2009 Nissan Altima vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.4 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Trevor Wild

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Jun 20, 2009

The Altima's closest competition in this broad field of popular mid-size sedans comes from the Fusion, which also feels very sporty.

The Passat has a different, more European character, and its peppy four-cylinder engine performs best out of any base engines in this field, but it requires premium fuel.

For safety, the Accord stands on top (it's an IIHS Top Safety Pick); also to the Altima's detriment, electronic stability control is still not offered on the four-cylinder model.

Compared to the Accord, Camry, and Malibu, the Altima feels a little perkier to drive, yet slightly smaller inside.

Especially versus the cushy Camry, the Altima comes across as decidedly sportier.

2009 Nissan Altima Browse Used Listings	2009 Chevrolet Malibu Browse Used Listings	2009 Ford Fusion Browse Used Listings	2009 Toyota Camry Browse Used Listings	2008 Honda Accord Sedan Browse Used Listings	2003 Volkswagen Passat Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 The 2009 Nissan Altima has a sportier look and feel than most other mid-size sedans, but it's just as practical.	8.6 The 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is a top contender in its class in almost every way.	8.2 The 2009 Ford Fusion is a great choice for those who place their priorities on style and handling, but if interior space matters to you, look elsewhere.	7.6 The 2009 Toyota Camry remains one of the best choices for those looking for a reliable and roomy—albeit plainly dressed—family sedan.	9 Whether you're looking for a comfy commuter in the $20,000 range or a luxurious, powerful $30,000 family sedan, the newly redesigned 2008 Honda Accord should be on your shortlist.	N/A
MSRP From
$19,900	$21,605	$19,035	$19,145	$20,360	$21,750
Gas Mileage
18 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas 4-Cyl	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Midsize	Midsize	Mid-Size Sedan	Mid-Size	Large	Mid-Size
Style Name
4dr Sedan I4 CVT 2.5	4dr Sedan LS w/1LS	4dr Sedan I4 S FWD	4dr Sedan I4 Man (Natl)	4dr I4 Man LX	4dr Sedan GL Manual
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sdn
Transmission
Continuously Variable	Automatic w/OD	Manual	Manual w/OD	Manual	Manual w/OD