Nissan Altima 3.5 SE

Total Cost to Own $47,580
Standard Engine:
3.5L V6, 24 valve, 270 hp @ 6000 rpm

* 6 speed manual (standard) or VAR speed automatic transmission
* 19 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy more info
* Green Rating: 62

This car is stylin!

We had the pleasure of test driving the Altima V-6 SE-R model -- but for only four short days, alas. The exterior was a welcome sight in the mornings. Before getting in to drive to work, simply approaching the car put a smile on our face and a pep in our step.

The Altima sports a sculpted look without trying to act too sleek -- though the rear spoiler gives it a devil-may-flair bit of �tude.

The front and rear lights are cased in chrome clusters and capped with a clear cover that denotes attention to finish. Even the flush door handles seemed appropriate for the Altima�s design theme. Something that might be called mid-career cool.
The Altima�s cabin is welcoming. From the motorcycle-style gauges to the big-button air controls and a dash that looks carefully tucked under to enhance the sensation of owning a well-thought out vehicle. Even the black carpeted floor mats with the Altima name in pearl-white stitching look sharp.

All told, the exterior and interior combo feels like a half-generation ahead of other vehicles in the supposedly sedate mid-size category. Think of it as being sensible without bearing the burden of compromise.


But the Altima wouldn�t truly be capable of challenging the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord if it simply relied on good looks. The six-cylinder engine accelerates like an overachiever with all of its 260 horses. Handling a left lane merge into speeding highway traffic inspired confidence and a little heh-heh from the driver.