Midsize Sedans - Nissan Altima - Comparison

The Rebel

With its "SE" badge, the Altima, the lightest by 122 pounds, is designed to deliver sportiness and for the most part, it succeeds, unleashing the second-quickest results at the dragstrip (0 to 60 in 6.3) and paramount numbers in objective handling (27.3 seconds at 0.64 g in the figure eight, 0.83 g on the skidpad); yet, subjectively, it comes up short. Judges found the steering, while offering a firm on-center feel and crisp turn-in, to be too artificial through the range and thus, rather numb. According to St. Antoine, "Steering feels a bit benign, with too much boost for good sensitivity." Further, the ride was deemed suitably taut for aggressive driving, but too noisy for everyday commuting. And the brakes? Too grabby.

Inside, the Altima drew mixed reviews for its style and materials. Two editors felt the interior was handsome and of high-quality, while the other half rated it as plain and ordinary. All the judges, however, agreed that the Altima's backseat was the most surprising (read: roomy and comfortable), given that it offers the least headroom and legroom.

Unanimous, high marks went to the Nissan's powertrain, too, its Xtronic CVT spurring immediate, seamless response from the gutsy V-6, with none of the wah-wah near redline that often plagues a four-cylinder when paired with a CVT. "From a start, wide-open throttle is impressive -- just a constant whoosh of acceleration with no breaks for gear changes," says Loh. Further, the CVT "works especially crisply in manual mode," St. Antoine adds, "quickly shifting up or down through the ratios with a minimum of hiccup from the driveline."

Generally, the Altima impresses with an exciting mix of speed and agility. But as an overall package, it fails to grab you, lacking the refinement of the Accord, the posh cabin of the Malibu, and the intimacy of the Camry.