Nissan Altima

Name: 2009 Nissan Altima
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 29 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Nissan Altima is among our better rated family sedans. The 2.5-liter, four-cylinder delivers better performance than some six-cylinder engines and an impressive 25 mpg overall. The 3.5-liter V6 is very powerful yet delivers 23 mpg overall. The 2.5 S has good handling and absorbs bumps better than the 3.5 SE, which is stiff and jittery, but corners better. Interior quality is very good, but rear-seat room is a bit tight. Electronic stability control is not available on the 2.5 S and only optional on the V6. It is standard on the Hybrid. The Hybrid got 32 mpg in our tests, but the trunk is small and the transition from electric to gas isn't very smooth. A coupe is also available.

2009 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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Nissan Altima

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Malibu

Ford Fusion

Honda Accord

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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2009 Midsized cars Ratings

2009 Nissan Altima

$3,050 - $4,200

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chevrolet Malibu

$3,250 - $4,400

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Chrysler Sebring

$2,975 - $3,075

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Dodge Avenger

$2,875 - $3,250

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Ford Fusion

$3,050 - $4,375

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Honda Accord

$5,550 - $6,375

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Hyundai Genesis

$3,475 - $4,250

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Hyundai Sonata

$3,575 - $4,425

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Kia Optima

$3,450 - $4,025

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Mazda 6

$4,225 - $4,400

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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2009 Mercury Milan

$3,600 - $4,650

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

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2009 Mitsubishi Galant

$2,975 - $3,400

EPA MPG NA

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2009 Pontiac G6

$3,575 - $4,475

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

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2009 Saab 9-5

$5,225 - $5,675

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2009 Saturn Aura

$3,825 - $4,200

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Subaru Legacy

$3,025 - $6,300

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Toyota Camry

$4,900 - $6,175

EPA MPG 39 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$4,900 - $6,175

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2009 Volkswagen CC

$2,975 - $3,100

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2009 Volkswagen Passat

$3,275 - $3,425

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

coupe

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.5-liter 4 (175 hp)
2.5-liter 4 hybrid (198 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (270 hp)

CVT
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The sixth-generation Altima offers all-wheel drive and a turbo engine. It is a rather unremarkable midsized sedan. That said, it's a competitive car that gets the job done. It delivers on room, fuel economy, and user friendliness. However, the driving experience is bland, lacking in handling agility, and the seemingly pliant ride isn't adept at absorbing all types of bumps. The standard 2.5-liter engine provides decent acceleration, and the car gets a commendable 31 mpg overall. With that engine, buyers can opt for all-wheel drive, but not with the uplevel, more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine. The car is relatively quiet. The cabin is roomy, if a bit too low for easy access. Controls are very easy to use, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are compatible. To its credit, standard safety systems include automatic emergency braking. For 2021, pedestrian detection with automatic emergency braking is standard. For the 2025 model year, the turbo engine is dropped, and a new Special Edition package becomes available on the SV trim. 2026 brings a simplified lineup, with the base S and top SL trims discontinued, leaving shoppers with the choice between SV and SR trims, as well as FWD and AWD.

2013-2018

2013 Redesign Year

This version of the Altima was considerably less lustrous than its forebears. In a segment brimming with better cars, the 2013 Altima is a lackluster choice, ranking below virtually all of its competitors with a humdrum driving experience. If you do buy one, we suggest going with the 2.5SV to get a power driver's seat and blind spot monitoring. Advanced safety equipment, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, is only available on the 2.5SL and 3.5SL trims; in both cases as part of a Technology package. Said succinctly, we'd skip this version of the Altima. There are many better choices within the crowded midsized sedan field.

2007-2012

2007 Redesign Year

The well-rounded 2007 redesign was even better, with an improved ride, especially with the powerful -- yet economical -- four-cylinder engine. The sportier 3.5 SE handles more sharply, but rides stiffly. Interior fit and finish are improved over the previous model, but the rear seat is less roomy. All Altimas have pushbutton keyless start. The 2010 freshening brought the previously optional stability control as a standard feature. Antilock brakes and brake assist are also standard equipment for this generation. A hybrid version was offered as well, but was dropped after 2011; its powertrain returned 32 mpg.

2002-2006

2002 Redesign Year

The third-generation Altima was much roomier than its predecessors. It was also quick, fairly comfortable, and generally competitive. Among its attributes are generous accommodations, a punchy and refined powertrain, nimble and secure handling, as well as a pleasant ride and a quiet cabin. Rear-seat passengers get large-car legroom and can easily stretch, or cross their legs. Though the roomy interior is stylish, fit and finish could be better, as some of the interior plastics look and feel cheap. Be apprised, IIHS side-crash-test results were poor without the optional curtain airbags. Anti-lock brakes were optional as well. For this reason, you'll want to look for a car equipped with the ABS/airbag Package.

1998-2001

1998 Redesign Year

The Altima aimed to compete with the four-cylinder Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but never stacked up to them. Handling was less than nimble and the ride was busy. The noisy engine delivered strong acceleration. The front seats were too low and rear seating was fairly cramped. The rear seatback didn't fold down. The Altima was redesigned for 1998, evolving the same basic formula. It was slightly freshened for 2000. It remained a not very rewarding family sedan.