IFCAR Review: Nissan Altima

IFCAR Review: Nissan Altima

Evaluations:

Interior Comfort: 6/10

Interior Quality: 7/10

Refinement: 6/10

Fun-to-Drive: 7/10

Fuel Economy: 8/10

Safety: Unknown

Price: 5/10

Overall: 7/10

Overall: A decent sporty sedan, but not a great family sedan.

Overall Rating: 7/10

Recommended: Yes

The Altima has been redesigned for 2007, being transformed from a roomy but unrefined family sedan into a less roomy but more engaging one. The previous generation vehicle sold well as a powerful car with enough space and a low enough price to be a usable family hauler, but since 2002 when it was introduced, the competition, including the sales-leading Toyota Camry, has started to offer the same along with more refinement.

This required a change in the Altima to include better handling along with power, to offer a reason to make a sacrifice over the more luxurious competition. Unfortunately, Nissan also compromised the car's interior space compared to the last generation in favor of its styling, cramping rear seat leg and headroom and usable trunk space.

The Altima's best ride/handling balance is found in the S and SL versions, but you can get a comparable ride/handling balance in the roomier Honda Accord. Those who are willing to sacrifice rear seat space in the name of sportiness may as well go for the 3.5SE version with sharper handling and a stiffer ride. Those looking for the best driving enjoyment in this class are better served by the Mazda6, which is smaller but also has equal or better accommodations, but lacks the Altima's V6 punch in its mainstream versions.

In conclusion, the Altima's recent changes make it a better choice for those who want a sporty midsize sedan, but the cut in rear seat space makes its predecessor a better car for those who do not, despite the improvements in quietness and interior quality.

Those who are looking for a good well-rounded midsize sedan and are unconcerned with sportiness would be better-served by a Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry. Those who see sportiness in handling more than power should look at the Acura TSX, Mazda6, and Ford Fusion / Mercury Milan. And those who like what they see in the Altima should cross-shop the Mitsubishi Galant, Subaru Legacy, and Honda Accord.

See Vehicle Overview

See All Reviews

Other Recent Reviews: