The Nissan Ultima 2.5 Sl

The Nissan Altima also had a complete redesign from head to toe in the year 2007 which was mainly responsible for those strong numbers in sales. The Nissan product planners have very wisely kept the things fresh without losing the main formula. The biggest change that was made was to the front end of the 2010 Altima. The product planners have given chrome edging to the three slats of its tweaked grille in the front bumper. The lower fascia is now being separated into three different parts and this gives the Altima a reminiscent similar to that of a VW Jetta’s.

Even the hood in its front end has been reshaped so that it can include a bump in the center and is also straight. But the most noticeable change is of the headlights as they have lost their huge amber reflective effect.

There are a couple of new paint codes and wheel styles that have been introduced and the rear license plate area also received a nip and a tuck.

Not many changes have taken place in the interiors of the Altima. There were claims that the interior fabric and the finishes have been changed and improved but one can hardly pick out which ones have been revised.

 Nissan also claims that there were no major mechanical changes that have taken place for 2010 apart from introducing the Vehicle Dynamic Control Standard which we believe was done to combat the competition from the Korean manufacturers.

The older Altima slightly out handles the new one when one compares the stopping distances, even though Nissan claims that they haven’t changed any stopping distances. Nissan has used Michelin Primary MXV4 rubber for the tires of 2010 Altima when compared to their 2008 model where they have used Continental ProContact tires. Many of the users have also felt that the steering was good enough and even the Key was really tight and was well built.

The 2010 Altima has also got really high marks when it comes to handling. But, Nissan has also left some of the issues on the table when compared to many of its competitive segments.

Still, the Nissan left more than few issues on the table when you compare Altima against its very competitive segment. The front seat legroom and the headroom are quite comfortable but the rear passengers do feel comfortable with the short and the low cushions as they lack thigh support. Though the interiors are nicely upholstered in many of the places and the features like heated and leather seats have been placed, there are a few features like the cheap looking center stack and also the plasticky wood trim do not seem to be on par with the rest of the vehicle’s features.