Affordable commuter car features a base trim with no radio, but it quickly piles on the amenities with 14 package combos. The best options are the Premium packages that offer Bluetooth, hands-free calling, and a backup camera.
Key Points
- The 2011 Nissan Altima debuted as both a sedan and coupe model with front-wheel drive.
- Trim levels for the 2011 model year include the 2.5, 2.5 S, and 3.5 SR. Only the sedan could be configured as the 2.5, with no radio included.
- The 2011 Altima 2.5 S offered six packages, from a wheel upgrade to leather-trimmed seats and a hard-drive navigation system.
- The 3.5 SR includes features from the bottom packages on the 2.5L. Three additional combinations bring Bluetooth, a backup camera, and streaming audio capabilities.
- The coupe sports a manual transmission instead of the CVT. Trims and packages mirror those provided on the sedan while skipping the minimal 2.5 standards.
Three Trims Define the Looks and Ability of the 2011 Altima while Packages Bring Comforts and Convenience
The four-door version of the popular executive commuter car came in eight colors including Winter Frost, Super Black, Navy Blue, Metallic Slate, Ocean Gray, Tuscan Sun, Brilliant Silver, and Saharan Stone. Upholstery comes in gray, beige, or charcoal cloth or beige or charcoal leather trim.
Three trims give you a decent selection of minimal to luxury amenities starting with the 2.5 and finishing at the 3.5 SR. A wealth of packages help to flesh out the bare-bones base trim.
Base 2.5 Provides A/C, Power Windows, and Cruise, but Skips the Radio
The entry-level sedan offers plenty of elbow room for up to five. Equipped with the 2.5L 175-hp four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and a continuously-variable transmission, it gets you there without much fanfare. Unlock the doors with the key, but just push “Start” to turn over the ignition. A power driver’s side window, power side mirrors, cruise control, and air conditioning add to its amenities. A tire pressure monitoring system, split/folding rear seats, and airbags round out the features. There is wiring for a radio, but no actual audio system. Stamped steel wheels finish off its exterior.
Popular 2.5 S Turns up the Music and Adds Perks via Six Exclusive Packages
Opt for the 2.5 S and a smart key unlocks your doors. Turn on the six-speaker system with a CD player and auxiliary audio input. Six packages dress up the executive sedan inside and out.
The Alloy Package adds a set of 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The Convenience Package brings a power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, wood-tone trim, and automatic headlights to the game. Add the Convenience Plus Package to enjoy a power moonroof, automatic climate control, and folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
The SL Package tacks onto the Convenience Plus to get you leather-trimmed heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, lumbar support, a garage door opener, ambient console lighting, metallic trim, and rear air vents.
Finally, the Premium Audio Package brings some tech amenities that you will find on almost every new sedan sold today. A backup camera helps you reverse without drama. Hands-free calling, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB cord connect you to the nine-speaker Bose audio system. A SiriusXM satellite radio receiver also integrates into the infotainment system.
The Special Edition Package offers a decent blend of looks and function with the 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, steering wheel-mounted controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, and rear spoiler.
3.5 SR Provides Muscle with a V6, Sport Suspension, and Three Packages
Find the excitement you deserve in the 3.5 SR with its 270-hp V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Without any additional upgrades, it is finished out as the S Convenience Package. Three extra packages can turn this pleasantly athletic ride into a luxury vehicle.
The Sport package brings HID headlights, a power moonroof, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, and automatic climate control to the game.
Opt for the Premium package and treat yourself to leather-trimmed heated front seats, the nine-speaker Bose sound system, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, a garage door opener, rear heating vents, metallic trim, and an illuminated center console.
Once you have the SR Premium or S Premium Audio onboard, the car was eligible to receive the Technology package. It features Nissan hard-drive-based navigation, a DVD player, and streaming audio with steering wheel-mounted controls.
2011 Nissan Altima Coupe Introduces Sporty Looks and Features Two Trims that Echo the Sedan
The 2011 Nissan Altima also left dealer lots as a two-door coupe. Available in eight designer colors, it replaced the sedan’s Tuscan Sun and Saharan Stone with Crimson Black and Red Alert. The interior is finished out in beige or charcoal cloth, or beige, charcoal, or red leather trim. The coupe skipped the base trim and can be found as the 2.5 S or 3.5 SR.
2.5 S Coupe Offers Manual Transmission, Larger Alloy Wheels, and Trio of Packages
The 2.5L four-cylinder engine matched to a six-speed manual transmission highlights the differences between the sedan and the coupe. The CVT is an option. A set of 17-inch alloy wheels complement the sleek silhouette. Otherwise, it’s equipped much like the 2.5 S Sedan.
Three packages introduce a suite of perks to the ride. The Convenience package adds a power driver’s seat, automatic headlights, illuminated vanity mirrors, simulated wood trim, and a steering wheel with audio controls. The Premium package brings a power moonroof, automatic climate control, and folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals to the game. An infotainment center appears on the dash with the Bose nine-speaker audio system, hands-free calling, a backup camera, and satellite radio. A lone USB port provides a connection for your smartphone.
Both the 2.5 S and the 3.5 SR Coupe share the Leather package described below.
3.5 SR Coupe Includes a Moonroof and Offers Packages with Leather and Navigation
Besides enjoying the extra 95 hp churned out by the 3.5L V6 engine, a power moonroof and folding mirrors grace the 2011 Nissan Altima 3.5 SR.
The Premium package gives you all the same features listed on the 2.5 S with the Premium. For a more opulent ride, look for the Leather Package on the 3.5 SR or the 2.5 S that brings leather-trimmed heated front seats, HID headlamps, and the HomeLink transceiver to the game. An auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated console, and metallic trim complete the list.
Finally, the Technology Package introduces hard-drive navigation, a touchscreen, voice controls, and streaming audio in addition to the Leather Package.
Look Twice When Pricing out a 2011 Nissan Altima Due to its Minimal Base Trim and Complicated Packages
The pricing for a used 2011 Nissan Altima can range between $2,500 and $15,000. While it may appear like a luxury sedan at first glance, remember that you may be looking at a dash devoid of music, likely no backup camera, or even a USB port. Carefully compare tech toys and premium comforts when making a bid on this sedan or coupe.
Photos: Nissan
