Newsletters

In the 17 years since the Nissan Altima made its debut in the heart of the Nissan sedan lineup, the vehicle has grown substantially in size, power, technology and, with more than 3.1 million units produced to date, in popularity and sales. The Altima lineup has also expanded to include Altima Coupe and Altima Hybrid models. Once positioned as "the cure for the common sedan," Altima today still holds a unique place in the mid-size sedan segment, leading in the most recent (2009) J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) and offering levels of performance and style that reinforce the concept that "quality doesn't have to be boring."

Now, for 2010, Altima takes another leap forward with a major revision to its fourth-generation design with new exterior styling, refined interior treatments and enhanced technology and entertainment features -- including an advanced available Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and standard 6.5-inch color touch-screen display.

"As Nissan's best-selling global nameplate, Altima continues to attract new buyers looking for its unexpected combination of performance, quality, style, dependability, value and fuel economy," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "Altima is the practical choice for people who want more than a practical car. With the major enhancements and fresh new styling for 2010, there are more reasons than ever to choose Altima."

The 2010 Altima Sedan is available in three well-equipped models designed to appeal to a broad range of buyer needs and budgets: the 2.5 CVT and 2.5 S CVT with standard 175-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, and the 3.5 SR CVT with a 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. The 3.5 SR replaces the previous 3.5 SE model.

Altima is built on Nissan's advanced "D" platform, with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) now standard on all models. The 2010 Nissan Altima also offers a range of comfort and convenience features, including available Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with audio streaming and RearView Monitor.

New Exterior Styling Adds Fresh Appeal
Though Altima was completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, Altima receives a significant number of refinements for 2010 -- including a restyled hood, grille, front bumper and rear license plate finisher, and new 16-inch and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheel designs. These changes add a greater visual volume to the front end, especially the hood, and provide greater differentiation between the Altima Sedan and Altima Coupe.

"Our goal is to never let Altima get stale, or boring, which means constantly investing in keeping its look fresh and appeal high," said Castignetti. "We're also dedicated to keeping Altima's quality at the top of its segment, following Altima's top ranking in the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS)."

The refreshed exterior styling embraces Altima's distinctive, iconic, sporty design. It offers a "dynamic simplicity" with an aggressive stance, distinctive Nissan "T-shaped" grille, powerful front fenders, strong wedge character line, forward A-pillars and Nissan-family roofline, Altima-style taillights and dual exhaust finishers on all models. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights are optionally available with the Sport Package (3.5 SR).

The 109.3-inch wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs (with an overall length of 190.7 inches) enhances Altima's agile maneuverability and contribute to its sporty, aggressive appearance. Altima's chassis layout also offers roomy front and rear interior headroom and legroom, plus ample cargo storage with 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space. Altima is available with 16-inch (optional on 2.5 S) or 17-inch (standard on 3.5 SR) aluminum-alloy wheels or 16-inch steel wheels with covers (2.5, 2.5 S). Eight exterior colors are offered: Tuscan Sun, Navy Blue, Sonoran Sand, Dark Slate, Super Black, Radiant Silver, Ocean Gray and Winter Frost.

A Refined Interior with Focus on Entertainment
The 2010 Altima continues to emphasize refined workmanship and the use of soft materials, such as padded armrests, and stylish chrome accents -- with new fabrics and finishers for all interior colors, along with a revised Blonde interior color (both cloth and leather-appointed). The seam stitching has been revised on cloth seats and the automatic transmission lever has a new finisher design. Gauge illumination has also been changed to white illumination.

Altima's instrument panel features a Fine Vision gauge display for precise readability and the L-shaped flow of the instrument panel to the center console adds to a driver-oriented cockpit feel. The center console includes a triple front cupholder design, among the many convenient cup and bottle areas (up to nine total, including 20-ounce bottle holders in the door panels) and storage compartments, many of which are covered. The volume of the glove compartment is also substantial, measuring an accommodating 0.46 cubic feet.

Three interior colors are available -- Charcoal, Blonde and Frost. The interior is offered in both high quality soft-touch suede-like fabric and with optional leather-appointed seating.

Along with the exhilaration provided by the driver-oriented cockpit and high levels of Altima performance, the "entertainment factor" of Altima's interior has been upgraded for 2010 with a new available Premium Audio Package that includes a Bose® AM/FM audio system with nine speakers, 4.3-inch color display, USB port with iPod® connectivity, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, MP3/WMA CD-ROM playback, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor.

Also offered is a next-generation Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with 6.5-inch VGA color display (replaces the 4.3-inch display), 9.3GB Music Box for music storage and playback, advanced map data including speed limit advisories, Zagat restaurant guide, XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather® (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, DVD player and an RCA input for auxiliary audio/video connectivity.

"Technology and connectivity are important to Altima buyers, so we've added the latest in 08IT features to our navigation system -- so you can check traffic, weather, restaurants or just sit back and enjoy premium audio selections from the hard drive or your mobile player," added Castignetti.

Other available convenience features include an 8-way power driver's seat, automatic on/off headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power sliding glass moonroof, XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, heated front driver and passenger seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control and rear-passenger air conditioning vents.

A Choice of Two Efficient Powerplants
Altima's exhilarating driving pleasure comes from a tuned combination of strong acceleration, responsive handling and dynamic sound -- provided by advanced engine designs and the proven Nissan front-wheel drive "D" platform.

Altima's independent front suspension with advanced geometry and shock absorbers with rebound springs provides responsive handling and a comfortable ride. The subframe-mounted front suspension makes extensive use of lightweight aluminum parts, while an X-type upper cowl structure helps establish front body rigidity for suspension mounting. Altima also features a low engine-mounting position with a six-point pendulum-type mounting system and the half-shafts are set at equal angles and nearly parallel to the ground -- virtually eliminating torque steer.

The rear multi-link independent suspension design separates the rear shock absorbers and springs for minimized friction and the shocks are in line with the center of the rear wheels, providing excellent damping and almost no harshness. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard. Altima 3.5 SR offers larger diameter stabilizer bars and unique spring rates and strut damping, as well as 17-inch wheels and tires.

Two powerplants are once again available in 2010. The 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 is rated at 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and offers strong acceleration and a tuned, resonant sound quality. The V6 features minimized friction, superior cylinder head cooling and twin knock sensors.

Also available is a 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder producing 175 horsepower (170 hp CAL) and 180 lb-ft of torque (175 lb-ft CAL). It features a silent chain drive and a balancer system (with balancer changed to a center-mounted location for excellent NVH) that effectively negates vibrations without taking up much space -- combining ideal packaging and smoothness.

Both engines feature continuously variable valve timing, modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons and electronically controlled throttles. Altima's standard dual exhaust system is designed to reduce exhaust backpressure by 35% on the 4-cylinder and 50% with the V6 (over the previous generations). Both systems utilize large tube diameters and include dual chrome-tipped exhaust finishers.

Nissan's advanced Xtronic CVT, which is designed to create a true synergy between engine and transmission with smooth, responsive, fluid-feeling performance and efficient operation, is standard on all models. The CVT has been tailored specifically for use with the Altima.

The V6 CVT features a "Sport" mode controller with a high-speed central processing unit and Adaptive Shift Controller with adaptive logic for fast shifting in both normal and manual modes. The adaptive logic feature delivers the best shift pattern based on the driving environment and driver's actions. It utilizes 700 programmed algorithms to adjust to differing conditions, such as uphill or downhill driving, as well as adapting to three styles of driving -- economy, normal and sporty.

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) is now standard on all Altima models.

Altima's standard twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system provides light steering effort at low speeds and a secure feeling at high speeds, along with a balanced, "on center" feel.

Braking for the 2010 Altima is provided by standard 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake force depending on load condition (passengers and cargo). A variable ratio pivot brake pedal provides a rigid feel at freeway speeds and less sensitive, more controllable operation in city driving.

The 2010 Altima Sedan comes equipped with a number of standard safety features, including the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

Other standard equipment includes front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints, the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Weird Traffic Laws That Could Get You A Ticket

We want you to stay on the right side of the law when traveling our wonderful country and would hate to see you fined or jailed for breaking a law you were simply unaware of (or unlikely to even imagine).

And there are indeed some strange traffic laws out there that could come back to bite you.

Some are old, out-dated laws that just don't make sense today, but are still on the books and therefore technically still binding and enforceable.

Others are just plain odd and make you really wonder about common sense. At any rate, here's some odd driving laws to keep in mind when you're out and about.

Alabama

- When driving in Alabama, please remember to remove your blindfolds. You see, it's illegal to drive while blindfolded there. If you've been getting away with this in your state, you are now forewarned ... ditch the blindfolds in 'Bama.

Alaska

- When driving in our most northern state, don't forget to untie your dog from the roof rack. It's illegal to tether a dog to the roof of a car up there (who knew?). (I dunno, maybe strapping Fido to the hood or the bumper will keep you from being pulled over.)

Arkansas

- If you've got a hankering for a sandwich or a cold drink while driving in Little Rock at night, lay off the horn ... or that snack can get very expensive. Yep, it's against the law to blare a car horn where cold beverages or sandwiches are served after 9 p.m.

California

- If you are a woman, it is illegal to drive in a housecoat. Look sharp ladies or they may just write you up.

- Also remember that a vehicle without a driver may not exceed 60 miles per hour. I bet this one probably gets a lot of people.

- It's also illegal to shoot any animals from a moving vehicle in California, so put away the guns while driving ... except if you see a whale. Shooting them is okay.

- But if you end up in court in Los Angeles for one violation or another, please try to maintain your composure because it is illegal to cry on the witness stand and will only get you into more hot water.

Illinois

- In Crete, cars can't be driven through the town. I guess the choices are to drive around the town, or maybe get out and push.

- In Evanston, it's unlawful to change clothes in an automobile with the curtains drawn, except in case of fire. So when changing your cloths, make sure you're clearly visible or they'll nail you. Sounds like a "fun" city.

- In Park Ridge, remember to park your truck out of sight because they can only be parked inside closed garages

Iowa

- If you're passing through Indianola, you better not be in a truck selling ice cream ... it's illegal there. Yep, the "Ice Cream Man" has been banned.

Kansas

- When in Derby, please be aware they put a high value on peace and quiet. Screeching your tires, for example, is considered a misdemeanor and can cost you 30 days in the slammer.

- In Topeka, it's against the law to transport dead poultry on Kansas Avenue. So, use an alternative route when traveling with a bucket of chicken wings.

Maryland

- In Rockville, swearing from a vehicle is considered a misdemeanor. So, either clean up the vocab, or get the #@&* out of the vehicle before laying into someone.

Minnesota

- In Minnetonka they really value cleanliness. They'll nail you if your truck leaves mud, dirt or sticky substances on any road. It's best to clean up before heading into this town, sort of like wiping your feet before going in the house.

Missouri

- In University City it is illegal to honk the horn of someone else’s car. So those of you with a habit of switching cars before honking should know that it's just not tolerated in U. City.

New Jersey

- Although not really a driver law, it's good to know you'll have clear sailing in Blairstown where it is illegal to plant trees in the middle of the street. Don't you hate when that happens?

North Carolina

- When in Dunn, it is against the law to drive on sidewalks, sorry. You also can't drive through a cemetery unless you're there to dig a grave or bury someone.

Ohio

- When passing through Youngstown, make sure you've got plenty of gas because it's illegal to run out of gas there.

Oregon

- When in this state, you must yield to pedestrians when driving on the sidewalk. Good to know in advance.

- They'll also ticket you if you leave your car door open longer than is deemed necessary. You might want to practice getting in and out a bit before heading into Oregon.

- And it's a Class A traffic violation if you use your car on a highway to demonstrate your physical endurance. So, no pulling your car with your teeth or lifting it over your head or stuff like that.

Rhode Island

- In Scituate, it is illegal to drive with beer in your vehicle even if it is unopened. Perhaps this is an attempt to get beer drinkers to walk more.

- When passing another vehicle, either on the right or left, the law says you must give the vehicle an "audible signal" (I wonder if screaming would qualify if the horn doesn't work). Sounds like a noisy place to me.

South Carolina

- When in Hilton Head, bear in mind that it is against the law to store trash in your vehicle. It's probably best to get your interior detailed before heading into town.


So, there are indeed some unusual driving laws in our great land. And hopefully, this "heads-up" will help you avoid unexpected fines or jailtime.

Water Country USA
Dam Neck Water House
Back Bay Water Park
Ocean Breeze Water Park

See answer under Car Doctor.

Ask the Car Doctor

Road Trip Fun: Car Games

If you're planning a long car trip, you're going to need some help keeping your teenager from spouting off "I'm bored!" every fifteen minutes. Of course a portable DVD payer helps, but simple car games are a standard. Here are a few of my favorites:

I Spy
The person who starts picks out an object that everyone can see. That person then says, "I spy something..." and gives a clue such as the color or shape of the item. The other players ask questions about the item, and these questions are answered with a 'yes' or 'no'. The first player who guesses right becomes the new spy.

What did you bring on your trip?
Start this game by saying, "I'm going on a trip and I'm bringing...". The first player should name an item that starts with the letter 'A'. The next player will say the same thing but with the letter 'B', and the games goes on until you get to the letter 'Z'.

License Plate Games
There are all sorts of games you can play with license plates. You can collect the number of states you see. Find the highest number on a plate, ignore the letters. Or, you can find the alphabet in order.

Twenty Questions
One person thinks of a person place or thing and starts off by saying, "I'm thinking of a person (place or thing)." Everyone takes turns asking questions that are answered with 'yes' or 'no', or they may guess the answer during their turn. The first person who guesses correctly thinks of the next person, place, or thing.

The correct answer is Ocean Breeze Water Park
Ocean Breeze Water Park's mascot is a giant gorilla called Hugh Mongus. Ocean Breeze includes many slides including Largo Loop, Bahama Mama, Jungle Falls, Hurricane, and much more. Water Country USA is located in York County, Virginia (about three miles south of Williamsburg), and is owned by Anheuser-Busch (the company responsible for Busch Gardens).