NEW NISSAN ALTIMA
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Car and Driver website visitor rankings:
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| Here's how our visitors have reviewed this vehicle. |
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Average Rating |
| Overall |
8.18 |
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| Vehicle Styling |
8.16 |
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| Braking |
8.54 |
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| Handling |
8.29 |
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| Fuel Economy |
7.88 |
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| Interior Comfort |
7.83 |
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| Acceleration |
8.7 |
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| Dependability |
8.82 |
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| Fit and Finish |
7.37 |
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| Transmission |
7.87 |
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| Ride |
8.33 |
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| Rating Scale: 1= worst 10= best
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| To read other User Road Tests or to submit your own review click here |
(Read more of Car and Driver's review here)
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Once a frumpy wallflower, the Altima is now a midsize sedan to be desired, especially when equipped with the 250-horsepower V6.
Pros
Sports car power in a midsize sedan body, excellent handling, roomy and comfortable interior, high level of features, distinctive styling.
Cons
Considerable road noise, overboosted steering, no stability control, ABS still an extra-cost option.
What''s New for 2005
All Altimas receives exterior styling enhancements, including new smoked headlamps and taillights, new wheel designs and a restyled front fascia and grille, along with a much needed interior redesign. The 3.5-liter V6 gets five more horsepower and three more lb-ft of torque, for a total of 250 and 249, respectively, and is now available with a five-speed automatic transmission. A new performance-oriented SE-R model joins the lineup along with a leather-lined 3.5 SL model. A newly optional DVD-based navigation system and two new exterior colors round out the changes.
Overview
Introduction:
The first-generation Altima sold well, proved reliable and was rather fun to drive. A solid car all around, even today as a used vehicle. Then, in 1998, Nissan redesigned it into obscurity. The car was still reliable and rather fun to drive, and it was even bigger inside and out than the original. Surefire recipe for success, right? Problem was it had the personality of a bowl of dry Grape Nuts. Staid styling, obvious cost-cutting and an overall tinny feel did the Altima no favors, and the "affordable luxury" advertising tag line no longer rang true. The car faded from consumer shopping lists, kept alive thanks only to fleet sales and hefty rebates. Given this uninspiring second-generation car and the resulting slide in consumer interest, it should have come as no surprise for Nissan to learn during research that a significant portion of buyers considering a midsize sedan were dissatisfied with the design, roominess and performance of models offered in the marketplace. With the new Altima, Nissan said it wanted to bring a sense of passion and driving spirit back into the segment. Wanted? More like needed. Last redesigned in 2002, the Altima has been a wild success for Nissan as buyers have been won over by its likable combination of performance, space and comfort. Interior design and materials have never been its strong suit in a class populated by the ever-refined Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen, though Nissan has improved the cabin quarters somewhat for 2005. While the Accord and Mitsubishi Galant now match it in terms of horsepower and torque (and the Mazda 6 is nipping at its heels in terms of dynamic performance), the Altima still delivers a well-rounded package in either the sedate 2.5 S or the zoomy 3.5 SE. An even more powerful SE-R model was also added to the lineup this year, so those looking for a family sedan that can still thrill in the turns the Altima deserves serious attention.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Six models are offered: the base 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 S with SL Package, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL and SE-R. The 2.5 is a bare-bones model with few features. The S adds air conditioning; cruise control; a stereo with a CD player; power windows, locks and mirrors; and keyless entry. SL upgrades include leather seating, trip computer, power driver seat, security system and a Bose audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer and steering wheel controls. The 3.5 SE isn''t as loaded as the SL trims, but has a few more features than the S, such as a trip computer and V6 engine. The sporty SE-R gets new gauges, dark chrome trim, leather-trimmed sport seats and xenon headlights. Options include a leather seating, a Bose audio system, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, a power sunroof and a DVD-based navigation system -- most are bundled together in pricey packages.
Powertrains and Performance:
Safety:
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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