The
2010 Nissan Altima is a midsize car that is offered as a sedan, coupe, or hybrid. Equipped with either a 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque or 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, the Nissan Altima sedan comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the coupe gets a standard six-speed manual transmission and the CVT as an option. The hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter 158-horsepower four-cylinder engine plus a 40-horsepower electric motor, delivering 198 horsepower combined and sports a CVT.
The Nissan Altima boasts an excellent array of luxury features including iPod, USB, Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera, a moon roof, leather trim seating, and Xenon headlamps. Featuring great safety scores, the Altima comes with a complete array of safety equipment. Fuel economy is EPA rated at 23 mpg city / 32 mpg highway.
New for 2010
For 2010, the Nissan Altima received significant exterior modifications, including a new hood with a "power bulge," a restyled grille and front bumper, and a new wheel design. The coupe received similar updates as well as projector beam headlights. The interior was also updated with new gauges, a 4.3-inch color audio display, and a USB port with iPod connectivity, all standard.
Essentials
Engines: 2.5L I-4, 3.5L V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Body Styles: Sedan, coupe, hybrid
Trims: Base Sedan, Hybrid Sedan, S Sedan, SR Sedan, S Coupe, SR Coupe
On the Outside
Even with the new "power bulge" hood and restyled fascia, the Nissan Altima is looking a bit dated compared to its competition.
From the Inside
The Nissan Altima's revised gauges, a standard 4.3-inch color audio display, and USB/iPod connectivity are new standard features. A new navigation system, with a 6.5-inch monitor, Zagat restaurant guide, traffic and weather updates, and Bluetooth streaming audio, is available as an option.
Driving Performance
The Nissan Altima with sport trim boasts a front strut/rear multi-link suspension, 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering. Engine choices include a 2.5-liter 175-horsepower four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter 270-horsepower V-6 engine. The hybrid sedan is powered by a 2.5-liter 158-horsepower four-cylinder engine plus 40-horsepower electric motor, boasting198 horsepower combined.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the Altima include front, front-side, and side curtain airbags, while coupe and sedan also get antilock brakes, front-seat active head restraints, stability and traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Gas Mileage
2.5, 2.5 S sedan, 2.5 S coupe (CVT): 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway
2.5 S coupe (manual): 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway
3.5 SR, 3.5 SR coupe (CVT): 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway
3.5 SR coupe (manual): 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Hybrid: 35 mpg city/33 mpg highway
Plusses
- Fun sport coupe
- Spacious sedan
- Hybrid fuel economy
Minuses
- Bland design
- Older styling
Rating
Still a good bet, especially with the hybrid
People Who Like the 2010 Nissan Altima Also Like
- Ford Fusion
- Honda Accord
- Hyundai Sonata
- Mazda6
- Toyota Camry