The 2011 Nissan Altima is a mid-sized automobile manufactured by Nissan Motors Ltd. The Nissan Altima is primarily a family car, with 3 models available in 2 body types, Sedan and Coupe. It currently has 4 generations with the latest generation featuring a facelift and more recent innovations such as a smart key system, Bluetooth capability, and a parking camera. It continues to be a powerful sedan while possessing the handling of a sports utility vehicle. Although the 2011 Nissan Altima performs well and is relatively a good car for its class, it ultimately falls short against better competition.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan | Base Price: $20,410.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallons (75.7 liters) | Miles Per Gallon: 23 city / 32 hwy |
| Length: 190.7 in. (484 cm) | Width: 70.7 in. (179.5 cm) |
| Height: 58 in. (147 cm) | Wheel Base: 109.3 in. (277.6 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3180 lbs (1442 kg) | Ground Clearance: 5.4 in. (13.7 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 15.3 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16-valve DOHC 4 Cylinder | Displacement: 2.5 liter |
| Horsepower: 175 HP | Max RPM: 5600 RPM |
| Torque: 180 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm | Transmission: Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode |
| Option:2.5 S | MSRP: $22,570; MPG: 23 city / 32 hwy |
| Option:2.5 S with SL Package | MSRP: $26,750; MPG: 23 city / 32 hwy |
| Option:3.5 SR | MSRP: $25,430; MPG: 20 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:Hybrid | MSRP: $26,800; MPG: 33 city / 33 hwy |
| Option:Coupe | MSRP: $23,600; MPG: 23 city / 31 hwy |
Engine & Performance
The 2011 Nissan Altima engine varies depending on the trim levels. There are 3 trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 SR and 3.5 SR. Both 2.5 models (S and SR) have a 2.5 L four-cylinder 175 horsepower engine while the 3.5 SR model has a 3.5 L V6 270 horsepower engine. The sedan has a continuously viable automatic transmission while the coupe has a six-speed manual transmission with CVT as an option.
Performance-wise it fares ok against the competition, sitting in the middle of the pack. It handles relatively well, and provides a smooth, comfortable drive. Fuel efficiency is average, with both sedans and coupe garnering an average of 35/33 mpg in highway/traffic conditions. The Altima can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds.
Interior & Exterior
As a midsize car, the Nissan Altima isn’t the sportiest among its class. The coupe is a bit sporty than the sedan and is also shorter in length and lower in height. Its wheelbase spans 2.67 m (sedan) and 2.77 m (coupe), and it has a body length of 4.84 m (sedan) and 4.59 m (coupe), while having a width of 1.79 m (both sedan and coupe). Both sedan and coupe towers over 1.4 m in height.
The Nissan Altima’s interior isn’t too shabby but lacks in space and style compared to its competitors. While the driver and passenger side offers adequate room, the back seats are cramped. Styling also isn’t luxurious, with Altima using budget-grade plastics and cheap upholstery to line its interior.
Add-ons include Bose audio system, navigation system with a 6.5-inch color screen display, a 9.3 GB music hard drive, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and a rear view camera. Individually, these add-ons are reasonably priced. The problem arises when Nissan forces you to buy these add-ons in packages, making the total price of the car more expensive than you want it to be.
Safety & Reliability
The 2011 model hasn’t been tested, but the 2010 Altima scored 5-4 stars in safety standards. It comes with dual front air bags, side-impact supplemental air bags, traction control system and vehicle dynamic control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. In 2002 it received the North American Car of the Year Award. It also received the highest scores in front-impact crash safety rating conducted by the NHTSA in 2010.
Comparisons
Other cars to consider among Altima’s class include the Ford Fusion (MSRP $19,850; 22 city / 32 hwy)and Mazda6 (MSRP $20,240; 21 city / 30 hwy). The Fusion offers more space, is more powerful, and is more spacious compared to Altima while the Mazda6 beats Altima both in terms of performance and affordability. However with increased performance, the Mazda6 consumes more fuel. You can also look at the Hyundai Sonata (MSRP $19,695; 24 city / 35 hwy) and Toyota Camry (MSRP $20,195; 22 city / 33 hwy), with both offering a little more. The Sonata in particular is more spacious and more fuel-efficient than the Altima. The Altima is the sporty alternative to a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry.
Pros
• Responsive steering
• Solid construction
• Capable chassis
• Excellent safety standards
Cons
• Cramped interior, small trunk space
• Average performance
• Average price ($19,000) that skyrockets with add-ons ($30,000)
Overall Rating
76 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Nissan Altima isn’t quite as roomy as some mid-size rivals, but it’s one of the sportiest-driving choices.”Car Connection
“Sedans have nicely damped body motions and direct steering. The brakes offer good stopping control, though one test model suffered from touchy pedal action. Coupes have sharper moves all around but are not as nimble as you might expect.”Consumer Guide
