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2009 Nissan Altima Features Review

June 20, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A navigation system is available and includes a rearview camera
ConsumerGuide

Most popular options are grouped together in expensive packages
Cars.com

A long list of available luxury and technology features
Edmunds

If you're willing to pay for it, the 2009 Nissan Altima can be equipped as well as any other car in its class.

For 2009, standard equipment has been bolstered on the Nissan Altima, with all models receiving a new automatic door lock system. Refinements to the base model Altimas include a new 16-inch wheel cover design, dual power remote-controlled side-view mirrors, a standard trip computer, speed-sensitive variable intermittent windshield wipers, and a revised option package.

Kelley Blue Book notes that the Nissan Altima "2.5 S, which accounts for the majority of all Altima sales, adds air conditioning," along with "an audio system with CD player." On the 3.5 SE Altima, Nissan incorporates a steering wheel with built-in radio controls, while Kelley Blue Book reports that the top-end "3.5 SL has leather, a Bose audio system, automatic up/down passenger's front window and standard CVT automatic." Edmunds says "the base 2.5 comes with 16-inch wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry/starting, [and] cruise control," and the other trims add on the features from there.

Regarding options, Kelley Blue Book says some of the most noteworthy items include "a dual-zone climate control system, power moonroof, voice-activated navigation system," and "premium Bose audio system." Cars.com adds that the Altima Nissan "is one of the few family-oriented midsize sedans that can have an optional rearview camera." Of course, it is bundled as part of an option package that they report includes XM Satellite Radio. Cars.com finds that "most popular options are grouped together in expensive packages." They warn that while this method is "fine if you want everything in the package, you may not be as happy when you learn that it will cost $2,150 to add a moonroof to the 2.5 S trim level." Edmunds deems this business practice "a little shady," comparing it to "going to a salad bar and being offered a choice of either dry lettuce or a 4-gallon bucket of Ranch." Despite the atypical pricing practices, the Nissan Altima presents some very cool features in its options packages.

Conclusion

The 2009 Nissan Altima offers a wide range of features, but options will drive the price much higher.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:A navigation system is available and includes a rearview cameraConsumerGuideMost popular options are grouped together in expensive packagesCars.comA long list of available luxury and technology featuresEdmunds If you're willing to pay for it, the 2009 Nissan Altima can be equipped as well as any other car in its class. For 2009, standard equipment has been bolstered on the Nissan Altima, with all models receiving a new automatic door lock system. Refinements to the base model Altimas include a new 16-inch wheel cover design, dual power remote-controlled side-view mirrors, a standard trip computer, speed-sensitive variable intermittent windshield wipers, and a revised option package. Kelley Blue Book notes that the Nissan Altima "2.5 S, which accounts for the majority of all Altima sales, adds air conditioning," along with "an audio system with CD player." On the 3.5 SE Altima, Nissan incorporates a steering wheel with built-in radio controls, while Kelley Blue Book reports that the top-end "3.5 SL has leather, a Bose audio system, automatic up/down passenger's front window and standard CVT automatic." Edmunds says "the base 2.5 comes with 16-inch wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry/starting, [and] cruise control," and the other trims add on the features from there. Regarding options, Kelley Blue Book says some of the most noteworthy items include "a dual-zone climate control system, power moonroof, voice-activated navigation system," and "premium Bose audio system." Cars.com adds that the Altima Nissan "is one of the few family-oriented midsize sedans that can have an optional rearview camera." Of course, it is bundled as part of an option package that they report includes XM Satellite Radio. Cars.com finds that "most popular options are grouped together in expensive packages." They warn that while this method is "fine if you want everything in the package, you may not be as happy when you learn that it will cost $2,150 to add a moonroof to the 2.5 S trim level." Edmunds deems this business practice "a little shady," comparing it to "going to a salad bar and being offered a choice of either dry lettuce or a 4-gallon bucket of Ranch." Despite the atypical pricing practices, the Nissan Altima presents some very cool features in its options packages. ConclusionThe 2009 Nissan Altima offers a wide range of features, but options will drive the price much higher. 2009 NISSAN ALTIMA STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "the front view gets into an argument with the side view when they meet in the front fenders” Kelley Blue Book: "the Altima's airy cabin has a contemporary appearance” Car and Driver: "The annoying, seemingly misaligned tunnels ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

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.

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See the Nissan Altima in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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