Technical

The 2.5S and 2.5SL Altimas share the same 2.5L 4-cylinder engine found in the X-Trail and Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec-V. In this car, it develops 175 hp @ 6 000 rpm and 180 lb/ft of torque @ 4 000 rpm. The 3.5S, 3.5SE and 3.5SE-R get their engine mounts on the 3.5L V6 shared with all other Nissans except the Armada and Pathfinder. It puts out 250 hp @ 5 800 rpm and 249 lb/ft of torque @ 4 400 rpm. The SE-R makes due with 260 hp and 251 lb/ft of torque. The 4 pot can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The V6 comes standard with a 5-speed manual or, as an option, a 5-speed automatic with a manual shift mode. The SE-R gets a 6-speed stick shift or the same automatic transmission as the V6. 4-wheel disc brakes are standard on all models. Base versions have 16" wheels as standard. The V6s have 17" and the SE-R gets some flashy 18" wheels. All Altimas have a fully independent suspension. The 3.5 line, including the SE-R, get a sport-tuned variety.

On the road

The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine does a very fine job of stirring the Altima around town. As a means of comparison, the X-Trail, which weighs in at 1 488 kg, is no more than adequately served by this same engine that is in the Altima that tips the scale at 1 410 kg. Output numbers are a little different (X-Trail: 165hp-170 lb/ft torque). The difference is such that it feels like the Altima has 35 hp more than the Cute-Ute. Regardless of the fact that the 2.5L does a better job in the car over the truck, it still displays the same lack of refinement: the engine's raucous oral song is unpleasant, even at speeds as low as 60 km/h.

The ride is very stiff and dry. Small and short amplitudes are the real enemies: the vibration is transmitted from the tires straight to your neck. On the other hand, large dips and grooves are handled with ease. On a smooth surface, the ride is gentleman-like. The 4-speed automatic transmission sometimes changes gears violently during even the slightest of throttle input. I appreciate this feeling because I like a good, solid shift. I am certain though that not everyone will agree with my sentiments. The brakes worked flawlessly during the test: whether under hard stopping or just trotting around, pedal response is quick and travel is kept to a minimum.

The other reason why the Altima is so popular is the available 3.5L V6. This engine is a mad bullet in comparison to the 2.5L. Compared to the Accord's 240 hp V6, which has a flat power-band, the Nissan V6 under hard acceleration and as the engine revs climb, so does the rush of those 250 hp. It is power that is felt in the seat of the pants and it will put a smile on your face every time.


Safety

The car has standard dual front air bags, standard ABS brakes and electronic brake force distribution (optional on the base model), seatbelt pre-tensionners and optional side and roof mounted airbags. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for a frontal impact for both driver and passenger. The IIHS rated the Altima "Good" in overall frontal impact protection. It got a "Poor" rating in lateral but it was not equipped with the optional side airbags.