Price as Tested: $23,735
This week, we're behind the wheel of Nissan's 2011 Altima 2.5 S, a 4-cylinder powered mid-size sedan that is high on amenities and consumer popularity. With an extremely attractive base price, customers can shop Nissan showrooms with full confidence that they are test driving one of Nissan's most reliable vehicles to date. Now in its fourth generation, Altima received a complete re-design in 2007 and remains stylish thanks to several facelifts along the way.
Notable is Nissan's take on inflation or lack thereof, as a base 2011 Altima starts at just $19,910...the exact same price as when we tested a 2009 model several years ago. More important is the fact that in 2009, the $19,910 model came with a manual transmission and no traction control, while the new 2011 Altima comes with an automatic transmission and traction control. Thus, while inflation is currently eating away at our fuel and food bills, Nissan is bucking the trend to keep consumers in a quality car that offers more for the money and rates high in "Consumer Reports" reliability ratings.
Built in Smyrna, Tennessee, Altima's "S" model adds $2,150 to the base price and features Intelligent Key, AM/FM/CD/auxiliary input audio system, driver and front-passenger seatback pockets, passenger visor vanity mirror and carpeted trunk lid trim. Personally, I don't see $2,150 here, but the choice is yours.
Under Altima's hood sits a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 180 lb. ft. of torque in 49 of the 50 states. However, just as the last time we tested an Altima, our tester came with California licensing, a state's where stricter emission rules result in lower ratings of 170 horses and 175 torque. The CVT transmission and engine combination work well, providing good acceleration band and torque. As for fuel mileage, Altima 2.5 is high on the chart, with 23 city and 32 highway EPA numbers.
Customers who demand more "go" for their money can check the Altima 3.5-series, which is powered by a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. However, I still recommend Altima's 4-cylinder version over the V6 for two reasons; cost and fuel economy. Specifically, the V6 model 3.5 series starts at $24,750 and delivers 20 city and 27 highway with the CVT automatic.
Altima's interior is impressive, with a load of standard amenities. Included are all the powers, air conditioning, tilt and telescopic wheel, numerous cup holders, cruise with steering wheel controls, great sounding 6-speaker stereo CD, push button start, two 12-volt outlets and much more. The spacious rear seat is a 60/40 split design that folds down for trunk access.
Underneath, Altima features a fully independent four-wheel suspension with a multi-link rear design and front and rear stabilizer bars. Aiding in the stopping procedure are 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and vehicle dynamic control.
A Special Edition package for $750 more is recommended, as 16 inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, fog lamps, auto headlamps, special edition badges and leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls spruce up the Altima package.
Altima's safety offerings are excellent, as previous 5-Star government ratings in frontal and side crash and 4-Star in rollover are expected for the 2011 model. All the airbags, including advanced driver and passenger airbags with dual stage deployment, seat mounted front side airbags and front and rear side head curtain airbags located in the roof, come standard on all Altimas.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 109.3-inches, 15.3 cu. ft. of luggage space, 20 gallon fuel tank, and a 3,193-pound curb weight.
Altima's core design and low price results in a car that is a good match for college students, business people, a growing family and baby boomers alike. Additionally, buyers can take solace knowing their 4-cylinder powered Altima comes well equipped regardless of options.
Nissan's Altima is a road worthy car that handles well, looks good and delivers excellent fuel economy. And with Nissan's "hold the price and give the consumer more" ideology, I expect this model to be a big winner in 2011.
Likes: Price, performance, fuel economy, room, design, reliability.
Dislikes: Options can push price too high, lots of plastic inside.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist).
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