Acceleration

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
6	8	7	8	5.6

Conventional 4-cylinder models with CVT automatic are sprightly from a stop and show good highway passing response. V6 versions are stronger in all situations. Our test 3.5 SE with CVT ran from 0-60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. The CVT is well matched to either engine, and its manual shift gate allows for quick, useful gear changes. Altimas with the manual transmission feel quicker still, but the shifter has long throws, which somewhat blunts any sporty feel. No Hybrid models have been made available for us to test.

Fuel Economy

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
6	5	5	5	5.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a 3.5 SE sedan with CVT averaged 23.8 mpg in mostly highway driving, 19.1 with more city work, including gas-eating performance runs. Also in mostly highway driving, manual-transmission 3.5 SE models averaged 22.8-24.8 mpg. No opportunity to measure with a 2.5 model. Altima 2.5s use regular-grade gas. Nissan recommends premium for 3.5s. Note that Altima has a 20-gal fuel tank, among the largest in the midsize-car class.

Ride Quality

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
7	6	6	4	6

Sedan versions are poised and comfortable. The 2.5 models are best composed overall. Sport suspension in the 3.5 SE sedans induces unwanted thump and body jiggle over sharp bumps. 3.5 SE coupes have even firmer suspension tuning and are very stiff over even small bumps. No opportunity yet to test a 3.5 SL, which doesn't have a sport suspension.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
6	7	7	6	6

Sedans have nicely damped body motions and direct, if a bit light, steering. The steering in one 3.5 SE coupe we tested was light and devoid of road feel. It also suffered from more body lean than we would have expected from a coupe with sporting intentions. The brakes offer generally good stopping control, though one test model suffered touchy pedal action. We wish Nissan would make an antiskid system standard on all models.

Quietness

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	5	6

Neither engine sounds especially refined, but they're not overly intrusive either. Tire, road, and wind noise are well controlled in sedans, less so in coupes.

Controls

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
7	7	6	7	6.3

Large and legible gauges. Audio and climate controls are simple to operate in models without the available navigation system. The navigation system isn't easy to program, and it absorbs and complicates audio functions.

Details

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	5	5.5

Altima's interior ambiance isn't quite as rich as its use of soft-touch, textured materials would lead you to believe. The use of budget-grade plastics in the center console area is also a disappointment. It's still pleasant inside, though. One test coupe suffered from a number of dashboard rattles.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.7

Good overall headroom and legroom, though six-footers may want more seat travel. Seats have very good thigh and lumbar support, though some testers complain that the seats lack a supportive contour. The steering wheel tilts and is telescopic to aid in driver positioning. Visibility in sedans is very good to all directions. Thick rear roof pillars create large blind spots in the coupe.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
5	5	5	3	5.1

In sedans, the rear bench is reasonably comfortable for those under six feet. Tall riders will find headroom limited and leg space lacking unless front seats are well forward. Coupes are cramped for both headroom and legroom. The front seats tilt and slide forward, but the release is located on the inside of the passenger seat, rather than on the outside where it's more accessible.

Cargo Room

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
5	5	5	2	4

The sedan's trunk is generously sized and shaped. Lid hinges intrude deeply into the cargo area. Low liftover eases the loading of bulky items, though the split rear seatbacks don't fold completely flat. Coupes have non-intrusive strut-style hinges, but the trunk is small, narrow, and shallow. Interior storage is only average.

Value within Class

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
8	6	7	5	6.2

Altima is a sporty alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, with sedans giving up little in terms of everyday usability. The coupes attempt to be even sportier, but they ride stiffly and have little trunk space. Both body styles have subpar rear-seat room and comfort, and any Altima trails our class benchmarks for overall refinement. Still, the sedans have strong enough appeal to earn our Recommended nod.

Total Score

2.5 S sedan, CVT	3.5 SE sedan, manual	3.5 SE sedan w/navigation, CVT	3.5 SE coupe, manual	Class Average
69	68	67	57	63

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74