With almost as much passenger space available as in the larger Maxima, the Altima
provdes a comfortable environment for four or five. Seats in all four Altimas are
upholstered in high-grade cloth, with leather optional in the SE and GLE. The SE has
the best front seats, in our opinion; they have more pronounced side bolsters and fit
their occupants snugly.
Like other Nissans, the Altima has a stylish cabin. The instruments--a standard
array including speedometer, tachometer, and fuel and coolant gauges--are clearly
marked and all controls, from light switches to climate control panel are generally
easy to find and use.
There is one exception here. The sound systems supplied in the SE and GLE have
small and sometimes confusing pushbuttons that are tricky to operate when the car is
moving.
The SE's AM/FM/cassette audio system is optional in XE and GXE models, offered in
packages that also include air conditioning.
The SE comes with a manually-operated air conditioning system as standard
equipment. The GLE's air conditioning is integrated in an automatic climate control
system.
In terms of amenities, the GXE, SE and GLE are standouts for cars in this class.
All three feature a center armrest in the rear with a pass-through feature to the
roomy trunk, plus power windows, mirrors and door locks. Option package for XE and GXE
add air conditioning and audio systems. The standard power glass moonroof that comes
with the SE and GLE is available as an option ($849) on the GXE.
Regardless of model, Altima interiors are nicely done, displaying high assembly
quality and good materials. The wood trim applied to the top three models is a matter
of individual taste, though no one will complain about the standard tilt steering or
rear window defogger. Front seatbelts have adjustable top anchors, and a pair of
cupholders is supplied.
Dual airbags, of course, are standard equipment, as they are in all 1996 passenger
cars.
With its slightly sportier character the SE is more fun to drive than the other
Altimas, but not quite a threat to the tigers of this class--the Ford Contour SE V6,
for example, or the Mazda 626 LX V6. On the other hand, the ride is uncommonly smooth,
thanks to all-independent suspension, bolted to separate front and rear subframes that
isolate the suspension (and thus noise and vibration transmitted by the front and rear
struts) from the body shell.
Steering and brakes require minimal effort from the driver.
Pushing the Altima to its cornering limits provokes tire squeal, body roll and
increased steering input, but it takes real excess to make the Nissan lose its
composure.
Most owners--probably all, in fact--will never intentionally work the car that hard.
We think they'll be perfectly happy with its calm, composed manners in all driving
situations. And if an emergency situation arises, calling for quick, decisive response,
we think the Altima will give a good account of itself.
The engine, too, goes about its business with little fuss. It is large enough and
sufficiently power to deliver good performance at everyday rpm levels. That's a good
thing, because the engine does sound a little strained as it reaches maximum speed.
Either transmission is a good choice. The automatic suits the car's character--and
the engine's power characteristics--quite well. So does the easy-shifting 5-speed,
which extracts a little better straight-ahead performance from the car, something
that's true for all manual transmissions, regardless of the car. However, most Altimas
go out the door with automatics, and owners seem to be generally pleased with their
performance.
Most cars in this class offer a V6 engine option. The Altima does not, but it's
one of the few cars we'd say doesn't really need to. The standard engine does a good
job, and is economical to boot.