2011 Nissan Altima sedan

Base MSRP: $20,410 to $25,430

Reviewed

July 2011

Pros

Responsive and sporty
Favorable crash-test ratings
Good fuel economy with either engine

Cons

Smaller backseat than the competition
Continuously variable automatic is strange to some drivers
Annoying and restrictive option-package structure

Our Analysis

Experts continue to recommend the 2011 Nissan Altima as a sporty alternative in the family-sedan class, although newer models like the redesigned 2011 Hyundai Sonata (Base MSRP: $19,395 to $27,245) get higher ratings. The Altima hasn't changed much since 2009, with only small changes in options packages this year. For a detailed analysis, see our page on the 2009 Nissan Altima (*Est. $19,900 to $29,380).

Good fuel economy, even with the punchy V6

Fuel economy is 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined with the 2011 Altima's base four-cylinder engine and mandatory continuously variable transmission (CVT). An optional V6 engine delivers 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with the CVT. Coupe and hybrid Altimas are also available.

Good safety scores, but others do better

The 2011 Altima sedan gets 4 stars (out of 5) overall in federal crash tests – 5 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for frontal crash protection and rollover avoidance. In crash tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2011 Altima sedan earns the highest rating of "good" for front and side crash protection, with "acceptable" scores for roof strength and rear crash protection. Every Altima comes with standard antilock brakes, traction and stability control and front, front-side and curtain airbags.

Base MSRP for the 2011 Nissan Altima sedan ranges from $20,410 for the entry-level Altima 2.5 sedan to $25,110 for the Altima 3.5 SR.

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Our Sources

1. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors say the 2011 Nissan Altima is largely unchanged since 2010 (besides "a slight shuffling of option packages." After a full test, they say the Altima is still "a solid pick É particularly if you're looking for something with some sporting flair."

Review: 2011 Nissan Altima, Editors of Edmunds.com

2. SaferCar.gov

The 2011 Nissan Altima sedan gets 4 stars (out of 5) overall in the federal government's newly strengthened crash ratings. It earns 5 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for frontal crash protection and rollover avoidance.

Review: 2011 Nissan Altima 4DR FWD, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

3. IIHS.org

In crash tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2011 Nissan Altima earns the highest rating of "good" for front and side crash protection, with "acceptable" scores for roof strength and rear crash protection.

Review: Nissan Altima, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

4. FuelEconomy.gov

This government website publishes official fuel economy estimates for most passenger vehicles. The 2011 Nissan Altima delivers 23 to 27 mpg overall, depending on engine choice.

Review: 2011 Nissan Altima, U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency

5. ConsumerSearch.com

The Nissan Altima has seen very few changes since 2009. Our comprehensive review of the 2009 model links to several reliable expert tests for more research.

Review: 2009 Nissan Altima, Editors of ConsumerSearch.com, April 2009

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