The Altima's interior has the same sort of distinction as the exterior, with a look of elegance and luxury. The instrument panel has a graceful, sweeping curvature. On all but the XE there's wood-pattern trim, and if you opt for the leather in the SE or GLE, you'll find it's tastefully crafted in that expensive-looking wrinkled style that's become so popular these days on luxury cars.
Ergonomics are also about as good as they get - everything you need to operate is both easy to see and easy to use.
Standard interior features on all trim levels include a tilt steering wheel, rear defroster, cupholders, lockable glove box, dual visor vanity mirrors, cut-pile carpeting, adjustable headrests, and remote releases for the trunk, hood and fuel filler door.
On the GXE, SE and GLE, the standard equipment list includes power windows and door locks, center console and rear-seat center armrest with trunk pass-through.
There is also a variety of sound systems, including an AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD players and Dolby sound. Automatic temperature-control air conditioning is an option on the high-line GLE only.
Probably the weakest aspect of the Altima's interior is that it's not overly large. The EPA rates it as a compact, while competitors such as the Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 626 and Buick Regal are rated in the midsize category. This means acceptable space for four adults, but five (depending on their size) may be a pinch.
Over-the-road behavior is one of the Altima's strongest suits. Nissan's engineers worked hard at giving the car excellent handling traits in a way that could be appreciated by most drivers (instead of just racers and sports-car enthusiasts), and that work paid off.
At the same time, the Altima delivers a well-controlled, comfortable ride that is apparent on long highway cruises or over rough, secondary roads.
One of the primary targets of the engineers was steering feel, and in this category the Altima scores well. You'll notice, for example, while driving briskly along a curving mountain road that the steering sends accurate messages from the front tires to you, giving a feeling of confidence and security. On the other hand, it also provides excellent power assist in low-speed, tight maneuvering, such as what you'd encounter in crowded parking lots, where steering ease is so desirable.
On rough roads the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps that are either big or harsh or both, aided by a structure that feels tight, solid and rigid. The Altima has what its engineers call "Super Toe Control" rear suspension, meaning a system that maintains a more optimum alignment of the rear tires during driving maneuvers. All in all, the Altima offers one of the better driving experiences in the midrange sedan class.
We would like more power, though. The 4-cylinder engine is willing but just can't match the smoother, more powerful V6 engines that are becoming increasingly popular with sedan owners.
Compared with a modern V6, the Altima's 4-cylinder is noisier, rougher and less sprightly. Much of the time, as when cruising easily around town, the driver might not notice. But step down on the gas pedal, as when accelerating hard to merge on the freeway, and the 4-cylinder will make itself heard and felt.
With good V6 engines available from a wide range of nameplates - including the new Ford Contour/Mercury Mystique and the Chrysler Cirrus/ Dodge Stratus - the Altima seems behind the competition on this score.
The 4-cylinder engine may have some fuel economy benefits when compared with the V6 offerings, but we'd gladly pay the difference.