Driving Impressions

The Nissan Altima is one of the quickest, most powerful cars in its class. Both the four-cylinder engine and V6 deliver strong power, but it's the V6 that turns the Altima into a sports sedan. It's the V6 that turns the Altima into a true sports sedan, especially when paired with the five-speed manual transmission. Nissan's V6 is one of the best available from anyone anywhere. 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. (Torque steer is a phenomenon common to powerful front-wheel-drive cars that causes a tug at the steering wheel under hard acceleration.) When equipped with the V6, the Altima is arguably the best performer among mid-sized sedans, and among the most fun to drive. This is essentially the same 3.5-liter V6 used in the Nissan 350Z and Maxima. It features the latest in high-output, variable-valve technology, producing 250 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 249 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm, a slight increase (5 horsepower, 3 pound-feet) over last year's model. 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 that the four-cylinder engines used in the Honda Accord and Toyota 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. The big four-cylinder engine is still a bit louder, more raucous, than those in Accord and Camry, however. 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 engine used in California and several Northeast states is rated as a PZEV low-emissions vehicle and produces 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque.) The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is more economical than the 3.5-liter V6, particularly with the manual transmission. The four-cylinder rates 23/29 mpg City/Highway compared to 21/26 for the V6, according to the EPA. The 20-gallon fuel tank, considerably larger than most in this class, means Altima can travel a long way between fill-ups. This is a stable car at speed, and the suspension and brakes are tuned appropriately for the job. The Altima feels secure at 80 mph in a torrent of rain. It feels larger than the Honda Accord and other mid-size sedans. The four-wheel disc brakes are easy to modulate, even without the ABS, and deliver plenty of stopping power. Power rack-and-pinion steering gives precise directional control, with good feedback. Overall handling is exemplary, thanks party to its multi-link rear suspension, which uses aluminum components to reduce weight. This is a sophisticated design, and it 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 quite as smooth as the Camry or Accord, and the driver and passengers might feel a bit more vibration through the pedals, steering wheel or armrests. Overall NVH (noise, vibration and harshness control) doesn't quit

Final Word

This third-generation Nissan Altima was launched in 2002 as an exciting alternative to the otherwise ordinary mid-size sedan segment. And it remains the cure for the common car. Now with a new interior, the 2005 Nissan Altima has addressed our biggest complaint with this car. The Nissan Altima's bold styling is backed up by strong performance. On a fun-to-drive scale, the Altima 3.5 SE tops the class of mid-size cars, but the fun doesn't come at the expense of practicality. This car is bigger and roomier than most mid-sized sedans, with comfortable accommodations front or rear, and plenty of space to haul stuff. Altima is loaded with personality, and it offers a combination of virtues that's hard to beat. Anyone shopping for a mid-size sedan should look closely at the Nissan Altima.