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Nissan Altima Review: Difference between revisions
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==Performance and Handling== | ==Performance and Handling== | ||
When equipped with the [[V6]], the Altima is arguably the best performer among mid-sized [[sedan]]s, and among the most fun to drive. Slam the [[throttle]] down, either from a stop or at 40 mph, and the Altima will take off like a rocket. There's so much power that you'll notice some [[torque steer]], even with the [[Automatic transmission|automatic]], though it's not an issue. Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 features the latest in high-output, variable-valve technology, producing 250 [[horsepower]] at 5800 [[RPM|rpm]] and 249 pound-feet of [[torque]] at 4400 rpm. Though certainly not raucous, Nissan's V6 isn't quite as smooth as those from [[Honda]] and [[Toyota]], but you may have so much fun driving the Altima that you'll neither notice nor care. | |||
The 2.5-liter [[four cylinder]] engine is strong, too. It's more powerful than the four-cylinder engines used in the [[|Honda Accord|Accord]] and [[Toyota Camry|Camry]], and it works well with the four-speed automatic transmission. With the automatic, the four-cylinder Altima still pulls strongly from a standing start, and the transmission shifts promptly between 40 and 60 mph for quick passing maneuvers. Four-cylinder engines of this heft tend to run on the rough side, and Nissan has addressed this inherent vibration with a compact balance system and silent-chain cam drive that smoothes operation nicely. However, the big four-cylinder engine is still a bit louder, more raucous, than those from Honda and Toyota. Nissan's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is sophisticated, with 16 valves, dual overhead camshafts and fully variable valve timing. It produces 175 horsepower at 6000 rpm, and 180 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The PZEV version of this engine used in California and several Northeast states is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is EPA-rated 21/27 with the five-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]], 20/30 mpg with the five-speed automatic. | |||
This is a stable car at speed, and the [[suspension]] and brakes are tuned appropriately for the job. The Altima feels larger than the Honda Accord and other mid-size sedans. The four-wheel [[disc brakes]] are easy to modulate for smooth [[car handling|handling]] and deliver plenty of stopping power. | |||
Overall handling is exemplary. The [[Rack and pinion|rack-and-pinion]] steering gives precise directional control, with good feedback. The multi-link rear suspension, a sophisticated design that uses aluminum components to reduce weight, enhances the stability of the rear end, even on bumpy roads. When it comes to chassis dynamics, the Altima is a class-leading performer. Enthusiasist drivers will love it, but it may not be for everyone. | |||
While it rides well in most circumstances, the Altima feels stiffer than some of its competitors, particularly when it's crossing a rhythmic series of bumps or pavement joints. It's not as smooth as the Camry or Accord, especially the former, and the driver and passengers will feel a bit more vibration through the pedals, steering wheel or armrests. Overall NVH (noise, vibration and harshness control) isn't the best in the class, a trait at least partly to the Altima's emphasis on handling and performance. With every car, designers have to make choices. Nissan emphasized performance and handling over smoothness and ride quality. | |||
==Gas Mileage== | ==Gas Mileage== | ||
Revision as of 14:28, 23 October 2006
The fourth best-selling car in North America, the Nissan Altima is the sport competitor to the other better-selling midsize sedans in its class, 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
- Great handling and acceleration
- Roomy rear cabin
- Large storage capacity
- High resale value
Low Points
- Common safety features not standard
- Noisy at high speeds
- Interior not the best
Performance and Handling
When equipped with the V6, the Altima is arguably the best performer among mid-sized sedans, and among the most fun to drive. Slam the throttle down, either from a stop or at 40 mph, and the Altima will take off like a rocket. There's so much power that you'll notice some torque steer, even with the automatic, though it's not an issue. Nissan's 3.5-liter V6 features the latest in high-output, variable-valve technology, producing 250 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 249 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. Though certainly not raucous, Nissan's V6 isn't quite as smooth as those from Honda and Toyota, but you may have so much fun driving the Altima that you'll neither notice nor care.
The 2.5-liter four cylinder engine is strong, too. It's more powerful than the four-cylinder engines used in the [[|Honda Accord|Accord]] and Camry, and it works well with the four-speed automatic transmission. With the automatic, the four-cylinder Altima still pulls strongly from a standing start, and the transmission shifts promptly between 40 and 60 mph for quick passing maneuvers. Four-cylinder engines of this heft tend to run on the rough side, and Nissan has addressed this inherent vibration with a compact balance system and silent-chain cam drive that smoothes operation nicely. However, the big four-cylinder engine is still a bit louder, more raucous, than those from Honda and Toyota. Nissan's 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is sophisticated, with 16 valves, dual overhead camshafts and fully variable valve timing. It produces 175 horsepower at 6000 rpm, and 180 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The PZEV version of this engine used in California and several Northeast states is rated at 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is EPA-rated 21/27 with the five-speed manual, 20/30 mpg with the five-speed automatic.
This is a stable car at speed, and the suspension and brakes are tuned appropriately for the job. The Altima feels larger than the Honda Accord and other mid-size sedans. The four-wheel disc brakes are easy to modulate for smooth handling and deliver plenty of stopping power.
Overall handling is exemplary. The rack-and-pinion steering gives precise directional control, with good feedback. The multi-link rear suspension, a sophisticated design that uses aluminum components to reduce weight, enhances the stability of the rear end, even on bumpy roads. When it comes to chassis dynamics, the Altima is a class-leading performer. Enthusiasist drivers will love it, but it may not be for everyone.
While it rides well in most circumstances, the Altima feels stiffer than some of its competitors, particularly when it's crossing a rhythmic series of bumps or pavement joints. It's not as smooth as the Camry or Accord, especially the former, and the driver and passengers will feel a bit more vibration through the pedals, steering wheel or armrests. Overall NVH (noise, vibration and harshness control) isn't the best in the class, a trait at least partly to the Altima's emphasis on handling and performance. With every car, designers have to make choices. Nissan emphasized performance and handling over smoothness and ride quality.
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
Nissan Manufacturer Sites
- Nissan Altima - Official US Site
Community Sites
- Nissanhelp.com - Nissan Aficionado Site
