2009 Nissan Altima
- 2010 Nissan Altima
- Used Nissan Altima
Based on analysis of 74 Altima reviews and test drives.
Nissan Altima - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Nissan Altima ranks 11 out of 24 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 74 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Altima, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Nissan Altima is a easy to overlook in a segment filled with Accords, Camrys and Fusions, but it shouldn't be. The Altima isn't just a functional family sedan -- it's actually fun to drive. With a low cost of entry and a thrifty four-cylinder option, it's one of the most economical midsize cars as well.
The 2009 Nissan Altima offers one of the sportier rides available in an affordable midsize car. It out-handles most of its competition, but still offers all of the utility expected of a family car. New Car Test Drive sums up its virtues well, saying "the Altima line fits a wide range of tastes and budgets."
It is available as a sensible sedan with a sporty side, or a more openly fun coupe. Its sharp body borrows styling cues from Nissan's Infiniti luxury division. Its starting price is among the lowest in its class. And with its four-cylinder base engine and Continuously Variable Transmission, it is one of the most fuel-efficient midsize cars on the market. For those truly worried about fuel economy, there is even a hybrid model, which is reviewed separately.
But the car has flaws. Higher trim levels can get expensive, and some reviewers find fault with interior materials, and a tight backseat. Buyers looking for enthusiastic performance with more space might want to see the new Mazda6.
The "wide range of budgets" New Car Test Drive mentions is the other problem. The Altima is inexpensive in base trim, but as you start adding options, the price climbs and climbs.
The 2009 Nissan Altima sedan is almost completely unchanged from the 2008 model, with only minor adjustments to the equipment levels. Altimas are available in four main trims -- the fairly Spartan base model, more well-equipped S, sporty SE and top-of-the-line S, which nears Infiniti territory in both equipment and price.
- "The Altima's breadth of powertrain and packaging choices opens the door for lots of comparatively affordable variations on the theme that can meet and exceed the needs of all manner of mid-size sedan buyers -- whether they're seeking basic transportation or want something with a more sporting character." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "The Camry and Accord may still not quake in the Altima's presence, but it turns out this once-ignored dance partner -- especially decked out in our preferred 3.5SE sports garb -- knows all the latest steps." -- Car and Driver
- "Thanks to its dashing style, entertaining driving dynamics and welcoming interior...the Altima is one of our top picks for a sporting family sedan or midsize coupe." -- Edmunds
- "Nissan's Altima Reaches New Heights Nissan's sporty Altima midsize sedan runs with the best imports in the pack. And, though eminently practical, it distinguishes itself thanks to zippy handling " -- BusinessWeek
- "To be honest, for many of us, Nissan Altimas have been nice enough automobiles, but up against the gold standards of Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, they were a quarter turn off perfection." -- Road and Track
- "While the sedan seems to go well with responsible adults who need to lug their family and friends around, the coupe feels like it just has more fun. And when you're driving the Altima coupe, you just smile a little bit more." -- Detroit News
Altima Performance - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2009 Nissan Altima is one of the sportiest options family sedan buyers will find. More than one reviewer has taken the Altima out looking for a winding road -- something we usually see only with purpose-built sports cars. The Coupe is even more poised in the corners. Since the Altima's claim to be an enthusiast's car is based on its handling characteristics, we should note, even less-expensive, more fuel-efficient four cylinder models get in on the fun. One caution, however - almost no one who has driven it likes the Altima's available manual transmission. Read More
Altima Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)
The 2009 Altima bears a strong family resemblance to the Infiniti G37 - and that's a good thing. Nissan's midsize car is one of the sharpest-looking sedans on the road. Coupe models, many reviewers say, are even more attractive - and many of the Altima's competitors don't offer one. Read More
Altima Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The 2009 Nissan Altima benefits from a Nissan initiative to improve interior quality that began with this car's 2007 redesign. The Truth About Cars says, "Altima's minimalist styling continues inside. The dashbaord looks quieter and more soothing than Camry or Accord. More Zen." But some of the car's peers are still considered more spacious and refined. Read More
Altima Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2009 Nissan Altima sedans earn top scores of five stars in every government crash test. Coupe models fall a little short of those scores, but still score very well. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not tested a 2009 Altima, but awarded top scores to the 2008 Altima sedan. Nissan, however, still makes Stability Control an extra-cost option on the Altima, while many rivals now provide it as standard equipment. Read More
Altima Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2009 Nissan Altima reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Nissan protects Altima buyers with a three-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty. Read More
