Nissan Altima Adds Excitement to Buttoned-down Segment

As Nissan’s bread-and-butter sedan, the Altima must appeal to a broad swath of customers: from young families to value-conscious seniors. In the super-competitive mid-size sedan class, it must also be practical, safe and durable. Managing this checklist while also delivering a level of sportiness is the Altima’s formula for success. Our Ocean Gray tester from Mountain View Nissan was a typically equipped Altima 2.5 S, the sales volume leader in the line. Sales consultant Jeannette Morris said most of her Altima customers gravitate to the efficient four-cylinder car, although there is also a six cylinder Altima available. (A hybrid Altima is sold in some states but not currently in Tennessee.)

STYLING: The Altima’s exterior has been freshened for 2010, but it retains much the same shape that debuted in 2007. Still, the look has aged well. A new headlight treatment adds drama to the facia. (Also new for 2010 is standard stability control, an important upgrade.) Our tester was equipped with charcoal colored cloth seats. The dash layout is simple, with dials and switches that are refreshingly easy to operate. An onboard computer monitors fuel consumption and reports outside temperature, among other functions.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS: The four-cylinder Altima is rated at 32 mpg highway (23 city), which makes it a desirable commuter car. In a test-drive on Interstate 24, the Altima was well mannered and mustered plenty of power for onramp merging. The cabin is quiet and the suspension is nicely composed. Visibility is good, but somewhat restricted in the rear by the Altima’s rakish roofline.

FEATURES: Our tester came equipped with a convenience package, a popular option cluster that includes 16-inch allow wheels, a power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and one-touch electric windows. The Altima’s smart key system makes fumbling for your key-ring a thing of the past.

BOTTOM LINE: The Altima is a handsome, sporty sedan with enough standard features to compete with the other heavyweights in the mid-size class. Nissan’s fi ne build quality and reputation for durability are bonuses that can’t be ignored.

TEST DRIVE

MODEL: 2010 Nissan Altima 2.5S.

COLOR: Ocean Gray.

ENGINE: 2.5 liter 4-cylinder.

TRANSMISSION: Continuously variable.

FUEL ECONOMY: 23 mph city, 32 mpg highway

BASE PRICE: $23,970.

PRICE AS TESTED: $24,959 (rebate available).

SEE A VIDEO OF MOUNTAIN VIEW NISSAN SALES CONSULTANT JEANNETTE MORRIS DEMONSTRATING THE 2010 ALTIMA 2.5 S.