eagle0588

Hello,
I am going to be leasing a car this weekend. I think it's going to either be a camry LE or a altima 2.5s as they are similar in price. I am very familiar with how the camry is, and will be going to test drive an altima tomorrow. Basically I wanted to get some feedback of what you guys think of the altima. Basically I want to get something reliable, fuel efficient, and spacious. I know that the altimas, based on my research have more horsepower and torque and has good acceleration.

I would like to know things about transmission, reliability, space, any features that are unique or lacking, air condition, handling, etc. also what you like and what you don't like as well.

For those of you who have driven both the newer altimas and camrys also what are your opinions and how do each compare to each other?

one more thing, a person I know who drives a 2007 altima says it has a very bad turning radius, says it doesn't make u-turns all that well. I'm not sure if thats still a problem for the 2010s.

your feedback is greatly appreciated.

(0)

eturnl

I have driven both the Camry LE an Altima 2.5 several times as rentals, but in the 2009 model. I also recently purchased a 2010 3.5 SR. after spending much time shopping for a 2010 V6 Camry SE.

2009 Camry LE:
+ Very smooth ride
+ Overall reliability (based on history)
+ Maybe a bit more spacious
+ Aesthetics (2010 SE model only personal preference)
- Soft brake pedal feel
- Acceleration is poor
- Not very sporty ride/suspension (personal taste)\
- No keyless entry
- Slow throttle/downshift response
- 5/6 speed automatic

2009 Altima 2.5 (base)
+ Acceleration is good from stop (not so much on at top end on highway)
+ Brakes bite hard and very firm
+ stiffer/sportier suspension
+ Keyless entry / engine start
+ Quick responsive throttle + quick tranny response
+ Excellent CVT (maybe just personal preference, but I did NOT expect to like it as much being a long-time manual tranny guy)
+ Trunk space
- Maybe less cabin spacious
- More harsh on road (compared to camry - toyota/lexus have, by far, the most comfortable cars on the road)

That is a much as I can comment on the Camry LE vs Altima 2.5 based upon of my rental experience over a 4-5week period.
I can't comment much on the u-turn capabilities of the Altima and my previous car was a maxima. I didn't really notice much difference; but I don't usually make sharp u-turns. You suggest you just test drive both (I do know toyota/lexus usually have great turning radius)

I have other opinions on the 2010 Camry V6 SE vs Altima 3.5 SR, which I can post if interested. But there's a good article about this on edmunds.com

Overall, they are both really good cars, and I couldn't recommend 1 over the other.
For my purchase (2010 V6) it basically came down to: price, available/standard options, technology features, power / handling, and responsiveness/drivability. Which are all personal preferences in my opinion.
Actually, I can make 1 recommendation in terms of the Camry: I think the SE model handles MUCH better than the LE. So if you wanted a Camry, I would suggest the SE model not the LE.

Good Luck.

__________________
2010 Altima 3.5 SR
Blk/Blk; Sport + Premium Pkg

(0)