sedan only, and sold only in California and certain northeastern states. They pair the 4-cylinder engine and CVT with a battery-powered electric motor for 198 hp. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions, and does not require plug-in charging. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system is available and includes a rearview camera. Also available are leather upholstery and a wireless cell phone link. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Nissan Altima.
2.5 models have a 175-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. 3.5 models use a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the 3.5 SL. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on the 3.5 SL and optional on all but the base 2.5. Altima Hybrids are sedan only, and sold only in California and certain northeastern states. They pair the 4-cylinder engine and CVT with a battery-powered electric motor for 198 hp. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions, and does not require plug-in charging. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. A navigation system is available and includes a rearview camera. Also available are leather upholstery and a wireless cell phone link. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Nissan Altima.
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2009 Nissan Altima Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Engine noise |
| CVT-transmission performance | Control layout (w/navigation system) |
| Ride | Rear-seat comfort |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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. No Hybrid models have been made available for us to test.
| 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. No Hybrid models have been made available for us to test.
Fuel Economy
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. No opportunity to measure with a 2.5 model. Altima 2.5s use regular-grade gas. Nissan recommends premium for 3.5s. Note that Altima has a 20-gal fuel tank, among the largest in the midsize-car 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 |
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
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. No opportunity to measure with a 2.5 model. Altima 2.5s use regular-grade gas. Nissan recommends premium for 3.5s. Note that Altima has a 20-gal fuel tank, among the largest in the midsize-car class.
Ride Quality
Sedan versions are poised and comfortable. The 2.5 models are best composed overall. Sport suspension in 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. No opportunity yet to test a 3.5 SL, which doesn't have a sport suspension.
| 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 | 6.1 |
Sedan versions are poised and comfortable. The 2.5 models are best composed overall. Sport suspension in 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. No opportunity yet to test a 3.5 SL, which doesn't have a sport suspension.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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 standard on all models, rather than a V6-only option.
| 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 standard on all models, rather than a V6-only option.
Quietness
Neither engine sounds especially refined, but they're not overly intrusive either. Tire, road, and wind noise are well controlled in sedans, less so in coupes.
| 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 | 5.9 |
Neither engine sounds especially refined, but they're not overly intrusive either. Tire, road, and wind noise are well controlled in sedans, less so in coupes.
Controls
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.
| 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 | 6.4 |
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
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.
| 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 | 5.6 |
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)
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.
| 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 | 6.8 |
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)
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.
| 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 | 5.3 |
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
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 don't fold completely flat. Coupes have non-intrusive strut-style hinges, but the trunk is small, narrow, and shallow. Interior storage is only average.
| 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 |
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 don't fold completely flat. Coupes have non-intrusive strut-style hinges, but the trunk is small, narrow, and shallow. Interior storage is only average.
Value within Class
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. Still, the sedans have strong enough appeal to earn our 2008 Recommended nod.
| 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 | 6.7 |
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. Still, the sedans have strong enough appeal to earn our 2008 Recommended nod.
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 | 63.9 |
Scores for all Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2009 Nissan Altima Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Nissan Altima Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Nissan Altima 4-door sedan | Nissan Altima 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 109.3 | 105.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.8 | 182.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.7 | 70.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.9 | 55.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3055 | 3052 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 17.9 | 7.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 20.0 | 20.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.6 | 39.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.8 | 35.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 39.5 | 34.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | dohc I4/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /152 | 3.5 /214 | 2.5 /152 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 175 @ 5600 | 270 @ 6000 | 198 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 180 @ 3900 | 258 @ 4400 | @ |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed manual | 24/31 | 21/27 | --/-- |
| CVT automatic | 23/29 | 20/29 | 42/36 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Nissan Altima 4-door sedan | Nissan Altima 2-door coupe |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Nissan Altima Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Nissan Altima Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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