The 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 Altima trims include: 2.5 (sedan only), 2.5 S and 3.5 SR. Safety features include: four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, six airbags, active front head restraints, vehicle stability and traction control, front seat-belt pre-tensioners and a tire pressure monitoring system. For a sportier appearance the coupe's roofline is 2.6 inches lower than the sedan's and flows back into a long and nicely sculpted tail section that narrows between wide shoulders and prominent wheel arches. The suspension is tuned to provide the driver with a more nimble feel and heightened responsiveness.

The Altima carries on for 2012 with minimal changes.