Acceleration

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
5	5	7	7	5.6

Test 2.5 S with automatic transmission did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph. Among 4-cyl rivals in our tests, that's on par with Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, though their 4-cyl engines are more refined. Smooth, responsive V6 makes 3.5 Altimas among the quicker midsize sedans. Test manual-transmission SE-R did 6.3 sec 0-60.

Fuel Economy

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5	5	5.2

With automatic transmission, 2.5 S models averaged 20.7 mpg in mostly city driving, 23.9-24.0 mpg with more highway use. Extended-use 2.5 S averaged 25.7 mpg over 22,663 miles including extensive highway driving. Test manual SE-R averaged 17.5 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel for V6s. Altima's 20-gal fuel tank is among the largest in midsize-car class.

Ride Quality

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
7	7	6	6	6.1

Comfortable, controlled. More aggressive tires make 3.5 SE somewhat firmer over bumps than 4-cyl models, but it's not jarring. Sporty SE-R less comfortable than other models, thumps more over highway expansion joints.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.1

All models responsive, balanced in turns. Some testers complain of slightly numb steering feel in around-town driving and wide turning circle. V6 models suffer from pronounced torque steer--unwanted pulling to one side in brisk acceleration. Brake performance fine with ABS, less stable without it in simulated panic stops from highway speeds.

Quietness

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
5	5	6	6	6.2

Road, wind ruckus apparent, and some test cars suffered a metallic drumming resonance on coarse pavement. Growly 4-cyl intrudes under full throttle; V6 also lags most rivals in refinement. Both engines nicely muted in highway cruising.

Controls

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

Gauges legible, controls user-friendly. Not all testers like wiggle-worm automatic-transmission gate, and some manual-transmission test cars had crude shift action. No opportunity yet to test with navigation system. Cabin materials generally sturdy, relieved by strategically placed padded surfaces. Doors, trunklid close with a tinny clang, however.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.6

Generous head room, good leg room. Seat comfort and bolstering good, too. All have height-adjustable center armrest, all but base have height-adjustable driver seat. Steering wheel tilts, telescopes via separate levers--a bit odd. Outward visibility hampered slightly by tall rear deck, occasional windshield reflections from dashboard top.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5

Large, wide door openings. Comfortable, well-contoured seating. Plenty of knee, toe space. Head room limited for those over 5-ft-8.

Cargo Room

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.5

Wide trunk, low liftover, but lid hinges dip into cargo area. Standard 60/40 split folding rear seatback adds versatility.

Value within Class

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.1

Altima trails the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry for overall refinement, but not by much. It earns our Recommended rating for its strong features-per-dollar showing and a sporty demeanor--though torque steer makes V6 versions a bit too spunky at times. The 4-cyl models easily satisfy most needs.

Total Score

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
62	62	63	63	58.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		44
Average Score		58
High Score		70