The $29,498 3.5 SL now offers features that were previously only optional, including a standard automatic transmission, heated front seats and outside mirrors, upgraded trunk lid trim and faux wood interior accents. With a full assortment of standard features including leather seats, its only option is the $285 White Satin paint making its highest possible price $29,783.

The 2003 3.5 SE is the sportiest of the bunch, with a standard sport-tuned suspension, 17" x 7.0" Sport aluminum-alloy wheels on P215/55VR17 all-season tires, standard tires are P205/65TR16 all-seasons, fog lights, dual exhaust with chrome-tip finishers and automatic climate control. A $2,100 leather package is available with 8-speaker BOSE audio system with a 6CD in-dash changer, garage door opener, auto dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, leather door trim and of course, leather seats. Nissan is smart to make its $1,000 glass sunroof optional, as not all driver's, especially those taller than average, appreciate the feature's headroom encroachment. The last feature available is a $1,300 4-speed automatic transmission, and oh yes, less I forget the $285 Satin White paint. Altogether a fully loaded 3.5 SE will set back its owner $33,723.

New color choices include Sonoma Sunset and Crystal Blue - eight other colors carry forward from last year.

By the way, the Altima's 175-hp 2.5-L 4-cylinder also continues forward in base models, producing an impressive 180 lb-ft of torque. Overall its output overshadows some competitive 6-cylinder offerings. In S trim it's mated to a standard 5-speed manual, just like the SE V6 powered car, while a 4-speed automatic is optional. Altima's with the 2.5 SL designation only get the automatic gearbox.