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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Nissan Altima

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Nissan Altima

Overview

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2009 Nissan Altima Review

By KBB.com Editors

After a successful redesign in 2007, the 2009 Nissan Altima carries on with only minor changes. Spun from Nissan/Renault's robust D-Platform architecture, this stylish front-drive four-door continues as the volume leader in the division's lineup, having been joined by a limited-production, gasoline-electric Hybrid variant as well as a sporty Coupe model (both reviewed separately). Even in conventional form, the Altima sedan covers a lot of competitive ground, offering four trim levels, both four- and six-cylinder power and the choice of a six-speed manual or Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). That wide selection helps it face off against the current best-seller, Toyota's popular Camry, as well as the Chevrolet Malibu and Honda Accord – both formidable foes in one of America's toughest market segments.

You'll Like This Car If...

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.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Anyone who regularly plans to carry adults in the rear seat will find the Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry all offer a bit more usable "stretch space" in the aft quarters than the slightly smaller Altima package.

What's New for 2009

The base 2.5 model receives more standard features including new 16-inch wheel covers, a CVT automatic transmission, power side mirrors, a trip computer and outside temperature gauge. The 3.5 SE trim receives Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), HID headlamps, fog lamps and a rear spoiler.

Driving the Altima

Driving Impressions An extremely rigid body structure serves as a great foundation for all Altima models. Even with their smaller wheel-and-tire packages, the four-cylinder variants have a semi-sporty feel, and things get...

more overtly engaging when you step up to an SE V6 variant. While not quite as dynamically sophisticated as the new Accord, the Altima's suspension soaks up minor road imperfections while delivering a comfortable and well-controlled ride over most surfaces. The four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are competent and consistent stoppers. Both the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL also offer the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) group that adds both driver-selectable stability and traction controls to deliver an extra measure of confidence.

Favorite Features

Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Standard on the base 2.5 and 3.5 SL and available on all others, the Xtronic is Nissan's third-generation CVT. This computer-controlled stepless shifter helps improve performance, economy and emissions. In "Sport" mode, it even creates six "virtual" gears that closely approximate the response of a conventional manual gearbox.

Optional 2.5 SL Package
This fashionable extras group gives buyers who want a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder Altima 2.5 S virtually all of the main upscale trappings of a 3.5 SL, adding leather upholstery, power and heated front seats, a moonroof, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, HomeLink universal garage-door opener and numerous lesser luxury touches.

2009 Nissan Altima Details

Interior

The Altima's airy cabin has a contemporary appearance supported by nicely textured plastic, lots of stow space and numerous soft-touch surfaces that contribute to its welcoming character. White-on-black main gauges are easy to read, the ancillary controls and center-stack switchgear is logically arrayed and the Altima's generous glass area provides the driver with good sightlines to the outside world. The front buckets, although comfortable, could use a bit more lateral support. Even though the Altima skews to the smaller side of the official EPA "mid-size" category, its 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat can still accommodate two average adults or three kids while enhancing the flexibility and utility of its 15.3 cubic feet of trunk capacity.

Exterior

Even a quick glance shows that the Altima is rich in Nissan family cues, most notably in its grille, headlamp and taillamp treatments. However, the lines and contours of its crisply rendered sheetmetal display a bit more aggressive edge than you'll find in the Sentra or Maxima. A well-defined shoulder ridge complements bold flaring on fenderwells that house 16-inch 215/60 tires on steel wheels on 2.5 and 2.5 S models and 215/55 rubber on 17-inch cast-alloy wheels on 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL versions. Only six-cylinder Altimas offer front fog lamps, which are standard issue on SL trims but optional on SEs.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Even the low-volume, special-order Altima 2.5 base model (available only with a CVT transmission) includes anti-lock brakes, power locks, air conditioning and "Intelligent Key" push button start/stop. The 2.5 S, which accounts for the majority of all Altima sales, adds an audio system with CD player and offers the luxury-oriented SL Package as an option. In addition to V6 power, the 3.5 SE appeals to enthusiasts with a sport-tuned suspension, six-speed manual transmission and performance tires, while the 3.5 SL has leather, a Bose audio system, automatic up/down passenger's front window and standard CVT automatic. All Altimas have front, front-side and side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

An impressive array of upgrade packages are offered for all but the base 2.5. Even the 2.5 S can be outfitted with leather upholstery, a dual-zone climate control system, power moonroof, voice-activated navigation system, premium Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio, rearview camera and lots more. The V6 3.5 SE and SL step it up further with dedicated packages like the Premium Package that brings all of the 3.5 SL's luxury features to a 3.5 SE. New standalone options include a power sunroof and VDC.

Under the Hood

Conventional Altima sedans offer the choice of an inline-4 or a V6. Both engines are made from lightweight aluminum, have four valves per cylinder and use continuously-variable valve timing to improve response and efficiency across their entire operating ranges. The 2.5-liter four (2.5 and 2.5 S) develops a solid 175 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque while the 3.5-liter V6 (3.5 SE and 3.5 SL) raises those figures to 270 and 258, respectively. Both can be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox (2.5 S/3.5 SE) or Nissan's Xtronic CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission), which is optional on the 2.5S and 3.5 SE but standard on the base 2.5 and 3.5 SL.

2.5-liter in-line 4
175 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
170 horsepower @ 5600 rpm (California)
180 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm
175 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm (California)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/32 (manual), 23/31 (automatic)

3.5-liter V6
270 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/27 (manual), 19/26 (automatic)

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2009 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 865 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.2/10

Most comefortable car I have ever owned

By Jessy (FL) on Thursday, July 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,604

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, drivability"

Cons: "passanger seat is manual"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Just came home after a road trip of about 3,400 miles. I never tired nor did my back hurt from all the hours of driving. The 4 cylinder engine has enough pep to get out of its own way while entering highways and more to spare. Back seat is comfortable for our adult friends. Back seat also accepts child car seats easily. I have been very pleased with this car and would not hesitate to recommend it."

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Unhappy with paint job.

By Jack on Monday, July 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "High price,enjoy driving."

Cons: "7cup holders different sizes."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"When I picked up the it was overcast and unable to see scratches over the entire body, also the owners Manuel has false information, except for the aforementioned I am very satisfied with the car and the service of the dealer."

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5 years old and still runs like a top

By rudy (CO) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Reliable-MPG-CVT"

Cons: "None worth saying"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I picked up an old friend for lunch last week and when he got into my car, he asked if it was new. I had not seen this guy for over six months, but he had been in my car several time in the past 5 years. The point is, that this car looks and rides like new. I do take very good care of it, but I am very impressed with this car. Not one problem major or minor for the almost five years I have owned it. For the price, just a good solid middle of the road four door family sedan. I plan on getting a 2014, maybe. the competition is tougher now. The Fusion and Mazda 6 are nice rides. I won't buy an Accord or Camry, I am not that old yet."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Mostly satisfied

By Altima 2.5 S Reviewer on Wednesday, June 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Ride, Acceleration for a 4 CYL., cabin room."

Cons: "Cold engine noise, CVT hesitation."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"This vehicle is of good value for the money. I bought it used with 34K on the odometer and it has ran well since then. My overall MPG is 31 and I believe my highwway MPG to be around the mid 30's. However, the engine/CVT combo took some getting used to. The engine does sound like a diesel when cold and it will tick until warmed up under acceleration. I did a lot of research on that issue and the noise is due to engine design and solid lifters. I ran Pennzoil Platinum and Mobil 1 filter for 4K and had a near perfect used oil analysis which indicated much less than average wear for the vehicle. So I guess I somewhat confirmed that the noises are not detrimental. I also had the CVT hesitation TSB performed for free from a local dealer. That was nice but it still hesitates and drops in RPM at approximately 30 MPH but I guess occurs less frequently. This is my first Nissan and overall things are fine. The ride is quiet and comfortable and the cabin is roomy. There are just some things to get used to with a new manufacturer."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Overall very good vehicle at great value

By Sam (PA) on Saturday, June 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great all-around sport sedan"

Cons: "master cylinder/braking fair"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I am very happy to own this vehicle. It does many things very well and has many great attributes with only a couple weaknesses. The car is a good family car with plenty of room and comfort; yet it is also definitely sporty with the strong 3.5 L V-6 engine. Other sporty features include sleek body, fog lights, manual shift gate, VDC stability control, and dual exhaust. The car is fun to drive aggressively or on normal roadways. This car also has excellent technology features even though it is now 5 years old. It has rear-backup camera, satellite radio, navigation, auto-diming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, push-button start, intelligent key, bluetooth, and many voice activated commands. Considering it is a V-6, I find it to get good though not super, gas mileage. I have averaged 24 mpg in mixed driving. 28 mpg on the highway is realistic, as this car does have the CVT transmission. The car looks good, is comfortable, has great technology that works well, and is generally fun to drive. An additional strong point is that the Altima is a popular model in general and this trim line in particular is in higher demand, so the residual values have held up very well for this vehicle. I note 2 weaknesses in this vehicle; it could be more firmly planted and the steering is a bit sensitive, also the dealer did not seem at all surprised when I needed the master cylinder replaced at only 30k miles. It was still under warranty fortunately, but I think Nissan had to issue a recall for this deficiency. In general for most people, this car does many things very well and would fit most people's needs very well."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Strong 2.5 Motor, Strong Value

By HAIL (KS) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Very Strong and quiet Engine, Very Fuel Efficient"

Cons: "Wish it was leather for its high class"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"+ Sporty 2.5 Engine + Quieter then its rival competitors on Road and when Idle + Great Gas Millage 28 City / 34.5 HWY (70MPH) + Comfortable and Roomy interior and Large Truck + Larger Fuel Tank then other sedans + Very Quick Acceleration and Option to Switch to Sport manual Shifting + Very Dependable Car + You cant go wrong with Altima/Accord/Camry they are all Japanese built only difference in your preference + This car is like Cash in your pocket, you can sell it anytime you like"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 865 reviews