Acceleration
"Test 2.5 S with automatic transmission did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph. Among 4-cyl rivals in our tests, that's on par with Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, though their 4-cyl engines are more refined. Smooth, responsive V6 makes 3.5 Altimas among the quicker midsize sedans. Test manual-transmission SE-R did 6.3 sec 0-60."

Value
Altima trails the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord for interior materials quality and overall refinement. But it earns Recommended status for its strong features-per-dollar showing and a sporty demeanor--though torque steer makes V6 versions a bit too spunky at times. The 4-cyl models easily satisfy most needs.

Ride
"Generally comfortable, controlled, though some testers complain of excess high-speed ""float."" More-aggressive tires make 3.5 SE somewhat firmer over bumps than 4-cyl models, but it's not jarring. Sporty SE-R less comfortable than other models, thumps more over highway expansion joints."

Economy
"With automatic transmission, 2.5 S averaged 20.7 mpg in mostly city driving, 25.7 in 22,663-mi exended-use test that included mostly highway driving. Test manual SE-R averaged 17.5 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel for V6s. Altima's 20-gal fuel tank is among the largest in midsize car class."

Noise
"Road, wind ruckus readily apparent, and some test cars suffered a metallic drumming resonance on coarse pavement. Growly 4-cyl intrudes under full throttle; V6 also lags most rivals in refinement."

Comfort - Front
"Generous head room, good leg room. Seat comfort and bolstering good, too. All have height-adjustable center armrest, all but base have height-adjustable driver seat. Steering wheel tilts, telescopes via separate levers--a bit odd. Outward visibility hampered slightly by tall rear deck, occasional windshield reflections from dashboard top."

Comfort - Rear
"Large, wide door openings. Comfortable, well-contoured seating. Plenty of knee, toe space. Head room limited for those over 5-ft-8."

Controls
"Gauges legible, controls user-friendly. Not all testers like wiggle-worm automatic-transmission gate, and some manual-transmission test cars had crude shift action. No opportunity yet to test with navigation system. Cabin materials trail Accord, Camry, but generally sturdy, relieved by strategically placed padded surfaces. Doors, trunklid close with a tinny clang, however."

Cargo Room
"Wide trunk, low liftover, but lid hinges dip into cargo area. Standard 60/40 split folding rear seatback adds versatility."