The Altima performed well and seemed to have the power to merge quickly into the traffic flow at the freeway entrance ramp. However, it didn’t seem to have the quickness that I like while in the flow of traffic and I need to pass or maneuver quickly. The clutch appeared to be very sensitive—or the problem could have been my poor shifting skills—but several times I found myself stalled in intersections waiting to proceed or turn onto another street. The week I drove the car, my shifting skills didn’t improve, and the car didn’t appear interested in improving either.
Mechanical and Performance:
3.5DOHC 24-Valve 6-Cylinder Engine270 Horsepower and 258 lb-ft Torque
6-speed Manual Transmission
Anti-lock Braking System
Power rack and Pinion Steering
Exterior-Interior:
Dual chrome-tipped exhaust finishers
17-inch alloy wheels
Power heated sideview mirrors withintegrated turn signals
Cloth seat trim and 8-power driver seat
Vehicle information display
As the Altima sits in the parking lot, it seems to tease other cars that are drabber, or lack the sparkle and pizzazz that the Altima possesses.
The inside is comfortable, and the seat covers resisted the spills from the grandchildren’s juice cups quite nicely. I would have preferred more open storage for the phone, keys, door openers, etc, that are easily accessible.
Comfort-Safety:
Power door and window locks
AM/FM/CD audio systemw/8 speakers
Air conditioning with cabin microfilter
Auto On/Off headlights
Cruise control, leather wrapped steering wheel
Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
Driver and passenger side-impact air bags
Traction control system
Roof-mounted curtain and vehicle dynamic control
Emergency inside trunk release
I drive with the seat further back than most, which doesn’t leave much room for folks in the back. As age has taken hold of my body, the requirement for more light in the cabin is important. I found myself not able to see as well when trying to find things in the cabin while driving at night. The air conditioning and radio knobs were big and boldly lit, which aided my intent to search for change of temperature or radio station.
The absolute best features of the Altima were the price and the gas mileage. For less than $30,800 you get a vehicle equipped with nearly everything needed for comfort and smooth driving. I got over 10.7 L/100 km driving in the city and 7.4 on the road, which was about better than the estimated mileage.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected] .
