2000 Nissan Altima: Road Test
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2000 Nissan Altima ▼
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- MSRP: $15,140 -$20,390
- Invoice: $14,547 -$18,525
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Our road test for the 2000 Nissan Altima includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Nissan Altima from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Nissan Altima, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Nissan Altima help you decide if a 2000 Nissan Altima is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.7 |
We had no opportunity to time our 2000 test cars, but Nissan says new gearing trims a second off 0-60 mph times. Our '99 automatic GLE test car went 0-60 mph in a sleepy 10 seconds. Unfortunately the automatic transmission still hesitates to downshift at midrange speeds, and sometimes slurs upshifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.6 |
The 5-speed GXE we tested averaged 20.4 mpg, compared to 23.4 for that '99 GXE automatic.
RIDE QUALITY
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.5 |
Ride is more controlled, thanks to firmer mounts for steering and suspension, and to revised shock absorbers.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4.3 |
Less body lean and better all-around poise than the previous Altima, but the steering remains a bit numb on-center, requiring more correction than we like at highway speeds.
QUIETNESS
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.6 |
Not as quiet as a Honda Civic, but wind noise is greatly reduced, and all Altima models take bumps without thumping or drumming.
CONTROLS
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
The dashboard has convenient, guess-free controls.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.2 |
Ample space for 6-footers, and more comfortable than most compact cars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 2.8 |
Good leg room for 6-footers, but the back seat is too short, soft, and ill-shaped to be supportive. Narrow door openings hamper entry/exit, but that's true of most compact sedans.
CARGO ROOM
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Trunk space remains good, though a broad sill can make for back-straining reaches and the lid hinges intrude into the load area.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 4.2 |
This year's changes add welcome spice to what was a competent if bland family compact. It's part of Nissan's image-building campaign and makes Altima a stronger class contender, especially as the many improvements come with virtually no price increase. Unfortunately, the 2000s probably won't be discounted as much as the '99s, which is also part of Nissan's plan.
Total Score
| GXE, auto. | SE, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 51 | 41.7 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Compact Cars
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