The 2009 Nissan Altima offers such a broad range of powertrain and packaging choices in an array of affordable models. What’s more, Altima has the goods to exceed your expectations whether you are into economy, handling or comfort.
The 2009 Nissan Altima is a midsize chameleon offered in sedan and coupe body styles. Altima 2.5 models have a 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The 3.5 models use a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the 3.5 SL. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on the base 2.5 and 3.5 SL and optional otherwise. Given the choices, Altima offers the right ride for you!
Altima embodies its Nissan family role, particularly in its exterior styling. Some even say the Altima has a more appealing style than the new Maxima! In fact, Altima avoids the cookie cutter look for which the 
midsize market is often criticized.
The Altima 2.5 base model ($19,900 MSRP) is a special-order price leader. The 2.5 S ($21,040 MSRP), the most popular Altima model, is equipped with antilock brakes, power locks, air conditioning, "Intelligent Key" push button start/stop and a CD audio system.
Beyond its V6 power, Altima's six-speed manual 3.5 SE ($25,180 MSRP) features sport-tuned suspension, while the 3.5 SL includes leather, a Bose stereo and the smooth shifting of a standard CVT automatic transmission.
The Altima's cabin is roomy and decorated in handsome contemporary décor made of quality materials. Visibility for the driver is excellent. The layout is highly ergonomic and includes lots of stowage space. White-on-black main gauges are easy to read and center-stack controls are logically placed and designed for intuitive operation. The front bucket seats are long haul comforting, and the rear bench is quite accommodating. The rear bench splits and folds 60/40 providing access to 15.3 cubic feet of trunk capacity.
The Altima's inline-four cylinder and V6 engines are comprised of lightweight aluminum, and feature variable valve timing for exceptional responsiveness and efficiency even at low engine speeds. The 2.5-liter four (2.5 and 2.5 S) develops a solid 175 hp and 180 lb/ft of torque while the 3.5-liter V6 (3.5 SE and 3.5 SL) raises those figures to 270 hp and 258 lb/ft respectively. 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. The 2.5-liter inline-four has an EPA-estimated city/highway mileage of 23/32 mpg with the manual transmission and 23/31 mpg with the automatic.
Redesigned in 2007, the new Altima rides on an extremely rigid chassis. It’s the key to tuning the suspension for a comfortable ride and good handling. In fact, reviewers rave about the nimble and sporting feel of all Altimas on the open road. Steering is precise and nicely boosted. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes bring the Altima to short, straight stops. 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.
We invite you to give the 2009 Altima Sedan a close look and take a test drive. If you want style, performance and economy, you might get one or two of those qualities in something else, but you’ll find all three in the 2009 Nissan Altima sedan!
