Overview & Reviews

The 2009 Nissan Altima receives only minor changes. Base models have a few more standard features this year, including power mirrors and a trip computer. Available options now include dual-zone climate control with rear vents and a sunroof as a stand-alone option.

• Strong engines, smooth and responsive continuously variable transmission (CVT), responsive steering, attractive styling inside and out, high-grade interior materials, high crash test scores.

• Stability control unavailable on four-cylinder models, mediocre rear seating comfort, complex option grouping.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 172.00

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  Dissatisfied Customer - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Dissatisfied Custome - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 09 Altima last December. We havent owned the car one yr and the engine began to knock like a diesel. Took car in for servicing by dealer and informed it needed a new engine. After much scrutiny by NISSAN, warranty covered the engine replacement. Had the car back for 2 days, engine wouldnt turn over. Radio, lights, windows would work, but car would not start. Replaced battery at my own expense, still happening. Just wishing we had the Chevy Trailblazer back, and rid of this nightmare.

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  Electronic Steering Column Lock - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff Long - July 4 - 5:50 pm

  Got stranded when the ESCL failed. One month out of extended warranty with very low miles, only 5000 miles a year on average, and they denied warranty. So $975 bill for me. Wouldnt buy one again. Had other issues with the car as well.

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  Good car but unstable in winter - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By arilling1 - May 9 - 4:51 am

  As posted in separate message, my 2009 Altima has stability problems in winter and weighted conditions. Aside from this, it is rather decent car but the fear to drive in winter out-weighs any benefit. I would recommend not to buy due to safety concern.

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  Hesitant Transmissiion Problems - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Ken Mader - April 28 - 1:30 pm

  Have problems with acceleration. The drive is not smooth and there is hesitation when first giving gas of about 3-4 seconds before it gives me power. Nissan says that this is normal and that there is nothing wrong with the car. Nissan is aware of the problem because others have complained of the same problem, but Nissan is not willing to fix the problem or make the consumer happy. Shame on Nissan!

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  Touchy brakes, spongy cornering - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By richardh - June 16 - 3:00 pm

  I bought an 09 with 26k on it. Brakes were touchy from the start but thought they would wear-in. No such luck. Minimal foot pressure feels like youve slammed on the brakes. Had dealer check them out. After he test drove it, said thats normal. If it is dont know how they keep selling the model. Other complaint is extreme body roll in corners. Maybe its just lack of seat support. Really liked the looks and power of the car but could not live with brakes and cornering. Sold it after six months.

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  Death Trap - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Guardian - March 17 - 11:20 am

  Its been back to the dealer too many times, have owned the car around a month - what a headache! Twice today the passenger airbag light turned off with the passenger seated with seatbelt on. Whatever car youre getting, check out the NHTSA website for safety complaints. Its a bumpy ride, I guess the price you pay for more performance. The CVT is good, as is the low end torque. Attention to detail and quality are a couple of levels below Camry & Honda.

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  Dont buy if you use for travel - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Uncomfortable - September 21 - 1:26 am

  Took our new Altima SL on its first out of town trip. Very uncomfortable passenger seating, especially the poorly designed front passenger seat. The seat is only 8" from the floor, and seat dimensions are too small for someone over 510". Unfortunately, we spent too much time worrying about engine performance and options, and the test drive was not long enough to focus on this serious problem. We bought this for in town driving (which is fine), and for some out of town trips. It is physically painful to ride more than an hour. Very disappointed -- wish we had stayed with a slightly less responsive, and a little more boring Accord or Camry that we considered.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By dj speed - June 13 - 9:53 am

  Having owned 2 older Altimas Im disappointed with my new 09 Altima 2.5S 6 speed manual. The engine sounds horrible when cold. Acceleration is not good when trying to merge onto the highway but its ok around town. The cheap plastic door panels vibrate way too much when playing the music loud (very annoying). There is too much wind noise. The drivers seat is not comfortable. I hate the handling. The cheap tires and soft suspension makes the car floaty and unstable. On the highway the car is all over the place especially on windy days. Ironically it corners fairly well. On the good side, the ride is nice, it has plenty of room, it looks good and it gets great fuel economy.

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  Hesitation on Acceleration - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Gary Nadeau - February 5 - 3:56 am

  When accelerating the car hesitates significantly. This happens primarily in going from slower to faster speeds and around 2000rpm. Then when you give it a touch more gas, it takes off. It borders on being dangerous. Im currently trying to get Nissan to recognize that there is an issue. I feel like Im getting the run around.

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  Overhyped Car - Too Much Noise/Vibration - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Jason - December 2 - 5:13 pm

  I was in the market for a new car and after reading reviews and test driving a lot of cars, the Nissan Altima was my eventual choice. First the good - great power for a 4-cyl and great gas mileage. Interior is plain but functional. Very stylish. But now the bad. After 1 week of driving - A LOT of vibrations in the floor and pedals from the road. It is to the point now that my feet physically hurt if I operate the car for more than 20 minutes. According to 2 different Nissan mechanics, this is "perfectly normal" and "why the car is so cheap." I dont consider $24K to be cheap and I certainly dont expect any car to operate like this one. This purchase is a regrettable one for sure.