15th Place: Nissan Altima

Overview:

The Altima had the foundation for being a top-scoring blend of sport, comfort, and fuel economy. But in a recent redesign, Nissan sacrificed its once roomy rear seat in favor of a sleeker roofline that forces the seat cushion too low and still eliminates head room. Furthermore, the only model that met this group's eligibility requirements for equipment and engine size was the sport-oriented 3.5SE model, which stiffens the suspension at the expense of ride comfort with little handling benefit. With the previous Altima's rear seat space and the ride/handling balance of other Altima models, this car could have gone far in this group. However, without it, there are too many other cars that come closer to the family sedan ideal.

Driving the Altima:

The Altima has a stiff, jittery ride and doesn't absorb bumps well when equipped with the 3.5SE's "sport suspension." It handles nimbly, and the steering is responsive and communicative for a midsize sedan. However, the Altima is larger and not as sharp-edged as the roomier Mazda6, and as noted, more comfortable versions without the sport suspension are similarly agile. The Altima's powertrain is a strong point; its 3.5-liter V6 is smooth and very powerful, and its continuously-variable transmission seamlessly controls that power and helps the Altima achieve extremely impressive gas mileage for a car with such strong acceleration. Road noise is excessive, however.

Inside the Altima:

The Altima’s front seats are reasonably spacious and comfortable. However, as noted, the rear is too low and lacks leg, foot, and head space, entirely a fault of the Altima's styling as it is certainly large enough to offer a spacious interior. The interior is well-constructed, with well-fitting and high-quality materials, but it doesn't feel as opulent as some like-priced competitors. The gauges are clear and the instruments are logically arrayed. Drivers sit comfortably enough, but could have better rearward visibility. The trunk is reasonably large and well-shaped.

Altima pricing:

The Altima is the group's priciest car at $27,925, but it comes well-equipped with a wireless cell phone link, a hands-free entry and keyless start system, and active head restraints.

Conclusion:

The Altima is a powerful, fun-to-drive family sedan that still manages top-notch gas mileage. However, it does not provide suitable accommodations for a midsize sedan; consumers who find enough space in the Altima can save money or find something with better handling by choosing a smaller car. But for its particularly good blend of power and handling, it's worth a look from the sport-focused consumer.

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