2011 Nissan Altima Overview
When it comes to city driving, the new 2011 Nissan Altima is one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid mid-size sedans for the year. Despite its impressive 23 mpg in the city, the Altima also posts solid engine specs that deliver good handling and acceleration. Learn what's new on the new 2011 Altima and review pricing, features and complete mpg ratings.
What's New - 2011 Nissan Altima
A major mid-cycle refresh last year results in relatively few changes for the 2011 Nissan Altima. Cosmetically, the only change over last year is the addition of a few new exterior paint colors (gray, silver and tan). Two new trims packages are also now available on select models. The first is a Special Edition Package that includes leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear spoiler, alloy rims and fog lamps. An Alloy Package now makes 17-inch aluminum wheels available on Altima S sedan models.
2011 Nissan Altima Styling
The Nissan Altima has always slanted towards a sportier styling than much of the competition. As such, those who prefer a more aggressive-looking vehicle will likely find the Altima a sleek and attractive option. Both coupe and sedan trims are available for the Altima, with the coupe exuding an even more muscular silhouette.
Inside, the Altima's materials quality is on par with the rest of the midsize class (mostly soft materials with a few hard plastics mixed in). Sedan models boast decent real estate for both front and rear passengers. Coupe models, on the other hand, offer a postage-stamp sized rear passenger area. Bolstered front seats on coupe models provide additional support to front passengers.
The Altima sedan offers a class-competitive 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space. The coupe, however, falls short of the competition with just 8.2 cubic feet of space.
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2011 Nissan Altima Performance
The 2011 Altima comes equipped with a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 175 horsepower. Thanks to the vehicle's continuously variable transmission (CVT), it manages EPA figures of 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Nissan engineers also took strides to incorporate responsive handling and decent acceleration to help add some pep to the daily commute.
For added power, shoppers can opt for an optional 3.5-liter V-6 engine that makes 270 horsepower. This heftier engine also boasts a CVT. Fuel mileage for the V-6 comes in at 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
A Nissan Altima Hybrid is available in the 11 states that hold their vehicle emissions to higher standards. The 2011 Altima Hybrid earns 35 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Review full 2011 Nissan Altima specifications.
2011 Nissan Altima Safety
Standard safety equipment for the Altima includes four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control and six airbags. In frontal and side impact crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Nissan Altima earned a best-possible rating of "Good." Roof strength tests resulted in a second-best rating of "Average."
2011 Nissan Altima Prices and Features
The 2011 Altima comes with a base MSRP of $19,900. This entry fee puts it in close competition with top competitors like the 2011 Toyota Camry, 2010 Mazda Mazda6 and 2011 Ford Fusion. Standard equipment is sparse, however, and includes cruise control, keyless entry, air conditioning and full power accessories. Given the lack of stereo, most shoppers will consider the Altima 2.5 S to be the true starting price point. From $22,940, S trims add keyless ignition, six-speaker stereo, CD player and auxiliary input.
Notable optional equipment includes sunroof, Bluetooth, rearview camera, satellite radio, leather seats, hard drive navigation system and rear AC vents. Top-of-the-line models will run you around $24,500.
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