2010 Nissan Altima Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$19,900 to $25,630

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.6

avg user rating

(28 reviews)
2010 Nissan Altima Preview summaryImage

Except for a few minor cosmetic changes, as well as a few additions to options packages, the 2010 Nissan Altima is a carryover from 2009. This front-wheel-drive, five-passenger sedan has long been considered one of the most stylish midsize automobiles in its price range, while ride and handling characteristics, not to mention a safety record second to none, have made the Altima a significant force in the family sedan market. Available in five trims, the base 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SR, and Hybrid, the 2010 Altima sedans all boast a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT), Nissan apparently having decided that complaints warranted dropping the troublesome six-speed manual transmission for this model year.

As their monikers imply, the 2010 Nissan Altima 2.5 trim levels each pack a 2.5-liter variable-valve-timed inline four-cylinder (I4) engine and the now-ubiquitous CVT to produce 175 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy with the 2.5-liter I4 is estimated at 23/32 mpg. The 3.5 SR boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine, again with the standard CVT, that produces 270 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mileage is estimated to be 20/27. The Altima Hybrid sports the 2.5-liter I4 gasoline engine, good for 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 40-hp electric motor. The single electric motor powers the car at low speeds, and its single nickel-metal hydride battery is recharged by both the gas engine and a regenerative braking system. As with most hybrids, the Altima Hybrid’s gas motor shuts down at a stop and restarts when accelerating. Mileage for the Altima Hybrid is touted to be 35/33.

Standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features with the 2010 Nissan Altima 2.5 sedan include 16-inch steel wheels, velour upholstery, power windows, door locks, and mirrors, cruise with wheel-mounted controls, air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and, curiously, only the wiring for an audio system with four speakers, but no radio or CD player. The 2.5 S adds the Intelligent Key remote entry system and a single-CD player with six speakers. Adding the available SL Package to the 2.5 S turns it into the 2.5 SL trim, featuring 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, leather seating, power driver’s-seat lumbar support, heated front seats, auto on/off headlights, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. The 2010 Altima 3.5 SR boasts such standard offerings as a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch aluminum wheels, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. As for the Altima Hybrid, standard features include dual-zone climate control and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

Options for the 2010 Altima sedan come mostly in package form. Option packages, however, do include a power moonroof, DVD navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free communications technology, and Bose audio with nine speakers. One of the few stand-alone options offered with the 2.5 S and higher trims is a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

As for safety, the 2010 Nissan Altima lineup is equipped with standard four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control using Nissan’s much ballyhooed Vehicle Dynamic Control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, and a remote anti-theft alarm system. The 3.5 SR also carries standard integrated signals in the outside mirrors, while the 2.5 S, 3.5 SR, and Hybrid trims additionally offer dusk-sensing auto-on/off headlights.

Owners of the 2009 Nissan Altima seem to be split in their opinion of both mileage from the gas-engine trims and noise levels in the otherwise well-regarded cabin. Virtually all owners deplore the Altima’s audio system and windshield wipers, while some complain as well about over-active brakes, the lack of standard heated mirrors on lower trims, and the necessity of buying option packages to get a single desired option. The push-button start system in the 2010 Altima also draws mixed reviews, with some loving its refinement and others loathing its apparently unreliable nature. Meanwhile, owners praise the 2010 Altima’s ride and handling, decent acceleration, even with the I4, as well as its distinctive styling and tolerably large trunk space.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2010 Nissan Altima

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User rating:
by Juan P
Nov 01, 2024
Like it a lot better than my last one Nov 01, 2024
by Cotie H
Mar 01, 2024
Great love the slap shift Mar 01, 2024
by Nikki L
Dec 11, 2022
This was a decent car for the price point. It runs good. It has a few imperfections to the outside body/ frame and inside interior but over all. It be a good buy. Dec 11, 2022

2010 Nissan Altima Pricing

Original MSRP
$19,900 to $25,630
Price range
$5,203 to $5,853
Average price on CG
$5,203
YoY price change
$5,853 to $5,203

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .35 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: driver

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.12

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: dual rear

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .35 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.12

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: dual rear

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating with sliding extensions

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: with wind deflector

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · XM-ready satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .35 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: navigation · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.17

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: dual rear

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-appointed

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .35 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: navigation · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.12

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Video monitor location: dual rear

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (4)