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2010
Nissan Altima

Starts at:
$19,900
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New 2010 Nissan Altima
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn I4 CVT 2.5
    Starts at
    $19,900
    23 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn I4 CVT 2.5 S
    Starts at
    $21,840
    23 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn I4 CVT 2.5 SL
    Starts at
    $21,840
    23 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe I4 Manual 2.5 S
    Starts at
    $22,940
    23 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe I4 CVT 2.5 S
    Starts at
    $23,440
    23 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn V6 CVT 3.5 SR
    Starts at
    $24,520
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe V6 CVT 3.5 SR
    Starts at
    $27,770
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe V6 Manual 3.5 SR
    Starts at
    $30,100
    18 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima 2010 Nissan Altima

Notable features

Coupe, sedan or hybrid
Manual or CVT
Standard keyless start
Optional 270-hp V-6
Optional navigation system

The good & the bad

The good

Sporty handling for class
V-6 performance
Responsive CVT
High-quality interior materials
Comfortable rear seat

The bad

CVT bogs engine at lower speeds
Fussy tilt/telescoping steering wheel adjustment (sedan)
Cheap-looking faux wood trim with tan interior (sedan)
Inconvenient release straps for folding rear seats (sedan)

Expert 2010 Nissan Altima review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Scott Burgess
Full article
our expert's take


While there are a bunch of 2010 Nissan Altimas (eight, if you count the coupes, sedans and hybrid versions), only one can be the best in the bunch: the 2010 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR sedan.

Loaded up with Nissan’s bulletproof 3.5-liter V-6, a decent continuously variable transmission (as good as CVTs go) and a solid ride, the 3.5 SR sedan provides everything a daily driver should want and a whole lot more.

For the 2010 model year, Nissan has given the Altima a fresh look. Nissan changed the front end, bumper and hood as well as some other touches around the vehicle. It also added new wheels to give the 3.5 SR a more aggressive look. It looks meaner.

The headlights sweep back to a point and the curvy roof has a gentle curve that makes the Altima look as if it’s ready to launch out of any parking space. The 3.5 SR can also come with high intensity discharge lights, which look even better.

Nissan calls the Altima’s look “dynamic simplicity,” and there’s some truth behind that statement. The Altima is well proportioned, with the wheels pushed out to the edges, giving it a 109.3 inch wheelbase. The slightly higher body in the back and the heavily angled windshield point toward speed.

Commuter power

The Altima’s base engine — 175-horsepower 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder power plant — provides that commuter with power and decent gas mileage at 23 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. But the 3.5 SR adds nearly 100 horses for a total of 270 and has nearly as good gas mileage, hitting 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Of course, that might take some easier acceleration than this Altima tempts you to do. The 3.5 SR likes to go fast. It’s quick off of the line and can provide you with power whenever you stomp on the accelerator. While the CVT does wind out too much for my liking, it still feels pretty natural.

CVTs, which use a belt and pulley system instead of traditional gears, continue to become more refined. It’s a transmission we’re going to see more of in future cars because of the benefits they provide. This CVT is one of the best on the road today.

One of the reasons is Nissan has programmed nearly 700 algorithms into it to adjust to different conditions, such as an uphill climb, flat roads at high speeds or even downhill driving. There’s even a sport mode for the transmission, which sounds like an oxymoron.

The independent suspension provides a good ride for the casual drive but also holds the car on the road well when driving more aggressively. It’s a nice combination. The speed sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering is also firm with a nice return to center. The 3.5 SR maintains its sporty feel at every speed, and it is still easy to park.

One area of performance I expected more from was the brakes. While good for regular driving, the brakes have the linear feel you want in a sport car. There were times when I would find myself pressing the brakes, then pressing them harder to rein in the car. It may be a minor point, but, as everyone knows, brakes are only important when you want to stop.

While most sport accustomed drivers might prefer the coupe version over the sedan, I found the four-door model much nicer. Yes, coupes tend to have a more rigid body, which translates into better handling, but the sedan handles very well and the extra doors make getting into the back seat easy. Coupes are great if you never plan on having two friends ride with you. I use the second row for carrying stuff to and from work; in a coupe, it’s a clumsy effort to toss a computer in the back. There’s a practical side of sedans that coupes just can’t match.

Feel like a race car driver

Nissan has continued to show improvements with its interior, and the 3.5 SR shows how nice they can be. While the midsize car falls into that daily driver category, the Altima’s cockpit says daily race car driver. The seats are comfortable and you sit low in the car.

Nissan includes its Fine Vision gauge display, which is crisp and easy to read. The instrument cluster is clean, with individual gauges with white numbers. The three circular vents at the top of the center stack flow into the dash; and there’s an optional 6.5 inch VGA color display screen with high resolution graphics. (This replaces the base 4.3-inch screen.)

It comes with all of the features the modern day commuter needs: Bluetooth connectivity to operate your cell phone, heated front seats, USB connection and nine speaker Bose stereo. You can also get Bluetooth audio streaming, a DVD player and satellite radio.

There are lots of little nooks and crannies to store things. There are up to nine cup holders, and right below the stereo, there’s a space that can be quickly closed up to hide the iPod or other music player. Cars need function, places to set down your cell phone, hold your cup of coffee and keep things safe. While the 3.5 SR may feel sporty, it remains a car that could carry a family around, too.

Every car needs to serve all of the needs of its owner and the Nissan Altima 3.5 SR can do it all and do it better than any other Altima.

sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217

2010 Nissan Altima review: Our expert's take
By Scott Burgess


While there are a bunch of 2010 Nissan Altimas (eight, if you count the coupes, sedans and hybrid versions), only one can be the best in the bunch: the 2010 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR sedan.

Loaded up with Nissan’s bulletproof 3.5-liter V-6, a decent continuously variable transmission (as good as CVTs go) and a solid ride, the 3.5 SR sedan provides everything a daily driver should want and a whole lot more.

For the 2010 model year, Nissan has given the Altima a fresh look. Nissan changed the front end, bumper and hood as well as some other touches around the vehicle. It also added new wheels to give the 3.5 SR a more aggressive look. It looks meaner.

The headlights sweep back to a point and the curvy roof has a gentle curve that makes the Altima look as if it’s ready to launch out of any parking space. The 3.5 SR can also come with high intensity discharge lights, which look even better.

Nissan calls the Altima’s look “dynamic simplicity,” and there’s some truth behind that statement. The Altima is well proportioned, with the wheels pushed out to the edges, giving it a 109.3 inch wheelbase. The slightly higher body in the back and the heavily angled windshield point toward speed.

Commuter power

The Altima’s base engine — 175-horsepower 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder power plant — provides that commuter with power and decent gas mileage at 23 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. But the 3.5 SR adds nearly 100 horses for a total of 270 and has nearly as good gas mileage, hitting 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Of course, that might take some easier acceleration than this Altima tempts you to do. The 3.5 SR likes to go fast. It’s quick off of the line and can provide you with power whenever you stomp on the accelerator. While the CVT does wind out too much for my liking, it still feels pretty natural.

CVTs, which use a belt and pulley system instead of traditional gears, continue to become more refined. It’s a transmission we’re going to see more of in future cars because of the benefits they provide. This CVT is one of the best on the road today.

One of the reasons is Nissan has programmed nearly 700 algorithms into it to adjust to different conditions, such as an uphill climb, flat roads at high speeds or even downhill driving. There’s even a sport mode for the transmission, which sounds like an oxymoron.

The independent suspension provides a good ride for the casual drive but also holds the car on the road well when driving more aggressively. It’s a nice combination. The speed sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering is also firm with a nice return to center. The 3.5 SR maintains its sporty feel at every speed, and it is still easy to park.

One area of performance I expected more from was the brakes. While good for regular driving, the brakes have the linear feel you want in a sport car. There were times when I would find myself pressing the brakes, then pressing them harder to rein in the car. It may be a minor point, but, as everyone knows, brakes are only important when you want to stop.

While most sport accustomed drivers might prefer the coupe version over the sedan, I found the four-door model much nicer. Yes, coupes tend to have a more rigid body, which translates into better handling, but the sedan handles very well and the extra doors make getting into the back seat easy. Coupes are great if you never plan on having two friends ride with you. I use the second row for carrying stuff to and from work; in a coupe, it’s a clumsy effort to toss a computer in the back. There’s a practical side of sedans that coupes just can’t match.

Feel like a race car driver

Nissan has continued to show improvements with its interior, and the 3.5 SR shows how nice they can be. While the midsize car falls into that daily driver category, the Altima’s cockpit says daily race car driver. The seats are comfortable and you sit low in the car.

Nissan includes its Fine Vision gauge display, which is crisp and easy to read. The instrument cluster is clean, with individual gauges with white numbers. The three circular vents at the top of the center stack flow into the dash; and there’s an optional 6.5 inch VGA color display screen with high resolution graphics. (This replaces the base 4.3-inch screen.)

It comes with all of the features the modern day commuter needs: Bluetooth connectivity to operate your cell phone, heated front seats, USB connection and nine speaker Bose stereo. You can also get Bluetooth audio streaming, a DVD player and satellite radio.

There are lots of little nooks and crannies to store things. There are up to nine cup holders, and right below the stereo, there’s a space that can be quickly closed up to hide the iPod or other music player. Cars need function, places to set down your cell phone, hold your cup of coffee and keep things safe. While the 3.5 SR may feel sporty, it remains a car that could carry a family around, too.

Every car needs to serve all of the needs of its owner and the Nissan Altima 3.5 SR can do it all and do it better than any other Altima.

sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2010 Nissan Altima base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Dealer certification
84-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 130 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.3
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • Bought this car in 2017 for $6500.

    Bought this car in 2017 for $6500. It had 86k miles. Currently its at 188k miles. Never changed the transmission oil. Other than regular maintenance I've only had to change the radiator, water pump, the struts and the coils twice. I will be changing the axles , front shocks and the valve cover. Car has been good to me. I thought the CVT would have given out by now with all the stories I've heard about them. Car is slow. Back seats are uncomfortable. MPG isn't the best for a 4cyl. Plenty of leg room and trunk space. If you can get one with less than 120k miles for cheap and you have a reliable and affordable mechanic take the risk. Worst case scenario you burn 3-4 thousand dollars. best case scenario you have 5-10 years of a reliable car without a car payment and you save on car insurance.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I had this car for 5 years, and it took me all over the

    I had this car for 5 years, and it took me all over the place. I will miss my lil catmobile. Car was reliable, good on gas and had a little power to it.
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Nissan Altima coupe 2.5s is a great car!

    I bought a Altima coupe a few years ago, used with about 150K miles on it, and besides a few battery issues (not the cars fault, don’t buy batteries from auto zone.) it’s been nothing but a great little sports car! It drives fantastic, sounds great, and can get up to speed quickly. I love my car and I think with a tune up and some fluids changed it can feel just like new! Would definitely recommend this as a first car for a teenager or young adult, has amazing gas mileage and is easy to park and drive since it’s so small. Overall I love my Altima coupe and I hope to keep it for a long time!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Blind spot

    I have a 2003 altima in addition to the 2010 Altima. Huge difference. The 2003 is a better made car. The 2010 has very uncomfortable front seats with a headrest that creates a bad blindspot.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    39 people out of 46 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2010 Nissan Altima (Clean Title)

    This Car met all my needs and nothing wrong is with my Car. Engine, Tires , Break pad, Battery and transmission are in excellent condition.The next buyer will also be happy with using this Car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    46 people out of 49 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Really Great Car

    This car was always there when I needed it to go to school and back. It is used mostly locally other than that. The car has been involved in a couple of minor accidents although it is reliable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    25 people out of 27 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • My 4th Nissan

    My 3rd Altima. I previously had a 3rd gen lease and then a 3 year lease in 2010. I purchased my 3rd Altima as gently preowned SL with the technology package. The Xtronic is smooth as a CVT can be. 12 years ownership in 4 cars and never any major mechanical problem. Handling is good as well as braking. The ride is forgiving not floaty. The interior layout is perfect and gauges are clear. The Bose 9 speaker system is a place you can spend time in with the moonroof open in the dessert sky.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • nicest overall car that i have owned

    everythings fine for the few days that i have had it except the motor noise is too loud at higher speeds and the thing i really dont like is the film/wires in the rear glass window has waves in the film whcih is installed by nissan which produces a blurred view that is you cant see out the back window clearly everything is very blurred which seems to be a big mistake by nissan also i like and dislike having the push button starter it easy to start and turn off but its always on my mind that one day its not going to work and then what does one do may be a lot of trouble and costly to get it to work or is inconvenient to get a replacement
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A good car...has served me well!

    Although my car is ten years old, I could not find a better used car anywhere. Bought this car new and have had some repairs over the years but overall it has served me well. The AC is the best of all the cars I have owned, which has been many.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Off-roading
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Daily Driver 💯

    Good for everyday use , really reliable, good on gas. I never knew that nissan altima were this good. I was surprised to see how well it handle the road
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Watch out for Melting dashboard issue.

    I bought this as a 10 year old commuting daily driver. It has a sporty look and feel to it. Highway MPG at 106k miles is still above 30. Nissan has problems with dash adhevide coming up through dash and leaving unsightly sticky residue in 2008-2010 Altimas. For my purposes a $35 dash cover fixed that problem. Seating is comfortable and mileage is fantastic for a ICE.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best Sedan for price on market

    I’ve had no maintenance problems (engine or electrical) with this car. Car has had regularly scheduled maintenance since purchased. Dark grey exterior looks great with blue/grey interior.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2010 Nissan Altima?

The 2010 Nissan Altima is available in 4 trim levels:

  • 2.5 (1 style)
  • 2.5 S (3 styles)
  • 2.5 SL (1 style)
  • 3.5 SR (3 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2010 Nissan Altima?

The 2010 Nissan Altima offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 32 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2010 Nissan Altima?

The 2010 Nissan Altima compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2010 Nissan Altima reliable?

The 2010 Nissan Altima has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2010 Nissan Altima owners.

Is the 2010 Nissan Altima a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2010 Nissan Altima. 91.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 130 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 4.5

Nissan Altima history

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