2006 Nissan Altima Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Nissan's best-selling vehicle shares a basic design with the company's midsize Maxima sedan, but costs less and offers 4-cyl as well as V6 power. Altima comes in 2.5 and 2.5 S models with a 175-hp 4-cyl engine. The 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL models have a 250-hp V6, the sporty SE-R a 260-hp V6. Manual transmission is standard for all except 3.5SL; it's a 6-speed for SE-R, a 5-speed otherwise. The automatic transmission is a 4-speed for 4-cyl models, a 5-speed for V6s. ABS is standard on 3.5 SL, SE-R, and on automatic-transmission 3.5 SEs. ABS is otherwise optional, except for the base 2.5. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are available except on the base 2.5. Traction control is optional for automatic-transmission V6 models and the manual-transmission SE-R. SE-R includes firmer suspension, larger front brakes, and specific exterior trim.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Volkswagen Passat.

News

Redesigned 2007 Altimas start sale this fall with updated styling and many claimed underskin improvements, including a redesigned suspension and increased body rigidity. The 4-cyl and V6 engines are basically carryover, but the conventional automatic transmission gives way to an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) providing a near-infinite number of drive ratios. Also new is a standard 6-speed manual transmission for all models, replacing a 5-speed unit. Nissan says Altima's "D" platform is all-new for '07, though it's hard to tell from the evolutionary styling. Wheelbase, however, is trimmed an inch. Antilock brakes are optional, but front torso side airbags and full-length curtain side airbags move from optional to standard status. Among new options for Altima are keyless entry/starting, wireless cell-phone link, and a navigation system with rearview camera. Prices won't be announced until shortly before sales begin.

The first gasoline/electric Altima is promised for an early 2007 debut, though it will be sold only in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. The hybrid powertrain combines technology licensed from Toyota with a modified 2.5-liter Nissan 4-cyl engine and CVT automatic. Full details and pricing won't be released until close to the on-sale date, so keep checking back with us for late news.

2006 Nissan Altima Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V6)	Engine noise (4 cyl)

Handling/roadholding

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

2006 Nissan Altima Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/11/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5 4-door sedan, manual	$17,750	$17,343	$605

2.5 S 4-door sedan, manual	$19,600	$18,331	$605

2.5 S 4-door sedan, automatic	$20,100	$18,800	$605

3.5 SE 4-door sedan, manual	$23,600	$21,826	$605

3.5 SE 4-door sedan, automatic	$24,250	$22,427	$605

3.5 SL 4-door sedan, automatic	$27,400	$25,340	$605

SE-R 4-door sedan, manual	$29,650	$27,421	$605

SE-R 4-door sedan, automatic	$29,650	$27,421	$605

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.5

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, front-seat active head restraints, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, visor mirrors, map light.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 215/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

2.5 S adds to 2.5:

Powertrain

5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player.

3.5 SE adds to 2.5 S:

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 250-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (automatic).

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, performance suspension, 215/55VR17 tires (manual), 215/55HR17 tires (automatic), alloy wheels.

3.5 SL adds to 3.5 SE:

Powertrain

5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night inside mirror, universal garage door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: performance suspension.

Xenon headlights, 215/60R16 tires.

SE-R adds to 3.5 SL:

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 260-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, SE-R performance suspension, 225/45VR18 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Special Edition Pkg.
2.5 S	$450	$421
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, upgraded sound system, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic up/down driver-side window, remote control windows, unique interior trim, cargo net, automatic headlights. Requires automatic transmission.

Special Edition Premium Pkg.
2.5 S	$1,300	$1,127
Power sunroof, alloy wheels. Requires Special Edition Pkg., automatic transmission.

Comfort Pkg.
2.5 S automatic	$850	$738
8-way power driver seat, cargo net, alarm.

Trip Pkg.
2.5 S automatic	$800	$694
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, upgraded sound system, remote control front windows, automatic up/down driver-side window.

SL Pkg.
2.5 S	$3,850	$3,501
Special Edition Pkg. plus automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, Bose sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.

Leather Pkg.
3.5 SE	$3,000	$2,727
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, automatic climate control, Bose sound system, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener.

Leather Sport Pkg.
SE autoamtic	$3,900	$3,546
Leather Pkg. plus xenon headlights, rear spoiler.

Navigation Pkg.
2.5 S automatic, 3.5 SL	$1,800	$1,561
3.5 SE automatic	$5,700	$5,093
Navigation system, Sport Leather Pkg. (3.5 SE), speed-sensitive variable-intermittent wipers. 2.5 S requires SL Pkg.

Sport Pkg.
3.5 SE automatic	$1,250	$1,085
Power sunroof, rear spoiler.

Sport Plus Pkg.
3.5 SE automatic	$2,600	$2,255
Power sunroof, Bose sound system, rear spoiler, xenon headlights.

Braking and Airbag Pkg.
2.5 S	$800	$694
Antilock brakes, front side airbags, curtain side airbags.

TCS and Airbag Pkg.
3.5 SE automatic, 3.5 SL, SE-R	$800	$694
Traction control, front side airbags, curtain side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
2.5 S automatic	$900	$780
Requires SL Pkg.

Satellite radio
2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL, SE-R	$350	$304
Requires monthly fee. 2.5 S requires SL Pkg. power sunroof, automatic transmission. 3.5 SE requires Leather Pkg., TCS and Airbag Pkg., automatic transmission. 3.5 SL, SE-R require TCS and Airbag Pkg. NA 2.5.

Floormats
2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL, SE-R	$160	$119
Includes cargo mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
2.5 S	$300	$246


Mud guards
2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL	$130	$98


Chrome alloy wheels
2.5 S	$1,320	$933
3.5 SE	$1,370	$969

2006 Nissan Altima Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Altima 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.2

Overall Length, in.	192.3

Overall Width, in.	70.4

Overall Height, in.	57.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	3001

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.9

Rear Head Room, in.	37.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /152	3.5 /214	3.5 /214

Horsepower @ rpm.	175 @ 6000	250 @ 5800	260 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	180 @ 4000	249 @ 4400	251 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	23/29	20/29	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	--/--	20/29

4-speed automatic	24/31	--/--	--/--

5-speed automatic	--/--	21/27	20/28

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Altima 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	3

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: 2006 Nissan Altima
Trim Level: 2.5 S
Arrival Date: 03/16/2006
Engine: dohc I4
Bodystyle: 4-door sedan
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: No
Base Price: $20,100
Price as Tested: $23,175
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 3876
Mileage at End of Test: 10677
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 33.6796 gals.

Major Options: 2.5 S Special Edition Package (8-way power driver's seat, vehicle security system, cargo net), Side Air Bags, 16" chrome wheels.

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 23.34 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski Despite having just driven the redesigned '07 Altima, the '06 version is still an easy car to recommend. It doesn't match Accord or Camry for overall refinement, but discounts should be available as dealers look to clear their inventories.

John Biel APR

Mark Bilek Altima is a reasonable alternative to Camry and Accord that can be had for several hundred, perhaps several thousand, dollars less. Though the silky V6 is the enthusiast's choice, the 4-cylinder more than meets most people's needs. Before you blindly buy an Accord or Camry, be sure to drive Altima.

Tom Appel It's an odd experience to drive this Altima immediately after driving the new Mercedes S-Class for a week. Both are more than competent sedans, and both do everything I could reasonably expect them to do. The S-Class, listing for just shy of $100,000 was all I could want in a car. The Altima, at a hair over $23,000 was all I really need.

< 2006 Nissan Altima Photos

Also in the 2006 Nissan Altima Review:

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima Road Test

Nissan Altima Prices & Equipment

Nissan Altima Specs & Safety

Nissan Altima Photos

Nissan Altima Full Review

All Nissan Altimas

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