Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
Nissan Altima
Nissan AltimaThe Nissan Altima provides the kind of style and performance one would have expected years ago from its now-big brother, the Maxima sedan. Distinctive styling has been a Nissan hallmark in recent years, and the latest Altima's svelte sheet metal continues this trend.
Nissan offers the Altima in sedan or coupe body styles and three trim levels: 2.5 S, 2.5 SR and 3.5 SR. The 2.5 models get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 175 horsepower. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is mandatory on the sedan, while the coupe gets a standard six-speed manual transmission with the CVT as an option. The 3.5 SR models get a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 270 hp. This engine gets the same transmission choices as the 2.5. A limited-production four-cylinder Altima Hybrid model (reviewed separately) is also available in some states.
We've mostly praised the power and handling of both the four-cylinder and V6 Altima models in our reviews. The 3.5 SR is clearly the more sporting of the two, not only for its power but also its sport-tuned suspension. The base car with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder performs well enough, but has been eclipsed in recent years by newer competitors. The CVT is one of the best examples of its breed, while the six-speed feels rubbery and imprecise.
The Altima coupe drives much like the sedan, but adds unique styling, sportier suspension tuning and more aggressively bolstered seats. Its dimensions are also a bit shorter than the sedan's. Combined with the coupe's rakish roof line, this means markedly less passenger room, though it's still a good bit roomier than dedicated sport coupes.
Pricing is something to consider when looking at an Altima. While the least expensive Altima starts at just under $20,000, opting for the V6 and exercising a free hand with the options list could leave you at $30,000 or more. At that price point, more purpose-built sport sedans from more prestigious luxury automakers enter the discussion.