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

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		27
Average Score		41
High Score		54