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Altima

2010 Nissan Altima sedan

Vehicle: 2010 Nissan Altima 2.5S sedan with CVT Pkg and Luxury Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$27498

Performance: With the Altima, you can either opt for a hybrid or V6. Or like most consumers who decided to opt for the 2.5 liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC engine as our tester. This VQ25DE has been proven as a smooth operator no matter its lower or upper in the rev range. Both the engine flexability, NVH and refinement are certainly up to the high standard in this competitive segment. With 175 horses and 180 lb/ft of torque going through Nissan’s excellent Xtronic CVT gearbox, which we think it has to be one of the world’s best CVT. It makes Altima for an enthuisastic launch off-the-line without annoying engine noise one associates with lesser CVTs. The best thing about the Xtronic is the efficiency provides. Its not only silky smooth, with the Altima, it has manumatic mode so that driver can shift it manually through the rev range. When it comes to CVT’s efficiency, smoothness and refinement; Nissan Xtronic only has to take a slight backseat to our favourte CVT which is Audi Multitronic. Combined both such an excellent CVT gearbox with a nice powertrain, its able to move Altima’s 3212 lb with authorty off-the-line.

If you think 175hp and 180 lb/ft of torque is just not enough, there is always a VQ35DE available. With 270hp and 258 lb/ft of torque, the Altima really drives like a wind. The level of refinement and flexability are simply world-class. Not to be exaggerated but Nissan’s VQ engine series has always been judged as the world’s finest V6. And it deserves no less. :)

Handling: One of the most delightful traits of Altima is its dynamic qualities. The latest revision certainly live up to its reputation as a great driving car. Every nicely driven car has to begin with a strong and solid chassis. In Altima’s case, its completely lack of anything called cracks and rattles. The latest Altima has solved the sole common complaint of outgoing car’s rather bouncy ride quality. Our tester rides as good as anything else in its class. It absorbs all the bumps and roughness with ease without a single complaint. In fact, its ride quality is exceptional without losing to its handling experience. When it comes to handling, the suspension is comfortably compliant. Its firm enough without being rough thanks to well-caliberated spring rates and suspension geomerty. On the other hand, the steering provides plenty of driver feedback. Both the feel and feedback are excellent, with one of the most precise steering in this class of cars. Another area worth mentioning is the standard VDC or Vehicle Dynamic Control. Not only this system is an uninstrusive one, it also acts as a guardian angel whenever driver rears its ugly head. There are slight body rolls and safe understeer whenever the Altima is pushed, which is a common dynamic trait among the field of family sedans. Dynamically speaking, Altima’s handling run rings around class-leading Mazda6 and Honda Accord.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the latest Altima provides surprisingly sure-footness pedal feel and feedback. The brake pedal always feels alive when press into the metal. ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily. It doesn’t generate any fade after a couple of hard stops. In short, an excellent braking system overall.

Interior: If you remember the previous generation Altima, the use of materials and fit-and-finish were simply lackluster. The latest generation Altima has solved that much criticized issue. All the plastic materials are on par with anything else in its class. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic on top of the dashboard to the center console, even the velour seats don’t feel cheap as those early ones. The center stark is nicely layout, with stereo placed on top of the climate control. All the switchgears have a tactical, high-quality feel to it. Even when we driven over some patholes and railroad tracks, we don’t detect any rattles and cracks as in earlier Altima.

There are plenty of head and legroom for the rear passengers in the Altima, for both short and long trips.

When it comes to cargo space, there are plenty as long as you can access. If Nissan consider the back as one of the doors access into the trunk, it needs a proper handle. Until then, you can either enter the spacious trunk through the use or remote keyless or interior release button.

Conclusion: Even with the fierce competitions from Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Ford and Chervolet; Nissan remains able to hold its own thanks to the excellent Altima when it comes to sales volume and bottom line. The latest revision just makes a great car even better. As it combines good looks, excellent performance and nice driving dynamics. It is also represents a lot-of-value when it comes to standard features.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Nissan Altima sedan
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5

2008 Nissan Altima Coupe

Vehicle: 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5SE with Xtronic CVT pkg and Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$36698

Performance: The Altima Coupe, just like its popular sedan silibing, is available with 2 engines. The base engine is VQ25DE, which is good for 175 horses and 180 lb/ft of torque. This powerplant is more than enough for most daily driving thanks to its maximum torque arrives at 3900rpm. Although its not as refined as its competitor’s 4 bangers, it got its job done pretty well. The optional engine is Nissan’s excellent VQ35DE. Without a doubt, this has to be the world’s best V6 powerplant. Unlike the QR; VQ is refined, smooth and flexible at any rpm. Its also surprisingly quiet when its needed. In Altima’s application, VQ35DE has 270hp and 258 lb/ft of torque. Power has never been an issue with VQ, so does this one. There are just plenty of torque at low rpm without losing the drama at high revs. Nissan’s CVVTCS, or what the rest of the world called variable valve timing, helps in this regard. Throttle response is quick and linear.

The only problem is the transmission. While I have always been a huge fan of CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission, it doesn’t seem to mate well with Altima Coupe’s sporting intentions. While we reviewed Sentra SE-R Spec-V, we already questioned how Nissan is going to communicate with consumers on CVT for an econosport. Its even harder to convince consumers CVT is the proper way to go in a touring coupe with sporty intentions. Yes, Nissan’s Xtronic is an efficient one that works relatively well with both QR25DE and VQ35DE. Xtronic’s character produces refined and sporty drive thanks to manumatic mode. The fuel economy is impressive when combining VQ and Xtronic together. The issue is Nissan has never known for innovations in the past, by “past” I meant since Renault purchase. Its a difficult task to promote CVT with a sports coupe in the same sentence. However, if you are going with its standard 6-speed manual gearbox. Prepare for a clutch that has an unprogressive grabbing point and a long throw shifter. CVT would be the better solution if you are considering an Altima Coupe, the same goes for sedan too!

Handling: Since the introduction of the 3rd generation, Altima has always been regarded as one of the better handlers in its class. With the Altima Coupe, Nissan has taken one step further. The steering is sharp and precise without being too twitchy on the highway. There are plenty of feedback without losing its light precision. As expected from a touring coupe, there is a safe understeer and body rolls are well controlled. The VDC is a fairly uninstrusive type which is a godsent. Best of all, it rides as good as anything else in its class. Nissan engineers finally cured previous Altima’s torque steer in V6 version. For a front-drive touring coupe, Altima is one of the best drives in this segment.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs and ABS, Altima’s braking prowess is as good as its dynamic abilities. The stopping distance is short while pedal feels solid.

Interior: The backseat legroom is spacious for a sports coupe. However, C-pillar has cut some of its headroom.

The use of materials have been improved over Nissan of previous years. However, there are still plenty of hard plastic in major and minor areas along the dashboard and door panels.

The gauges are clear and analog. With stereo placed above the automatic climate control, one doesn’t need to take the eyes off the road while adjusting them. ACC works relatively well during the hot weather. It quickly detects the outside tempeature while adjusting the interior temperature for maximum cooling. The leather seats are well-foamed and comfortable.

Conclusion: With the introduction of the Altima Coupe, Nissan finally have an affordable entrant into the sports coupe market. It has nice powertrains, handles relatively well, seats 4 comfortably and priced competitively. Best of all, this is the first front-drive sports coupe that I have driven that gives Accord coupe a-run-for-its-money.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 NISSAN ALTIMA COUPE
=======================================
Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Long-term test drive: 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5S

2-day long-term test drive: 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5S with Xtronic CVT and convenience package
Price as tested: CDN$27598
Total mileage through the test: 250 km

The outgoing Altima was a significant car for Nissan. It was the 1st vehicle that adapted Nissan’s new styling language and marketing strategy, that leads the turnaround of this once struggling Japanese automaker.

Despite of its significance, the previous car was suffered from a poorly made interior and lack of well-honed refinement. With the introduction of the 4th generation Altima, Nissan believes they have finally addressed those issues.

Interior wise, the materials and fit-and-finish have taken a huge step forward compares to its el cheapo predecessor. Although it still feels cheaply made with hard plastic surfaces, the plastic molding and design no longer feel as uninspiring as before. The cloth seats are comfortable and supportive. Even the material doesn’t feel as rental car-like as before. Although I find the cente console and dashboard have a somewhat busy design, its ergonomics actually work really well. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Both stereo and climate control have large knobs for gloved hands. The back seat leg and headrooms are impressive. Enough for three persons at the back without being cramped.

Its QR25DE provides plenty of torque for daily driving. With 175 horses and 185 lb/ft of torque, it rates as one of the better 4 bangers in its segment. Both the idling and revving’s refinements have improved a whole lot than previous car. Its quieter and more refined. However, the engine note reminds its driver that Altima still a driver’s car. During the days of our testing, we averaged 9L/100km. Consider we have 70% highway driving and 30% city driving, with most bumper-to-bumper city driving. Its fuel economy is very good, indeed. Its impressive Xtronic CVT has contributed to this fuel economy. Another bonus is this engine drinks regular instead of premium fuel.

Dynamically speaking, Altima remains as one of the most capable cars in its class. With the stiff chassis, a sharp steering and nice body control; Altima feels more like a family sedan with sporting intentions. On the other hand, we still feel Nissan engineers have given Altima an underdamping characteristics. When driven over rough roads and patholes, the impact harshness is very significant. When driven side-by-side with plushier competitions, it can be considered as rough ride. However, you can consider this as an opportunity cost for firmer handling.

Huge is an understatement to describe Altima’s trunk. There are tons of cargo space with a low liftover and 60/40 split fold-down rear seats. Its instrusive trunk hinges really getting my nerve though.

In terms of value, Altima is unbeatable. Even in the basic “no frills” 2.5S without adding any options, Intelligent Key or what the rest of the world called keyless go already a standard feature.

After we have experienced with a couple of disappointing products, we are glad Nissan didn’t messed up with their bread-and-butter. The Altima remains one of my favourite cars in its class. It looks really good, just like its predecessor. Both the powertrain and handling are simply delight, with comfort and versatility to boot. The best of all, it represents a real deal.

2002 Nissan Altima 2.5S/3.5SE

Short review of 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5S/3.5SE
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Altima is truly a remarkable car for Nissan. It combines sporty dynamics, excellent motors, spacious interior, Avantgarde styling at a great price. Best of all, it finally brings customers back into Nissan showrooms. However, the very cheap interior that consists of ill-fitting plastic and poor panel finishing have killed the exceptional package. Worse of all, some of the hard-edged plastic have cut my finger during test drive. On the other hand, QR25DE 4 banger is an impressive motor. VQ35DE V6 is simply amazing.

Overall rating: 4/5

2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S

Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S with auto tranny pkg, convenience pkg and personal security pkg
Price as tested: CDN$27798

Handling: One of Altima’s strongest merits has to be its dynamic qualities. There are plenty of steering feel both on and off-center while its responsive enough for driver to handle quick reflexes. As expected from a family sedan, there are enough safe understeer and body rolls to keep you awake. Although it feels undertired when push through corners, it remains a very composed car. You won’t feel you are handling a car with Altima’s size when hustling it through black top twisties. On the other hand, its ride quality is comfortable despite it feels a bit overdamping through washboard pavements and expansion joints.

Performance: With 175hp and 180 lb/ft of torque, QR25DE has always been a peppy powerplant. The 4-speed auto tranny is willing to up and downshifts without hunting for gears. The shifts are crisp and responsive. If you still want more power, the uplevel 3.5 V6 is really the hot rod of the family sedan segment. All and all, there is no shortage of performance underneath the bonnet of Altima.

Interior: The single biggest pet peeve of the current iteration Altima has always been its cheap interior. Nissan finally addressed this issue by giving it far superior materials for center console and upholstery. You no longer feel like its inside a cardboard with rough velour and brittle plastic panels. All you see and feel are high-quality materials that match the rest of the package. The upgraded seats use sport cloth have better support with classier and sportier feel. Its also more grippy through corners. There is a nice aluminum shift gate and soft rotary climate control knobs rounded out the whole package. Everything are typical Altima with great set of instrumentation, spacious back seat and large trunk space.

Conclusion: When the current generation of Altima introduced back in 2002, it was a landmark vehicle for Nissan as it singlehandly turnarounded this brand. It doesn’t come as a surprise as Altima combines style, performance, design, sportiness, comfort and value in an attractive package. Unfortunately, interior was an area that got the most criticism. Not anymore as 2005 finally has the materials and class to match the rest of the segment.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5S
=====================================
Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.25/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5