The tough-minded testers at Consumer Reports recently put four current family sedans in the spotlight and it was the Nissan Altima that shined the brightest, besting the Suzuki Kizashi, Chevrolet Impala and even the all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata.
The magazine’s editors noted the Altima was significantly revised for 2010, writing that the car “has been among the best family sedans rated by Consumer Reports for some time, and a freshening makes it better.”
In addition, in analyzing the Altima 2.5 S, the Consumer Reports team lauded its “pleasant ride, handling balance and a quiet cabin,” while pointing out that the car’s responsive 175-hp engine, mated to an equally responsive continuously variable transmission, attained 26 mpg in the magazine’s own testing. That’s right in line with the Altima’s EPA ratings of 23 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined. The Altima makes a fine choice for a pre-owned vehicle and you can find one at used Nissan Altima Tacoma.
Braking power was deemed “excellent” as well, and CR noted that Nissan has now made electronic stability control a standard feature on its popular midsize sedan. It all added up to an overall “excellent” score in Consumer Reports tests, along with a much-sought-after “recommended” rating for consumers. That latter recognition is especially significant, as it also takes into account the Altima’s long track record of reliability. That track record is what makes it a good pre-owned choice, used cars Fredericksburg says.
Along with the Altima 2.5 S, which starts at $21,840, the other members of the 2010 Altima family includes:
• the value-priced Altima 2.5, offering air conditioning, six air bags and power windows/locks/mirrors at a base MSRP of $19,900
• the more luxurious Altima 2.5 S with the SL package, which adds amenities like 16-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed seating with heated front seats and automatic on/off headlights, and features a sticker price of $25,630
• the driver-oriented Altima 3.5 SR, boasting a high-performance 270-hp V6, sport-tuned suspension, bigger 17-inch wheels, and an MSRP that starts at $24,520
• the fuel-sipping Altima Hybrid, which begins at $26,780 while putting up an impressive EPA line of 35 mpg city/33 mpg highway/34 mpg combined
All are on sale now at your local Nissan dealership.
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