2009 Nissan Altima Overview IntroductionThe front-wheel drive, five-passenger Nissan Altima combines performance and an attractive exterior as either a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan.
The Nissan Altima is powered by either a 175-hp 2.5-liter V6 or a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and the transmission choices include a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). The trims on the Altima include: the 2.5 Base (on the sedan only), the 2.5 S, the 3.5 SE and the 3.5 SL (on the sedan only). Safety features include: four-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes on all trims except for the Sedan 2.5 Base
Cheap out on the brakes on base model but it is not that much higher priced than a base Malibu which after a $2k rebate has ALB, a long PT warranty, a bigger trunk, and stab cont.
Exactly $5898 higher dealer invoice price for the Hydrid version of Altima
It is odd, as they had a media day at first, then the road tests began to come in from all over the place.
I bring it up since I have posted links to the other sites tests, and I don't want it to seem as though I'm ignoring this site's test. I do value the Edmunds reports (I hope tha wasn't too much smoke for you, Steve :P )
Based on just the written reviews and pix, I will definitely test drive this. I believe this will be the best sedan out of GM since the CTS.
The new LaCrosse was developed globally. The architecture was designed in Europe, the interior styled in China, and the body design and vehicle integration completed in the United States. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2010 LaCrosse is about an inch shorter with a wheelbase that is 1.2 inches longer. This moves the wheels farther to the corners and results in a more athletic stance. The exterior styling employs cues of the Buick Invicta concept car shown at the Beijing auto show in China in 2008. The sculpted sides and waterfall grille are influenced by the Enclave.
I tested the FWD Enclave with base trim and it did not impress me vs. my '03 Denali. But the LaCrosse is finally targeted to be a world class car. Malibu is almost there but hopefully they upgrade the parts a few notches to cement a place as a true mid size world class value. Stop the incentives and just make the cars exceptional.
Uh, GM already made Opels for decades before the Catera debuted. The Opel Omega was the platform used for the Catera. I believe the C in CTS = Catera. S in STS = Seville, and D in DTS = DeVille.
Most Cobalts don't get very good FE outside of XFE form, as opposed to Focus, and Elantra which get good FE on all trims. Corolla is even hit or miss: the 2.4 isn't that economical. Though I'm assuming most of the sales were 1.8L. Same with the Fit. I'm a little surprised there aren't more Aveos on there, but I don't see anything in that class on there except the Fit (no Accent, Rio, Versa or Yaris).
I'm genuinely shocked to see the Caliber on there...then again, it's probably $3995 after all the rebates and C4C. :shades:
I'm genuinely shocked to see the Caliber on there...then again, it's probably $3995 after all the rebates and C4C
Seriously, a friend of a friend down in Texas got one for about $7000 after $4500 C4C rebate, Chrysler rebates, and the discount from the dealer. Brand new car for $7000. Can't even get a new Rio for that.
And GM had no deals like that, so they are down in sales the most of any of the Big 6 for July.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Hyundai seems to be making room for itself regarding market share. They have the best campaign in the world, AFAIC. Now that folks are aiming at value when they do pull the trigger, GM is going to be hard pressed to compete with very little ammunition presently.
I reiterate it will take the New GM 3-4 years to be competitive as gas prices rise going forward. They can spin best-in-class fuel economy all they like...the sales numbers show the reality.
OK here it is. I think the car is everything the reviewers say it is!!!! The seats are comfy, the 3.0 V6 propels the car spiritedly, although not super fast. The materiels used on the interior are VASTLY better than what I see in my SIL's '06 Grand Prix. It handles well, absorbs bumps in the road beautifully. The stereo sounds magnificent. There are a lot of buttons on the center stack, but they are clearly labeled. It may scare off an 80 yr old, but anybody gary's age and younger can get by ( :P )
This car had no navigation, and the display for the radio is simplistic like C&D says but it is a rather large display for a radio. The new Acura TL I saw in a parking lot later had just a standard radio display, so this wouldn't be a big deal. The cruise control displays the speed you set it for, as well as the speed you're going, somthing I've yet to see. The rear seats fold down almost flat to make up for the smallish trunk for those odd trips that require more cargo space.
The negatives I saw were the small trunk w/ a decklid held up w/ goosenecks, some road noise eminating from the tires, a HIGH beltline which makes it tough to hang the ole arm out the window (although the armrest was in perfect position), and the instrument cluster looks as if it was stuck in place. The leather top on the instrument cluster looks like a bad toupee'
The transmission shifts flawlessly. I downshifted in manumatic from fifth to second (5-4-3-2) at about 40 and the only indication it shifted was the tach moving. Shifts were imperceptable, and I could hardly hear the engine rev. It was quite impressive.
will shrink no doubt about it. GM will no longer dominate the U.S. markets. Is this such a bad thing? I don't think so. GM will be leaner, meaner and kick the sh... out of Toyota in the next 10 years..
Leaner? Maybe, but I doubt meaner...it's never been in the GM genome. Maybe leaner and even more blah. Besides their trucks, one might say they make the best fleet cars around but that's about it. Some of them are very pleasant surprises (like the HHR for instance...who would have thought of it as a fuel-efficient panel-van replacement? I see TONS of small businesses using them around here). But fleet/commercial seems to be the only place GM has some respectable strength (though Caddy is coming along).
Our dodge store was doing well equipped Calibers so the 2.0 engine not the 1.8, bluetooth, heated seats and sirius radio plus some other stuff for around $9,995 after a $4,500 clunker.
Also the Caliber and the Fit are the only two hatchbacks in that list.The caliber is bigger and has a little higher ride height then the average car so it makes sense people going from a SUV would like it.
"$9,995.00, after a $4500.00 clunker". But don't forget you also gave the customer a $4500.00 rebate. That means the Caliber was approx. $18,995.00 MSRP unless you also sold it at invoice which would make the MSRP a little higher. I am not sure, but I believe the Caliber gets decent gas mileage??? That's a great deal dor a fully loaded Caliber!!!
Before this year, I would have said it could be the Big 7 as soon as Hyundai gets to 1 million annuals sales like the other 6. If the market never gets to 17 million again, I would say they need at least 750K in annual sales to be considered alongside the "big boys".
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Man, that small trunk is a killer. Smaller than my 00 Accord. (In fairness the new Accord's trunk is still the same size despite the growth of the rest of the car.)
Sounds like a really nice car but on a Buick I'd expect more trunk room. Maybe I'll feel differently when I see how it's actually laid out.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Sounds like a really nice car but on a Buick I'd expect more trunk room. Maybe I'll feel differently when I see how it's actually laid out.
Yeah, sometimes how it's laid out makes all the difference. I think the '03-07 Accord's trunk is only 14 cubic feet. About two years ago though, I bought a set of Pontiac Rally wheels for my convertible, and we put them in Grbeck's '03 Accord Now, I realize a set of wheels doesn't take up THAT much space, but that trunk looked like it had plenty of room to me! My '00 Intrepid, for comparison, is something like 18.4, but I don't think it looks that much bigger inside. One advantage that the Accord had was a larger trunk opening. It had a lower liftover height, too.
I don't know if it matters, but the rear seats fold down flat, almost level with the trunk, giving you that much more trunk space. It looks bigger than it is, but it's got them Go$#^ammed goosewings.
never thought of my large buick trunk as a savior. The highly sought after Altima has 12 cu ft. My Riv has 18 cu ft with a 19.5 inch minimum opening. Many tell me the huge trunk is a negative. I tried to bring home a new gas grill that was 20.5 x 25 x 33 inch sized box and it missed fitting in by one inch. I had to go home and get my truck. The box was 10.0 cu ft.
GM has announced a new crossover for Buick in 2010. It will offer two direct-injection engines. Car & Driver suspects it will be based on the Chevy Equinox, and that it really is a replacement for the Saturn Vue which will be phased out soon. So Let's see! GM sells two full-size crossovers with the same plateform (Acadia and Enclave) under the same roof. And now the NEW GM will sell two smaller crossovers that share platform also under the same roof. Is this business as usual or what?
I've seen that 12 cubic foot figure thrown around, too. However, I'm sure it's a misprint. Just about every source I've seen lists it at 15 cubic feet.
I'm actually surprised the Riv has an 18 cubic foot trunk! I remember looking at a used one at CarMax years ago, and was a bit disappointed that the Riv didn't feel, well, bigger! Just going by feel, it seemed about as big inside as my old 1980 Malibu coupe. Big enough, to be sure, but I guess I was just expecting bigger! Interestingly, the EPA lists the 1995 Riviera at 99 cubic feet of interior volume, 17 cubic feet of trunk space, while the 1999 is listed at 100 and 18. Wonder what gives there? As far as I know, they never really changed anything on these cars, at least nothing that would affect interior room. Maybe just something in the way they calculated the measurements, or rounding errors or something?
Has anyone seen overall interior measurements for the 2010 LaCrosse? The EPA lists the Lexus ES350 as having 95 cubic feet of interior space, and a 15 cubic foot trunk. The Acura TL is 98 cubic feet interior, 13 cubic foot trunk. And the revered BMW 5-series is 98 interior, 14 trunk. So while the LaCrosse's trunk volume might seem a bit small, it's probably going to be competitive overall for its class. After all, this car isn't intended to fill the gap left by the 1996 Roadmaster or 1976 Riviera!
And I don't see why anyone would consider a huge trunk a negative? Unless it's so big that it adds too much rear overhang to the car and makes it look ungainly, or hard to park, maybe? Or, if you put something in it and it rolls up to the front, where you can't reach it? :P
**Edit: I found some interior measurements for the 2010 LaCrosse...headroom, legroom, shoulder room, etc. My guess is that when the EPA does finally publish the specs for it, it'll come out at 101-102 cubic feet, depending on how they round. I came up with 101.6. FWIW, the EPA does have a listing for the 2010 LaCrosse, but they're publishing the interior volume of the 2005-09 model (100 interior/16 trunk). I also found out that the LaCrosse's trunk is only 13.3 cubic feet! Still, depending on how it's shaped, it might be more useable than that suggests.
No C4C for me. The Park Av has an EPA combined 19 mpg, while the Lacrosse is 21 or 22. Kind of a shame, as a brown car with a green fender (don't ask, my fault :mad: ) won't bring in but 2 grand, but I'm glad too as somebody will benefit from getting such a large car cheap that also gets great fuel economy for a 4000+ pound car.
Kind of a shame you're not closer...I'd almost be tempted to take that Park Ave off your hands. Is it really brown, though? Or more of a cinnamon/champagne color? I guess when I think brown, I think of those chocolate browns of the 1970's.
Here's a good article that lends some next steps to the new GM.
In a nutshell...
"The negativity of what happened with GM will eventually recede into the background if the products are so good that they can't be ignored," De Lorenzo said. "But that will take time."
Confirms what I've said all along. There's nothing wrong that great product can't cure. If that's really coming (and cooter's La Crosse test gives me hope) they'll make it and I'll be happy for that.
If they were just hanging around to punch out more Cobolts they could just hang it up.
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Isn't that 2.8T the same engine that has been in the Saab 9-5 since the 90's? I know that 3.0l that comes standard is supposed to be a dog, performance and economy-wise, why can't they standardize and just go with the 3.6 (Rev2/ without the problems with snapping camshafts of course ) across the board? Shoot, the RX comes standard with the 3.5, surely the 3.6 would be closer matched? :confuse:
No the six cylinder in the 9-5 from the 90s was a screwed up engine with an asymmetrical turbo. The 2.8T that GM is using is I guess the same six cylinder that has been used in the 9-3 aeros since 2005. It isn't a particular good engine. In the 9-3 now it makes 280ish hp out of only 2.8 liters with the turbo and still gets really poor mileage. The Non-turbo direct injection version of that motor is much better.
Comments
2009 Nissan Altima Overview
IntroductionThe front-wheel drive, five-passenger Nissan Altima combines performance and an attractive exterior as either a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan.
The Nissan Altima is powered by either a 175-hp 2.5-liter V6 or a 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 and the transmission choices include a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). The trims on the Altima include: the 2.5 Base (on the sedan only), the 2.5 S, the 3.5 SE and the 3.5 SL (on the sedan only). Safety features include: four-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes on all trims except for the Sedan 2.5 Base
Cheap out on the brakes on base model but it is not that much higher priced than a base Malibu which after a $2k rebate has ALB, a long PT warranty, a bigger trunk, and stab cont.
Exactly $5898 higher dealer invoice price for the Hydrid version of Altima
I bring it up since I have posted links to the other sites tests, and I don't want it to seem as though I'm ignoring this site's test. I do value the Edmunds reports (I hope tha wasn't too much smoke for you, Steve :P )
The new LaCrosse was developed globally. The architecture was designed in Europe, the interior styled in China, and the body design and vehicle integration completed in the United States. Compared to the outgoing model, the 2010 LaCrosse is about an inch shorter with a wheelbase that is 1.2 inches longer. This moves the wheels farther to the corners and results in a more athletic stance. The exterior styling employs cues of the Buick Invicta concept car shown at the Beijing auto show in China in 2008. The sculpted sides and waterfall grille are influenced by the Enclave.
I tested the FWD Enclave with base trim and it did not impress me vs. my '03 Denali. But the LaCrosse is finally targeted to be a world class car. Malibu is almost there but hopefully they upgrade the parts a few notches to cement a place as a true mid size world class value. Stop the incentives and just make the cars exceptional.
Is anybody listening...Mr. Lutz?
Regards,
OW
Regards,
OW
Top Ten Clunker Buys The most popular vehicles purchased under the Cash for Clunkers program.
Rank Vehicle Includes Hybrid Combined City/Hwy mileage
1 Ford Focus No 27-28
2 Honda Civic Yes 24-42
3 Toyota Corolla No 25-30
4 Toyota Prius Yes 46
5 Ford Escape Yes 20-32
6 Toyota Camry Yes 23-34
7 Dodge Caliber No 22-27
8 Hyundai Elantra NO 26-28
9 Honda Fit No 29-31
10 Chevy Cobalt No 25-3
Is anyone listening at GM??
Regards,
OW
I'm genuinely shocked to see the Caliber on there...then again, it's probably $3995 after all the rebates and C4C. :shades:
Cash for Clunkers cars: Small wins big (CNN)
Seriously, a friend of a friend down in Texas got one for about $7000 after $4500 C4C rebate, Chrysler rebates, and the discount from the dealer. Brand new car for $7000. Can't even get a new Rio for that.
And GM had no deals like that, so they are down in sales the most of any of the Big 6 for July.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I reiterate it will take the New GM 3-4 years to be competitive as gas prices rise going forward. They can spin best-in-class fuel economy all they like...the sales numbers show the reality.
Regards,
OW
This car had no navigation, and the display for the radio is simplistic like C&D says but it is a rather large display for a radio. The new Acura TL I saw in a parking lot later had just a standard radio display, so this wouldn't be a big deal. The cruise control displays the speed you set it for, as well as the speed you're going, somthing I've yet to see. The rear seats fold down almost flat to make up for the smallish trunk for those odd trips that require more cargo space.
The negatives I saw were the small trunk w/ a decklid held up w/ goosenecks, some road noise eminating from the tires, a HIGH beltline which makes it tough to hang the ole arm out the window (although the armrest was in perfect position), and the instrument cluster looks as if it was stuck in place. The leather top on the instrument cluster looks like a bad toupee'
The transmission shifts flawlessly. I downshifted in manumatic from fifth to second (5-4-3-2) at about 40 and the only indication it shifted was the tach moving. Shifts were imperceptable, and I could hardly hear the engine rev. It was quite impressive.
GM -------------------- 188,156, down 19.4%, Market Share: 18.9 %
Toyota: -------------- 174,872, down 11.4%, Market Share: 17.5 %
Ford: ----------------- 164,795, up 2.4%, Market Share: 16.5 %
Honda: -------------- 114,690, down 17.3%, Market Share: 11.5%
Chrysler:------------- 88,900, down 9.4%, Market Share: 8.9%
Nissan: --------------- 71,847, down 24.7%, Market Share: 7.2%
Hyundai: ------------- 45,553, up 11.9%, Market Share: 4.6%
Kia: -------------------- 29,345, up 4.7%, Market Share: 2.9%
May as well use it.
Also the Caliber and the Fit are the only two hatchbacks in that list.The caliber is bigger and has a little higher ride height then the average car so it makes sense people going from a SUV would like it.
I am not sure, but I believe the Caliber gets decent gas mileage??? That's a great deal dor a fully loaded Caliber!!!
Lots of comments about it over there.
Pull some strings. We count on you
I haven't been following the Opel stuff much, but it sounds like GM is pulling teeth trying to get that one done.
GM-Opel: No Done Deal Yet, GM Exec Says (AutoObserver)
In other news, GM is leasing again. For a month at least, and not on all models. But you could lease a nice new 2010 Buick LaCrosse.
Looks good so far as a top shelf sedan.
Regards,
OW
Before this year, I would have said it could be the Big 7 as soon as Hyundai gets to 1 million annuals sales like the other 6. If the market never gets to 17 million again, I would say they need at least 750K in annual sales to be considered alongside the "big boys".
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Sounds like a really nice car but on a Buick I'd expect more trunk room. Maybe I'll feel differently when I see how it's actually laid out.
Yeah, sometimes how it's laid out makes all the difference. I think the '03-07 Accord's trunk is only 14 cubic feet. About two years ago though, I bought a set of Pontiac Rally wheels for my convertible, and we put them in Grbeck's '03 Accord Now, I realize a set of wheels doesn't take up THAT much space, but that trunk looked like it had plenty of room to me! My '00 Intrepid, for comparison, is something like 18.4, but I don't think it looks that much bigger inside. One advantage that the Accord had was a larger trunk opening. It had a lower liftover height, too.
You and me both baby!!!!! With a little luck, I just might be driving a Red Jewel Tintcoat CXS home this weekend
Regards,
OW
The New GM: just like the old GM only newer.
Glad I bought a Hyundai.
I've seen that 12 cubic foot figure thrown around, too. However, I'm sure it's a misprint. Just about every source I've seen lists it at 15 cubic feet.
I'm actually surprised the Riv has an 18 cubic foot trunk! I remember looking at a used one at CarMax years ago, and was a bit disappointed that the Riv didn't feel, well, bigger! Just going by feel, it seemed about as big inside as my old 1980 Malibu coupe. Big enough, to be sure, but I guess I was just expecting bigger! Interestingly, the EPA lists the 1995 Riviera at 99 cubic feet of interior volume, 17 cubic feet of trunk space, while the 1999 is listed at 100 and 18. Wonder what gives there? As far as I know, they never really changed anything on these cars, at least nothing that would affect interior room. Maybe just something in the way they calculated the measurements, or rounding errors or something?
Has anyone seen overall interior measurements for the 2010 LaCrosse? The EPA lists the Lexus ES350 as having 95 cubic feet of interior space, and a 15 cubic foot trunk. The Acura TL is 98 cubic feet interior, 13 cubic foot trunk. And the revered BMW 5-series is 98 interior, 14 trunk. So while the LaCrosse's trunk volume might seem a bit small, it's probably going to be competitive overall for its class. After all, this car isn't intended to fill the gap left by the 1996 Roadmaster or 1976 Riviera!
And I don't see why anyone would consider a huge trunk a negative? Unless it's so big that it adds too much rear overhang to the car and makes it look ungainly, or hard to park, maybe? Or, if you put something in it and it rolls up to the front, where you can't reach it? :P
**Edit: I found some interior measurements for the 2010 LaCrosse...headroom, legroom, shoulder room, etc. My guess is that when the EPA does finally publish the specs for it, it'll come out at 101-102 cubic feet, depending on how they round. I came up with 101.6. FWIW, the EPA does have a listing for the 2010 LaCrosse, but they're publishing the interior volume of the 2005-09 model (100 interior/16 trunk). I also found out that the LaCrosse's trunk is only 13.3 cubic feet! Still, depending on how it's shaped, it might be more useable than that suggests.
I may just donate it for a tax writeoff.
Trust me, you WILL want it. It's THAT good. Besides, you can't take it with you
Hey if you're up for a road trip, pick up lemko and we could meet half way in Connecticut. hell even if it's just for a cup of coffee
In a nutshell...
"The negativity of what happened with GM will eventually recede into the background if the products are so good that they can't be ignored," De Lorenzo said. "But that will take time."
Full Article: No BS...Just the Cars
Regards,
OW
If they were just hanging around to punch out more Cobolts they could just hang it up.
Caddilac SRX 2.8T----- 300 hp, 0-60 mph in 7.6 sec, 16/23 mpg
Lexus RX350--------------275hp, 0-60 mph in 6.6 sec, 18/24 mpg
GM needs to go back to the drawing board on the engine department.
Regards,
OW