2009 Nissan Altima Review

source:carreviews.com
The 2009 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5S, delivers to a youthful audience seeking to express themselves through a sporty-looking car, without the high-dollar sporty-car price. With the car’s sleek design, shorter wheel-base, and smaller size — all of the above contribute to its more aggressive performance than the Altima Sedan. It’s loaded with cool features including power sliding moonroof, 6-speaker audio system, AM/FM/CD, 16 inch aluminum alloy rims, Xtronic CVT™, Nissan Intelligent Key™, and a 175 hp, 2.5L engine to name a few.

Driving Impressions

The Altima is a fresh design in the coupe market with its sleek lines and more robust body design — this car is eye-catching. It has a more compressed build when compared to its sedan counterpart; its shorter wheel-base made it handle better on the curvy roads. But it was equally comfortable driving on surface streets and freeways.

With $4/gallon gas prices still fresh in our minds, optimum fuel efficiency is always a serious consideration among new car buyers and the Altima Coupe delivers good fuel efficiency with both engine options. Those who like to “power up” can choose the 270 hp 3.5L V6 and still achieve up to 18 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway according to EPA estimates. More conservative drivers who are comfortable with the 175 hp 2.5L 4-cylinder engine can get a miserly 23 mpg in the city and a whopping 32 mpg on the highway. Both the 3.5-liter V6 and 2.5-liter 4-cylinder models are available with Nissan’s advanced Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmissions. Although, if you want stability control, you have to order the V6 option.

Build

The Nissan Altima is a very sturdy car which is apparent from the solid “thunk” every time the doors are closed, to the smooth purr of the 2.5 liter engine. The exterior design of the Coupe has some lines reminiscent of the 350Z and its overall body design make this car stand out amongst the sea of Camrys and Accords. The headlamp, parking light, and front turn signal are all combined into one neat package which provides effective visibility during both day-time and night-time driving.

Impressive are the Altima Coupe’s excellent safety reviews: 4-stars for Frontal Crash, 5-stars for Side Crash, and 5-stars for Rollovers. This car means business when it comes to passenger and driver safety. Driver, passenger, front side, and head side-curtain airbags are standard. If necessary, this car can take some serious hits and protect its occupants.

Interior Comfort and Ergonomics

Upon sitting in the Coupe, the interior is well designed with everything within arms reach – stereo system, venting system, internal lights, headlights, wipers, etc. All were clearly laid out and right where you’d expect them to be located. The cloth seat upholstery is simple, yet comfortable. The driver’s seat is capable of 8-way seat adjustment for optimal driving position. There is ample head room even with the power sliding moonroof. Which means that pretty much anyone can be comfortable while driving this car. From the little granny’s to the massive jocks, the Altima’s spacious interior was never too obtrusive. While the internal cabin lighting was rather bright during the night-time drives, it meant that if anything was dropped into the obscure reaches of the vehicle, it would be easy to locate.

Like the front cabin space, the rear of the car was also very spacious for passengers or child car seats. Again, Nissan design engineers did their homework and made sure that weary travelers would be comfortable in the back with ample amounts of leg and seat room. Another nice feature was the LATCH system which anchors and tethers child car seats to the rear-seats; they were very robust and strong. The only down-side was the passenger 60/40 seating was difficult to put down – one seat was on a button latch (easy to find), while the other had a release strap found in the trunk (hard to find). Not super intuitive, but once found, it was easy to operate. Overall, the Coupe is a pleasantly, comfortable vehicle to drive for both city driving and long adventures out on the open road.

This Coupe was hooked up with the 6-speaker base stereo system. It has good sound clarity even when blasting the bass – a definite plus. As to be expected, also offered for 2009 is a long list of user-friendly technology features – including standard Nissan Intelligent Key, available Bluetooth^® Hands-free Phone System, an advanced touch-screen navigation system with XM NavTraffic^® with real-time traffic information (XM^® subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor.

Performance

Probably the most disappointing part about test driving the Altima was its lack of power. Something seriously amiss in such a flashy coupe. Nissan fell short on the “eye-opening exhilarating power” it promised in its press release. For a car with a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve QR25 inline 4-cylinder, producing 175 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, the Altima lacked the serious pick-up required when asked to accelerate. For a sporty car, the freeway on-ramp accelerations were something to be desired. Once up to speed though, the Coupe drove very well. It was smooth and quiet. At times, I found myself passing over 80 mph without even flinching. The Altima seemed most comfortable when driving along at a steady speed with gentle accelerations. It never felt like it was packing much power and the overall driving experience is what you’d expect from a normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine – practical.

The Altima Coupe features a cool technology option — Nissan’s Xtronic CVT™ (Continuous Variable Transmission). In a nut-shell, it’s a gearless transmission that shifts ultra-smoothly with no “shift-shock”.No gears means the transmission can choose a gear ratio optimum for fuel efficiency within the engine’s power range.When driving conditions dictate a more “hands on” approach, it is very simple to switch from automatic to manual-mode. It’s a nice feature since there is no clutch involved and it allows the driver to shift based on the driving environment and the driver’s perceived intentions. So if you’re a fuel conscious individual, you can pop it into automatic and CVT cruises at low RPMs. In manual mode, The driver must move the stick upwards to shift into the higher gears since it won’t up-shift automatically. If the driver forgets to shift, the engine will red-line until the next upshift. To be clear, this is not a stick; it’s something between automatic and manual transmission and the driver can choose whether to use it or not. It gives the driver the option to be lazy and drive automatic or be playful with a pseudo-manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

Advertised: 23 in the city, and 31 freeway (or 26 combined).
Actual Observed: 25.4 mpg (pretty close to the advertised values). I was purposefully trying to get poor fuel economy by driving with a heavy foot, kicking the accelerator and stopping at all traffic signals. Even with my anti-hypermiling driving technique, the fuel economy was close to the expected value of 26 mpg. And I’m sure if I was more fuel conscious, I could have gotten even better mileage. It’s nice when the advertised values reflect the real-life values.

Handling

The Coupe performed surprisingly well by making up for the engine’s lack of power with superb handling. While out on the curvy mountainous roads in the California Bay Area, the Altima handled all the hard cornering I could throw at it and accelerated well enough to keep it exciting. With the 4-wheel ABS Brakes, the Altima seemed to be in its element on the tighter roads and hugged the asphalt well for a mid-size car. It never felt like it was going to tip or slide-off the road. And while the handling dynamics of the Altima Coupe helped driving at speed, it meant the car could stop at any instant. When put to the test, these were reassuring features. The power-steering was light and responsive, but never twitchy. Whichever direction you pointed the Coupe, it handled with ease.

Styling

At first glance, the Altima Coupe is an eye-catching, sexy sports car. The Azure Blue color added a little extra sophistication to this sporty wannabe. It had nice lines and was well put together. The car designers created an aesthetically, well designed vehicle. The Nissan Intelligent Key for key-less entry and push button ignition was pretty awesome for a first-time user. I was impressed by its easy-to-use nature, and it was very self-explanatory. The power sliding moonroof is always a lovely feature; there’s something to be said about a nice breeze blowing through the hair. Again, even without the bigger V6 engine, this car looked the part and was begging to be driven.

Value

Being that the Altima Coupe is in the same class as the Ford Focus,Honda civic Coupe, and the like, we think the Altima is a good deal with its base retail price starting at $21,750 for comfort, fun and good looks. And with its superb safety rating and above-average fuel economy, the Altima Coupe is a serious contender in its class. Ultimately, the Nissan Altima Coupe doesn’t knock its competitors out of the water with its performance, but we feel its stylish and fresh look partnered with good safety features makes it a winner by unanimous decision.

Conclusion

This car is perfect for those wanting a hot looking car without breaking the bank account. With its excellent safety rating, good MPG, nice internal and external features, it’s easy to understand why new car owners would consider this vehicle. Basically, the Altima Coupe is an affordable mid-sized passenger car that is nowhere near mundane. While quiet and fuel efficient, the 2.5L engine in our test vehicle did lack the punch for those necessary accelerations. A new buyer might consider testing the V6 model as well before making the final decision. For the active person who requires a generous of cargo capacity, we found the lack of trunk space to be disappointing. But for its few flaws, the Altima Coupe was a solid car to drive. If you’re a buyer interested in a nice smooth ride, are fuel conscious and like lots of cabin space, the Coupe should be taken into consideration.

Read More

2009 Nissan 370Z Vehicle Overview

2009 Nissan 370Z Vehicle Overview

Introduction

In the 50-some-odd years that Japan has been exporting automobiles to the U.S., most have been of the reliable, sensible-shoes variety. There have been very few "icons" -- cars that transcend basic transportation, eliciting a strong emotional connection that resonates for decades. The Nissan Z car is one of those few and the first to show up on American shores. Although various numbers have appeared in front of that Z (plus the occasional X on the back end) as the engine displacement rose, each Z car has been a top performance choice among contemporary sports cars. The 2009 Nissan 370Z carries on this tradition while raising the bar for all sport coupes.

There are clear visual ties between the 370Z and its successful 350Z predecessor (which continues on this year as a convertible only), but from the ground up, every aspect of the Z has been revisited, redesigned or re-engineered to create a more finely polished performance machine. The wheelbase has shrunk and the rear track widened, while 95 pounds have been trimmed from its waistline. Not only does this pay dynamic dividends, but the car now looks trimmer, too. Torsional and bending rigidity have been increased, yet the old structural crossmember that used to eat up valuable cargo space has been relocated out of the way. All of this plus revised suspension tuning results in a car that feels more premium and grown up.

The engine has grown up as well. As its larger number for 2009 suggests, the 370Z boasts a bigger engine, one it shares with Infiniti's G37. This 3.7-liter V6 is basically a larger version of the outgoing engine, with variable valve timing, variable valve lift and a redline of 7,500 rpm. Its 332 horsepower is actually 17 more hp than in the 2010 V8-powered (and heavier) Mustang GT.

On the inside, the new Z benefits from a revised interior that's higher in quality than before. There's less hard plastic, easier-to-read gauges (yes, they still move with the tilt action of the steering wheel) and even a proper glovebox. The Touring trim level continues this year, with upscale features such as leather seating, Bluetooth and a hard-drive-based navigation system with music storage capability.

If there's one area where the 370Z inherently struggles, it's practicality. Even with the newly inverted rear strut brace, the cargo area remains on the small side, and with only two seats, you'll rarely be called on to be the designated driver (perhaps that's a good thing). If you need additional space, the BMW 1 Series, Infiniti G37 and Mazda RX-8 are smart alternatives, while the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the new batch of 2010 American muscle cars (Camaro, Challenger, Mustang) may also be worth a look. However, if you can work around its size limitations, the 2009 Nissan 370Z delivers abundant power, strong brakes, world-class handling, a comfortable ride, a pleasant interior, an ample features list and a reasonable price. That's what we call a winner -- and another Japanese automotive icon.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Nissan 370Z is only available in a two-seat coupe body style with base and Touring trim levels. The convertible roadster version retains the 350Z name and body style.

Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, performance summer tires, cruise control, keyless ignition and entry, automatic climate control, an eight-way manual driver seat and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The 370Z Touring adds leather and faux suede upholstery, power seat adjustments, heated seats, a rear cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and an upgraded Bose stereo with six speakers, two subwoofers, an in-dash six-CD/MP3 changer and satellite radio.

Optional on both 370Z models is a sport package that adds 19-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, upgraded brakes, front and rear spoilers and the downshift rev-matching SynchroRev Match feature for manual-equipped cars. Optional on the Touring is a navigation package that includes a navigation system, real-time traffic, a 7-inch screen, voice recognition, digital music storage (9.3GB), an auxiliary audio/video jack and an iPod interface.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2009 370Z is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 good for 332 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and when equipped with the sport package includes SynchroRev Match. This feature automatically blips the throttle during downshifts, eliminating the need to heel-and-toe downshift. A seven-speed automatic transmission is optional and includes manual-shift paddles.

In performance testing, the 370Z went from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. It also stopped from 60 mph in 101 feet, which is about the same as that of the outlandish Nissan GT-R supercar. Nissan estimates the car's fuel economy at 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2009 Nissan 370Z includes side torso and head curtain airbags, traction control, stability control and active head restraints.

Interior Design and Special Features

The interior was probably the old 350Z's low point: a dour den of cheap black plastic with limited storage capacity. The 2009 370Z features the same basic look with equally intuitive controls, but materials are greatly improved and in line with the rest of Nissan's pricier offerings. The driving position is now friendlier for tall folks even though there's still no telescoping feature for the steering wheel. The instrument pod continues to tilt along with the wheel, though the gauges tend to reflect off the windshield.

Storage has also been enhanced, thanks to a traditional glovebox (the old car only had a bin behind the passenger seat) and a cargo area that's no longer intruded on by a large structural brace. You can now actually fit a suitcase in a Z car. However, there's a rather nasty right-rear blind spot to contend with.

Driving Impressions

You don't have to be a magician to utilize the 370Z's extra dimension of performance, which is truly thrilling. As before, the VQ-Series V6 performs with even more gusto than you'd expect. However, one gets the feeling that it's stretched to its limits, as vibration grows disturbingly intense the closer you get to the engine's 7,500-rpm redline. Though the six-speed manual transmission is the obvious enthusiast's choice -- especially considering the trick new downshift rev-match function -- this year's new seven-speed automatic is similarly impressive for its quick shifts and rev-matching ability.

On the road, the 2009 Nissan 370Z provides unrelenting contact and razor-sharp control, and yet it's also easy to drive and generally makes you feel like a better driver. Gone is the stiff-legged feel of the 350's suspension, replaced by a ride that's almost European in its ability to be supple without mucking up the handling. However, the sport package's 19-inch wheel-and-tire combo, which admittedly provides seriously tenacious grip, can get awfully noisy, especially on concrete highway slabs. If there's not a lot of aggressive driving on your docket, we'd suggest skipping the sport package and sticking with the standard 18s.source:edmunds.com

Read More

First Drive: 2009 Nissan Frontier

Lightly revised for 2009, the Nissan Frontier adds a sport PRO-4X off-road package

Revised headlights and grille mark the Nissan Frontier's 2009 freshen-up; generous chrome remains. The new PRO-4X Frontier combines up-market trim with premium off-road hardware.

uck sales might be down, but the category ain't dead yet. Core-market truck buyers remain strong and continue to demand value and capability. And that's good for Nissan, which offers the value-laden Xterra sport utility for those with active lifestyles, and the Frontier midsize pickup for the outdoors crowd and working folks.

The Frontier has been a strong performer on- and off-road since its introduction more than a decade ago, and continues to offer buyers a good alternative if they don't want or need a full-size model or a V8. For 2009, not a whole lot has changed, just a midlife sprucing up — i.e., a refreshed grille and headlights and enhanced value/options packages. The real story here is the all-new PRO-4X off-road trim level.

Trim Choices
There is no standard cab Frontier; the offerings start with the extended cab — King Cab in Nissanese — and move up to the four-door Crew Cab. Trim levels are the basic XE, the popular SE, the comfier LE and the new PRO-4X sporting off-road package. The PRO-4X package started with the full-size Titan pickup, the same truck from which the Frontier takes its fully boxed frame.

Also new are reconstituted Value Truck Packages on the SE, LE and PRO-4X. These move a few items that were optional last year to standard this year with no increase in price. Even the PRO-4X, while inviting, is not overly expressive and thus wears well.

And while it's packing a lot onto a midsize platform, the somewhat specialized Crew Cab Long Bed continues in both SE and LE trim.

Under the Hood
Frontier power is slightly bipolar. The entry-level 2.5-liter 4-cylinder offers 152 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 171 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm; that's excellent for light duty but requires a downshift on large hills. Packaged with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox in base XE trim, the four-banger is compelling when its 19 city and 23 highway fuel economy and entry-level pricing are paramount.

The 4.0-liter V6 alternative is an eager beaver, with 261 horsepower at 5600 rpm. Its 281 lb-ft of torque at 5600 rpm nicely supports the optional 5-speed automatic transmission and up to 6,500-pound tow rating. A 6-speed manual is standard, and with either transmission the V6 Frontier doesn't lack for power.

Both engines and transmissions are available with 4x2 or shift-on-the-fly, two-range 4x4 drive. Nifty 4x4 options are a no-excuses metal-to-metal locking rear differential (a dashboard switch activates the locker), plus hill start and hill descent assists.

Premium PRO-4X gear includes skidplates, 4-wheel limited slip (brake intervention traction control), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, Bilstein shocks and BFGoodrich Rugged Trail T/A rubber. The P265/75R-16 tires were carefully selected for their good combination of dirt and pavement traction and ride on new forged-aluminum wheels. PRO-4X Frontiers are typically 4x4 drive, but are available in 4x2.

Inner Space
With no bench seat, all Frontiers are essentially two-adult vehicles and, given the midsize dimensions, those are two comfortable adults. The King Cab rear jump seats are definitely for occasional use only, and the four-door Crew Cab rear pew is limited on legroom and offers upright, nonreclining seatbacks. Early teens or the petite seem the practical limit there.

All Frontiers receive a freshened center dash console for 2009; its angular lines are appropriately masculine and help form a pleasingly businesslike interior. Leather is optional on some LE Frontiers, but the mood seems best-suited to the prevailing cloth upholstery. For the cost-conscious, XE Frontiers maintain friendly surroundings even in their near-austere base trim of crank windows, manual mirrors, non-tilt steering and optional radio.

PRO-4X models sport up the presentation with white gauge faces, a red-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel and manual transmission shift knob, plus occasional chrome accents. They hint at sophistication and avoid boy-racer disappointments.Nissan
is rightfully proud of its factory-applied spray-in bedliner (drop-in liners are available), and the PRO-4X gets one as standard equipment. Another PRO-4X highlight is the very useful, adjustable-position cleat tie-down system.

On the Road
The Frontier is good on pavement and a pleasant surprise off it. The base XE takes some revving when hurrying along, but is a smooth and quiet runabout with passable fuel economy. Moving to the V6 brings no-excuses power that doesn't overwhelm the competent chassis. The midsize dimensions seem particularly handy no matter what the powertrain.

Ride quality is good, tending toward firm. The lighter 4-cylinder hops its rear end slightly on aggravated pavement; heavier versions are smoother. The PRO-4X is not hard-edged on the highway, soaking up sharp-edged impacts and stiffening more in gently rounded upsets.

Off-road, the Frontier impresses with good traction and workable ground clearance. In PRO-4X trim, the electronics suite makes child's play of steep hills, allowing the truck to crawl down on its own while the driver merely steers. On uphill standing starts, the brakes automatically hold for two seconds, giving ample time to move from brake pedal to throttle. The off-road ride is good, with much less side-to-side joggling than the more top-heavy, sporty xterra, for example, but with a little more firmness in the suspension than the heavier, more softly sprung pathfinder SUV.

Our only question is the seating, which felt thin-cushioned. Several hours in the saddle didn't bother us, but uninterrupted full-day stints may prove different.

Right for You?
Frontiers are popular and it's easy to see why. Starting at $17,460 for the base 4-cylinder and reaching to $29,190 for the LE Crew Cab 4x4, the Frontier is affordable and packs plenty of capability and thoughtful features. Nissan has been building trucks for decades and understands the core working values pickups must meet. The 4-banger is good for commuters, but we'd reserve the real work for the V6. And for the young at heart, the PRO-4X — $24,930 in King Cab 4x2 trim or $26,580 in King Cab 4x4 guise ($26,280/$28,980 for Crew Cab 4x2/4x4) — combines just enough up-market trim to build interest while packing the best off-road hardware.

Read More

2010 Nissan 370Z

Spycam: 2010 Nissan 3

The world debut of Nissan's 2010 Nissan 370Z is little more than a month away at the L.A. auto show, and Nissan engineers appear to be doing some last-minute shakedown runs in Germany near the Nurburgring. While this 370Z prototype hasn't been seen on the 'Ring yet, it will probably be headed there soon.

The Nissan 370Z mule seen here, as has been previously reported, appears to be shorter in wheelbase over the outgoing Z. The car's decrease in size should help make the new 370Z lighter than the car it's replacing, which should mean performance and fuel efficiency of the new Z will be improved.

Nissan's latest VQ37VHR engine used by the current Infiniti G37 will power the new Z, with the engine massaged to make somewhere in the neighborhood of 330 hp. Expected transmissions include a close-ratio six-speed manual and all-new seven-speed automatic.

On the exterior, the 370Z retains the same general shape as the present car, with differences including a boomerang-style headlight treatment both front and rear similar to what's found on the new Nissan Maxima, reworked front and rear fascias, more aggressive fender flares, and a pronounced kink where the windscreen meets the roof.

Nissan officials recently cited the Porsche Cayman and Audi TT as the upcoming car's chief rivals, a tall order for the Nissan coupe. The 370Z reportedly will hit Japanese dealerships this December, with U.S. deliveries coming most likely by spring 2009.

Of course, we'll have the full story for you on the new 370Z during the Los Angeles show press days, which begin Nov. 19.

Read More

Nissan 370Z

First Test: 2009 Nissan 370Z

Putting the Sting Back in the Z -- 0 to 60 In 4.7 sec. and the Quarter Mile in 13.3 sec. at 105.7 MPH

CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY

When we evaluate a group of cars at the test track, it's often the case that we inadvertently get to compare dissimilar vehicles, be it contrasting type (sports car versus SUV), configuration (coupe versus sedan), engine (V-6 versus V-12), or simply price point. Side by side, these unrelated vehicles can often shed light on one another at revealing angles, making some cars shine and others lose luster. As luck would have it, the day we recorded numbers on the all-new Nissan 370Z was the same day we conducted our very first test of the Aston Martin DBS. Surely the DBS would embarrass the Z, no?

more....

Read More

Nissan 370Z

First Look: 2009 Nissan 370Z Shorter, Wider, More Powerful -- Complete Details for the New Everyday Sports Car Finally Emerge text size By Nate Martinez Photography by Julia LaPalme Check Dealer Pricing On a New Nissan! CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY For their all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z coupe, Nissan engineers and designers have infused a heavy dose of the "everyday sports car" concept begun by the car's forefather -- the iconic Datsun 240Z -- into its latest two-passenger ride. The 370Z is making its much-anticipated world debut at the Los Angeles auto show this week, and Nissan has finally released all the details. Starting under the hood, the new 370Z employs a version of Nissan's revised, fourth-generation 3.7L VQ37HR V-6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control. Similar to the unit in its Infiniti G37 cousin, the engine is composed of 35% new components versus the outgoing 3.5L VQ35HR motor. In the 370Z, the engine makes 332 hp at 7000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5200 rpm and sits 0.6 in. lower in an effort to improve the car's center of gravity. Nissan insists the engine offers better power delivery through redline, as well as improved low-end power and high-end torque.

more....

Read More