By Kevin Harrison
The last Nissan I reviewed was the Sentra and it got me thinking about Nissan’s specifically, the odd overlap between models. I wondered why the Sentra was necessary since it is quite an old design and seemingly lagging compared to its competition. Besides, the new Versa is just as big and is thousands cheaper. I later came away from the Sentra concluding that the Sentra was much more refined than the Versa and that that alone might be enough to convince some people to plunk there money down for it as opposed to the Versa.
Well here we are again with the same sort of conundrum. The Nissan Altima has gone from an after thought to a credible contender in the mid-size (which really has become full-size) segment. So, why would anyone pay more for a Maxima when the Altima is just as big and just as stylish? Wouldn’t the most value be found in the form of a base Altima as well?
I took one out to find out.
Firstly, you’d be forgiven if you think the Altima is getting on in age. This current generation has been on sale since 2007 and only minor face lifts have taken place since then. The latest came in 2010 in the form of a very slightly redesigned front facia. Everything else, exterior-wise stays the same. For some reason Nissan isn’t in the habit of changing the rear design of most of its models during mid-cycle refreshes. I would suggest they revise their thinking on that, because when viewed from the hind quarters, the Altima looks very outdated. Who uses Altezza style clear lense tail lights anymore anyway? Plus the only thing new for 2011 is the addition of a rear view camera in all trim levels (optional, not standard on the S) and new colours. That’s it. However despite my nitpicking of the Altima showing its age, the design is definitely still more interesting than the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry.
Inside, soft touch materials are appreciated as well as a well thought out, logical centre stack. The buttons are large and clear. The stereo system is actually decent considering the base model guise. However, on the whole, the interior looks a bit bland. The cloth seats are actually quite comfortable. I had no complaints for the 2 and a half hour trip when I took the Altima down to Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Rear seat legroom is excellent, beating out most of its competition. The rear seats fold 60/40 at the touch of a button and the large trunk can easily swallow 15.3 cubic feet of your junk.
The base 2.5 S comes with, you guessed it – a 2.5 litre 4 cylinder engine making 175 horses and 180 pound feet of torque mated to my tester’s CVT transmission. Anyone who frequents this site knows that I am an avid manual transmission advocate and, for the most part, an avid automatic transmission hater. Why? Well in most cases the automatic tends to rob power. In the Altima’s CVT, it’s very much the case. While those power numbers aren’t earth shattering, they are decent enough to expect some get-up and go. The Altima could barely get up. CVT transmissions are made with fuel efficiency in mind, so the transmission would rather you didn’t have too much fun while driving because, after all, fun driving usually means more gas consumption. As a result, the Altima pretty much whines when it’s pushed and 0-100 takes a longish 8.4 seconds. With that said, the shifts from the CVT were very smooth. In fact, I’d wager to say that Nissan makes one of the best CVT’s in the business. And on top of that, the CVT did its job as a averaged 8.8 L/100 kms with an equal dose of both city and highway driving. The Altima 2.5 S is officially rated at 10.2 L/100 kms city and 7.3 L/100 kms highway. Still, if you want a ride that matches the Altima’s sporty appearance, do yourself a favour and opt for the 6-speed manual. I’m convinced there’s more to this engine than the CVT is letting me see. In fact if performance a la Maxima is what you’re looking for, don’t even bother with the 2.5, opt for the more powerful 3.5 V6.
The ride on the highway is decidedly solid and comfortable. In fact the Altima borders on, dare I say it, Buick levels of comfort. At least Buicks of the past anyway. Everything is quite cushy and relaxed. When pushed to the limit, the Altima’s compliant suspension adds some fun into the mix, despite the cushy ride when driven normally. The fun handling experience could be heightened by more steering response as it feels quite numb.
And that’s the thing. There are plenty of cars out there that do what they were built to do fairly well with an added touch of something else. In this case, the Altima does family sedan decently well with added flares of performance here and there. The Maxima is the opposite. It does performance well, with added touches of family capabilities. It depends on what your priorities are.
In the end, after experiencing the Maxima it very much has its place among the Nissan line up. The Altima is adequate in most respects, but a re-design is definitely in order.
Base Price: $23,998
Pros:
- Excellent rear leg room
- Comfortable seats
- Comfortable ride
- Good fuel efficiency for its size
- Logical interior
- Smooth shifting CVT
Cons:
- Exterior getting on in age
- Drab looking interior
- CVT sucks out performance
- Whiney engine at high RPM’s
- Handling leaves little to be desired
Overall: 7/10