2011 Nissan Altima Review

 In 2009, Nissan sold 203,568 Altimas, which earned it the bronze medal behind the Toyota Camry (356,824 units sold) and Honda Accord (290,056), but put it only a scant 20,000 units ahead of the Ford Fusion. So, when changes to America's number-three-selling midsize family sedan were announced, we knew we had to see firsthand whether Nissan improved its car -- and potentially, its position on the sales podium.

Now the changes aren't huge. The Altima received a head-to-toe redesign back in 2007,which was largely responsible for those strong sales numbers. To keep things fresh without losing the formula, Nissan product planners have wisely kept this update subtle.

The biggest change the 2010 Altima receives is to its front end. The one-piece front-bumper fascia receives understated chrome edging to the three slats of its tweaked grille. Vertical creases now break up the intake area of the lower fascia into three separate parts and give the Altima a beak reminiscent of a VW Jetta's. The hood has been reshaped to include a bump in the center and is now straight at its leading edge. More noticeable is that the headlights have lost their large amber reflective element.