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Nissan Altima Review: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:altimagen3.jpg|frame|The [[Nissan Altima]]]] | [[Image:altimagen3.jpg|frame|The [[Nissan Altima]]]] | ||
The fourth best-selling car in North America, the [[Nissan Altima]] is the sport competitor to the better-selling midsize sedans, the [[Honda Accord]] and the [[Toyota Camry]]. Descended from the | The fourth best-selling car in North America, the [[Nissan Altima]] is the sport competitor to the better-selling midsize sedans, the [[Honda Accord]] and the [[Toyota Camry]]. Descended from the Nissan Bluebird and Nissan Stanza, the Altima is postioned between the smaller [[Nissan Sentra]] and the more powerful [[Nissan Maxima]]. | ||
An all new generation of the [[Nissan]] Altima will be introduced for the model 2007 in the Fall of 2006. When the third generation of the Altima was introduced for the 2002 model year, it was named the "''North American Car of the Year''" by a jury of 49 independent journalists organized by '''New Car Test Drive'''. | An all new generation of the [[Nissan]] Altima will be introduced for the model 2007 in the Fall of 2006. When the third generation of the Altima was introduced for the 2002 model year, it was named the "''North American Car of the Year''" by a jury of 49 independent journalists organized by '''New Car Test Drive'''. | ||
Revision as of 20:06, 20 October 2006
The fourth best-selling car in North America, the Nissan Altima is the sport competitor to the better-selling midsize sedans, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Descended from the Nissan Bluebird and Nissan Stanza, the Altima is postioned between the smaller Nissan Sentra and the more powerful Nissan Maxima.
An all new generation of the Nissan Altima will be introduced for the model 2007 in the Fall of 2006. When the third generation of the Altima was introduced for the 2002 model year, it was named the "North American Car of the Year" by a jury of 49 independent journalists organized by New Car Test Drive.
See also the main factsheet page for the Nissan Altima.
High Points
Nissan markets the Altima as the "Uncommonly Thrilling Sedan," and the Altima lives up to this billing by being generally regarded as more handsome, powerful and sporty than other midsize sedans. It gets high marks for handling and acceleration. Lauded for its roomy back seat and storage areas, the Altima also functions well as a family sedan. Its resale value holds up better than the average sedan.
Low Points
Many common safety features are not standard on the Altima, although they are available. At high speeds the Altima is noisier than its competitors, both with regard to engine noise and wind noise. Some reviewers find the interior finishes to be inferior and cheaper looking/feeling than the competitors’.
Performance and Handling
Consumers give the Altima high marks for handling, cornering and traction, although some complain that the turning radius is too large.
Professional reviewers praise the power (the 4-cylinder engine has 175hp-more than the Camry at 154 and the Accord at 166; while the V6 Altima offers 250hp) and the handling. At the time of its introduction, Mike McCoullough from New Car Test Drive called driving the new Altima 3.5 SE an "absolute blast."
Gas Mileage
According to EPA estimates on Autos.com, the 4-cylinder Altima is in the top third of 2006 mid-size sedans at 24/31 MPG in the city/highway. The top-of-the-line 250 hp V-6 gets 20/28.
Safety
The 2006 Altima ranks last for safety features among the 34 mid-size sedans ranked on Autos.com, however this reflects that some safety features that are standard on most models are available, but not standard, on the Altima. Such features include Anti-Lock Brakes, side airbags and overhead/curtain air bags.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration give the following test crash ratings (1-5, 5 is the best):
- Front impact: 5
- Side impact: 3
- Rollover resistance: 4
Reliability and Maintenance
Automotive Information Systems (AIS) gives the Altima a 5 out of 5 on reliability. AIS flags moderate to significant problems with the engines in the 2002-2003 Altimas (same generation as the 2006 Altima). The Mass AirFlow Sensor, Crankshaft Position Sensor and Camshaft Position Sensor occasionally fail, which can result in drivability problems. The respective cost of replacement is roughly $500, $100 and $50. AIS otherwise reports infrequent problems with low repair costs for the Altima.
Interior and Comforts
Passenger space is excellent in the Altima. As one tall driver reports, "I am 6’6" and my sons are over 6’ and we all fit!" Another 6’ owner points out that he’s comfortable in both the front and back and on long road trips.
Cargo space is also excellent, thanks to a large trunk, multiple storage compartments and 60/40 split fold down seats in the back.
What the Altima has in quantity, it may lack a bit in quality as some reviewers have found the plastic to be cheap looking and feeling.
Exterior
The Altima has a muscular, powerful look, thanks to a long wheelbase, an aggressively angled back window, and high trunk line.
Styles and Options
The Altima comes in four styles: 2.5 S: offers a 175 hp engine, can be upgraded with the luxury amenity "SL package" that includes power, heated, leather seats, temperature control , 16 inch alloy wheels and a CD-changer. 3.5 SE: offers the 250 hp V6 engine. 3.5 SL: adds the luxury amenities above plus ABS and a sunroof to the 3.5 SE. SE-R: adds sport-tuned suspension, spoilers and other sporty accessories to the 3.5 SL.
Main Competitors
- Honda Accord: Side-By-Side Comparisons
- Toyota Camry: Side-By-Side Comparisons
- Hyundai Sonata: Side-By-Side Comparisons
- Volkswagen Passat: Side-By-Side Comparisons
- Mazda6: Side-By-Side Comparisons
External Links
WikiCars Contributor Favorites:
- Official Nissan Website
- Altima Review Summaries
- Nissan Aficionado Site
- NCTD General review site
