2010 Nissan Altima 3.5SR Review & Test Drive

The last time we drove the Nissan Altima it was already a winner in our book. A stylish mid-sized coupe or sedan with a bit of sport and luxury feel, all boxed up in an economical package. This year that tradition continues and is further emphasized in our test vehicle equipped with one of the best V6 engines on the market.

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2010 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SR Review & Test Drive

Usually when you think of a sports coupe the Nissan Altima does not pop into your head immediately. Nissan has set out to change that way of thinking with the latest Nissan Altima Coupe SR.

The new 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe SR is a blast to drive. It reminds me of the time spent with the Infiniti G37 Coupe. The firm ride from the sport tuned suspension of the Altima Coupe was quite surprising in that it provided a decent ride while keeping the car firmly planted to the road during hard cornering.  I would say the ride gets a bit harsh on bumpy roads but nonetheless it did not beat me up as bad as the Nismo 370Z. With a wheelbase of only 3 inches shorter than the Altima Sedan, the Altima Coupe’s ride is still smooth when necessary.
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2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid Review & Test Drive

2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid – “The Ultimate Hybrid Midsize Sedan”

Don’t’ let the Hybrid badges on the sides and rear fool you into thinking that the new 2010 Nissan Hybrid is slow at launch and performs like a weighty, mid-size hybrid sedan.

It doesn’t feel, or look like, a typical hybrid sedan that I have tested so far this year.

Its sporty good looks, higher levels of performance and premium interior appointments are second to none.

What makes the Altima Hybrid so special and extraordinary is its gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain.  It starts with Nissan’s refined version of its QR25 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT with an advanced electric drive motor/generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions.

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2009 Nissan Altima – Great ratings, great car

JD Power and Associates has identified the 2009 Nissan Altima as the “Highest Ranked Midsize Car in Initial Quality”.  The Initial Quality Study is designed to be a predictor of long-term durability and measures owner-reported problems that occur during the first 90 days of ownership. Responses from 80,930 new-vehicle owners were collected from February to May 2009 and spanned 245 models.  The 2009 Nissan Altima received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among midsize cars. The JD Power study also gave the Altima the highest possible rating in Fuel Economy Range and high scores for seating capacity and horsepower.

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2009 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Review & Test Drive

Nissan’s newest Altima has moved onto the big league with its latest design, becoming one of Nissan’s work-horse vehicles with a long consistent history.

At a reasonable distance, it is hard to differentiate the new Nissan Altima from its “big sister”, the Nissan Maxima. Although they share many components, the Altima is still in a different class that could ultimately save you money while providing some of the same styling that makes the Nissan family such a remarkable brand.

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2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid Test Drive

 

2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid Test Drive – “A Better Alternative”

After seven days behind the wheel of the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid I enjoyed the ride and handling even more than when I tested the gasoline version of the Altima Sedan.
Combining true driving pleasure, its unique and sporty design, and a driver-oriented interior with excellent 35mpg/city and 33mpg/highway fuel mileage, the 2009 Nissan Altima hybrid is like no other hybrid that I have tested so far.

Even though fuel prices has dropped in recent months, they are on the rise again, and more consumers are focusing their purchases on high mileage, fuel efficient hybrid models to save money and help save the environment.

First introduced in model year 2007, Nissan engineers had the requirement to make it a Nissan-style hybrid, not just a fuel efficient car. This is a key reason why when compared to the competition from Toyota, Chevy and Honda, several automotive magazines have called the Altima Hybrid ‘the best’ among the hybrids tested.

The Altima hybrid powertrain mates a refined version of Nissan’s QR25 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled CVT (continuously variable transmission) with an advanced electric drive motor/generator that increases fuel economy while maintaining low tailpipe emissions. Altima hybrid is rated as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle and emits almost no evaporative emissions.

Altima hybrid’s drive system creates a synergy between its electric motor and its gasoline engine, offering both efficiency and excitement in the same attractive package. It is fun to drive and looks great, just like the gasoline version.

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