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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 857 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

Uncomfortable, Difficult to see for parking.

By Milli (NY) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,500

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Very reliable."

Cons: "Everything else. No more Nissan's"

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

"I purchased this car on an impulse. I had sworn that I wasn't going to by another Nissan. It is very small and I'm a small person ( 5'7") If the seat isn't down all the way, I hit my head getting in and out. It is difficult to see out and judge for parking. Power plugs and usb plugs very inconvenient. Difficult to put CD's in storage because the shift is in the way. Overall, the car is very noisy! i.e road noise and bumps, especially over expansion joints on a concrete highway. When driving in the rain, It's like you riding in a tin can."

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LOVE MY CAR

By Andrew (NJ) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Really fun and exciting to drive!"

Cons: "Trunk is very small."

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

"I absolutely love my Altima Coupe. It is a fun to drive car that really has pep. Comfortable drive and really impressive pick up power. Great look inside that makes this look like a very high end car. Quite sensitive steering and pedals make this truly a responsive car. Space in the back is better than what you would expect in a coupe. Only thing I wish was better gas mileage but that is what comes with the car (I get about 22 combined mpg). I highly recommend this car."

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This car is a keeper

By andy (TX) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great price ,seats,brakes,hadling"

Cons: "cvt noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I bought a 2012 4cly last year with a discount of 6k. I had a love hate thing with this car. The cvt was the culprit' T he noise I was not use too. When you have radio or air on you don"t notice it even with windows down but if you drive with everything off you can really hear noise with simple accellerstion and with very hard accellation a loud whine.But I have finally got to a point I know how to drive this car.I like my leather seats and the power the 4 banger has and of course the quiet cabin on long trips.The noise is only on acceration."

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One of the nicest cars i've ever owned.

By kat (NJ) on Saturday, April 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,868

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

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

"Car is very roomy. Classy looking inside n out. Ride is smooth. For such a larger car then i had preiusly own (honda civic) i'm getting better gas mileage then i did with a smaller car. I believe i got a very good deal from the dealership. I of course went to kelly blue book to check out prices on this type of car first. The blue book stated car was worth about $18,000, i paid $17,540. I recomend shopping at the end of the month always when dealers are trying to up there quotas of moving cars off the lot."

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Decline in Quality

By Spirit (TX) on Friday, April 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Reasonably priced in comparison to similar models"

Cons: "Interior too small, cheap, engine loud,"

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

"I have owned 3 Altimas, latest being a 2004. The current style is very disappointing. The interior space is smaller, front seats are crowded into the shell making it impossible to get even small hands underneath them to retrieve items that have fallen through the cracks; vanity mirrors are smaller, door coin tray is smaller; consoles and armrest doors are of a cheap quality. Car doors fall open so wide that a person with average arm length has to step out of the car to pull it closed(there is nothing to grab onto to pull it forward)engine sounds like a tractor when shut off, and is very noisy from the outside. My car is currently at a dealership service center for a problem that they say has never been reported and for which they have no diagnostic "code". I have loved the Nissan Altima since my first purchase in 1995 and I look forward to it returning to the high quality vehicleit once was. For me, satisfaction is in the "small stuff"."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Very comfortable ride,

By Best one (MN) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"I like the ride of this car. 4 cyl. When I punched down the gas pedal, grey smoke came out of the tailpipe. In the winter months, it collects snow in the wheelwells and rubs on the tires."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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