2009 Nissan Altima Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Nissan Altima overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Nissan Altima, and includes safety, reliability, and fuel economy information for the 2009 Nissan Altima.

Those who opt for the Altima 2.5 base model will be in for a little more kit for 2009, as it now includes power side mirrors, air conditioning, a standard trip computer and an outside temperature gauge, among other features. Altima 3.5 SE customers will now receive Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, fog lights and a rear spoiler as standard items. There are also new and revised option packages for the 2.5 S and 3.5 SL, and all 2009 Altimas receive a new automatic door lock system. The Altima Coupe adds revised 18-inch alloy wheels on V6-equipped models for the 2009 model year. For the Hybrid, change is limited to some new exterior colors.

Header Tag 33: Trim Levels and Features

The 2009 Nissan Altima comes in a multitude of trim levels and configurations that are sure to please a good deal of the family sedan-buying public. Sedans start with a base Altima 2.5 trim level that comes with air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power mirrors, a trip computer, and a keyless entry and start system that lets you enter the car and turn the engine without removing the keyfob from your pocket or purse. Moving up a level to the Altima 2.5 S adds a stereo with a CD player and an MP3 jack. The Altima Hybrid sedan is equipped much like the 2.5 S sedan, but includes stability control as a standard feature. Both the 2.5 S and the Hybrid have plenty of options packages to up the features level.

The 3.5 SE thrills the driving aficionado with its taut suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. It also provides the comfort of a power driver’s seat, redundant stereo controls on the steering wheel, and power-folding side mirrors, along with the safety of stability control and HID headlights. The 3.5 SL appeals to those who like luxury features such as leather upholstery, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, Bluetooth, and a Bose audio system with CD changer and satellite radio.

The coupe is available in the 2.5 S and 3.5 SE trim levels; the equipment remains the same as on the sedan, but the coupe is equipped with heavily bolstered seats to keep you in place during cornering. The Altima Hybrid sedan is equipped much like the 2.5 S sedan, but includes stability control as a standard feature. Both the coupe and hybrid have available option packages to raise the features quotient.

For all Altimas except for the 2.5 and 2.5 S, a navigation system with a rearview monitor is optional. We’d like to see stability control offered across the line, but it’s only available with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and on hybrid models.

The 2009 Nissan Altima comes in a multitude of trim levels and configurations that are sure to please a good deal of the family sedan-buying public. Sedans start with a base Altima 2.5 trim level that comes with air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power mirrors, a trip computer, and a keyless entry and start system that lets you enter the car and turn the engine without removing the keyfob from your pocket or purse. Moving up a level to the Altima 2.5 S adds a stereo with a CD player and an MP3 jack. The Altima Hybrid sedan is equipped much like the 2.5 S sedan, but includes stability control as a standard feature. Both the 2.5 S and the Hybrid have plenty of options packages to up the features level.

The 3.5 SE thrills the driving aficionado with its taut suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. It also provides the comfort of a power driver’s seat, redundant stereo controls on the steering wheel, and power-folding side mirrors, along with the safety of stability control and HID headlights. The 3.5 SL appeals to those who like luxury features such as leather upholstery, a moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, Bluetooth, and a Bose audio system with CD changer and satellite radio.

The coupe is available in the 2.5 S and 3.5 SE trim levels; the equipment remains the same as on the sedan, but the coupe is equipped with heavily bolstered seats to keep you in place during cornering. The Altima Hybrid sedan is equipped much like the 2.5 S sedan, but includes stability control as a standard feature. Both the coupe and hybrid have available option packages to raise the features quotient.

For all Altimas except for the 2.5 and 2.5 S, a navigation system with a rearview monitor is optional. We’d like to see stability control offered across the line, but it’s only available with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and on hybrid models.

Powering the 2.5, 2.5 S, and the 2.5 S coupe is a 2.5-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that makes 175 horsepower. We think that it’s more than adequate for most drivers’ needs. The Altima 2.5 is only available with a six-speed manual, but you can opt for a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for the 2.5 S sedan and coupe.

Folks longing for an adrenaline rush every time they exercise their right foot will want a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 270 horsepower. Its zero-to-60 mph acceleration runs in the low- to mid-six second range will surely recharge any commute. And unlike the previous generation Altima, Nissan has managed to control the V6’s tendency to torque steer, a phenomenon produced by that troll of powerful front-wheel-drive cars that causes the steering wheel to act wonky and pull under hard acceleration. Both the 3.5 SE sedan and coupe, and the SL sedan, may be equipped with the six-speed manual or the CVT.

Meanwhile, the Altima's hybrid powertrain mates a detuned version of the Altima's four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to generate a combined 198 horsepower. The Altima is a true hybrid because the engine and electric motor can operate independent of each other or work together to give you the best combination of fuel efficiency and power when you need it. The Altima Hybrid comes only with a CVT. Also of note: The hybrid version is rated an AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle) by the EPA, the best possible rating for a vehicle that burns fuel.

Most family sedans fall into the category of necessity; they are expected to be roomy, reliable, have great safety ratings and get you to work on time. But when a vehicle also provides entertainment for the driver (in 3.5 SE form), terrific fuel economy (for the Hybrid) and lots of bang for the buck, we sit up and take notice. The 2009 Nissan Altima is just such a car, and it’s no wonder that’s it’s been Nissan’s top seller for many years.