2011 Nissan Altima Overview Change Vehicle

This 2011 Nissan Altima overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the Altima, and includes Nissan Altima safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

After a thorough update for the 2010 model year, the 2011 Nissan Altima lineup is little changed. New colors include Metallic Slate, Brilliant Silver, and Saharan Stone*, and there’s a new Special Edition version of the Altima 2.5 S Sedan that includes automatic headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for the stereo. You can tell it’s the Special Edition by the exterior badges, alloy wheels, fog lights, and rear spoiler.

* Not available on Altima Coupe.

With two body styles, three engine choices, several trim levels, and numerous options, the 2011 Nissan Altima lineup offers a little something for everyone.

Sedans are available in 2.5 CVT, 2.5 S CVT, and 3.5 SR CVT, with CVT denoting the standard continuously variable transmission that behaves similar to a traditional automatic but gets better gas mileage. The base Altima 2.5 CVT includes stability and traction control, velour cloth seats, air conditioning, power windows, power side mirrors, power door locks, keyless ignition, a trip computer, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel and cruise control. It does not include a radio. Seriously. Not even as an option, though Bluetooth is optional and actually works because the car comes with four speakers. We don’t get it, either.

At a minimum, you want the Altima 2.5 S CVT if for no other reason than to get a stereo with a CD player, six speakers, an auxiliary audio input jack, and a digital clock. This model also has Nissan’s Intelligent Key system, front seatback pockets, dual visor vanity mirrors, carpeting on the inside of the trunk lid, and is the pathway to numerous options and multiple colors. Bluetooth is a key option for this model, along with a choice between several option packages that add features like alloy wheels, a power driver’s seat, upgraded interior trim, a power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a reversing camera, a navigation system, Bluetooth streaming audio, a 9.3GB Music Box digital jukebox hard-drive. A Bose premium audio system is available, and includes XM satellite radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, and a USB port. The SL Package turns the Altima into a more luxurious ride with leather, heated front seats, Homelink, and rear passenger air vents.

For performance driving, there’s the Altima 3.5 SR CVT. This model has a powerful V6 engine, a sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and other standard goodies. It can be optioned up in a similar manner to the 2.5 S CVT, but is uniquely available with Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights.

If maximizing fuel economy is the goal, Nissan sells the Altima Hybrid Sedan in a limited number of states. An advanced technology partial zero-emission vehicle (AT-PZEV) according to the federal government, the Altima Hybrid is equipped with a four-cylinder engine , an electric motor, and a nickel-metal hydride battery that collectively generate 198 horsepower while returning 33 mpg in the city and on the highway. The Altima Hybrid is also what is known as a full hybrid, meaning it can operate on electricity alone at low speeds.

Finally, there’s the sporty-looking Altima Coupe. Available in 2.5 S and 3.5 SR trim levels, the Altima Coupe’s equipment and packaging is similar to the equivalent sedan variants, but with a standard manual transmission and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Any Altima wearing a “2.5” badge is equipped with a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Get an Altima with a “3.5” badge on the back, and you’ll enjoy a terrific 3.5-liter V6 with 270 ponies on tap. Coupes come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while a CVT is included on all sedans. All powertrain combinations power the front wheels.

Our favorite Altima powertrain, however, is installed in the Hybrid Sedan. It marries an Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, a battery pack, and a CVT, and can operate at low speeds on electricity alone. With 198 combined horsepower and lots of torque available down low, the Altima Hybrid feels quick and is rated to get 33 mpg whether you drive in the city or not.

Comparatively, the Altima 2.5 model gets between 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway (with a manual, highway fuel economy drops a skosh to 31 mpg), while the sporty Altima 3.5 SR returns between 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway depending on transmission (the CVT gets 20 mpg city).

On every 2011 Altima, Nissan offers a comprehensive safety package including six airbags, traction and stability control, and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution. In the tougher new crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Altima Sedan turns in an admirable 4-Star overall performance. The NHTSA has not tested the Altima Coupe to its new standards. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the Altima its highest rating of Good for frontal and side crash protection, downgrading the car to Acceptable for rear impact protection from injury and for roof crush strength. The IIHS does not make a distinction between the Altima’s body styles.

In terms of dependability, Consumer Reports expects the Altima to perform at an above average level. J.D. Power and Associates says the Altima’s reliability is expected to be average, based on the model’s performance in its most recent Vehicle Dependability Study. Notably, in 2010 the Altima won a J.D. Power award for initial quality, beating every other car in the midsize sedan class.

The last time the Altima was completely redesigned was for the 2007 model year. That means an all-new replacement is due for 2012, or possibly 2013. Knowing this gives smart shoppers bargaining power, and it also means Nissan will be eager to keep sales volume high in the form of rebates. You can get a great deal on the 2011 Altima, a roomy, entertaining, fuel-efficient, safe, quality car. And if you select the Altima Coupe, we’d even toss the word “stylish” into our list of adjectives.

By Christian Wardlaw and Liz Kim