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Just came back from Arizona where I rented a new 2.5S Altima. And it was really new--only 560 miles on the clock when I got in.
I'd driven the previous Altima out in AZ a couple of years back and really liked it, except for its lack of power at highway speeds. The new model is a bit of a step backwards.
The first thing I noticed was the overly light steering at low speeds. Make that light, numb and over-assisted. I'd have to check, but I think it was electric steering, not a pump. (I do think you give up a lot when you eliminate the hydraulics.) With the light steering, as in so many Japanese or domestic cars, I found I had to pay attention to keep the car in a straight line. It lacked the feel and straight tracking you get on a Saab or other Euro makes that make a car feel laser guided. I got used to the Nissan after awhile, but I think it makes the car more tiring to drive as you have to pay attention to keeping the car going straight. It is speed-sensitive and it finally feels better once you get up to about 80, but is still twitchy. At 100 mph on an empty 2-lane out in the desert it was better still, but not where it should be. Still light and a bit numb.
The steering in the '06 had other issues, but it was actually better at higher speeds. Not sure what they changed.
The engine seems smooth at first, but when you run up the revs it gets buzzy above 3000 rpm. Unfortunately, all the power is above that point, so if you drive enthusiastically you are pretty aware of the engine. It's a good thing the 6-speed tranny keeps the revs down on the highway. At 80 the engine is only turning about 2300 rpm. This is the same motor as in the '06 I drove and I didn't like it then, either. Nissan needs to do some work on this engine.
The 6-speed auto tranny was nice and had a manual option which was fun to shift up and down. And when you need to pass, the tranny will kickdown to 4th, so you get the extra oomph of the lower gear, but you have to remember to shift up again. At moderate speeds, like from 50 to 70, this is very nice and the car accelerates surprisingly well. Just don't expect a whole lot of poke if you go to pass while running 70. There's not a whole lot there. Being used to my 9K, this lack of power was the most disappointing aspect of the Altima. Presumably the 3.5 liter V6 model would be better.
Gas mileage was OK, but I don't think it was as good as the older model. Did 50% highway, 50% rural 2-lane. Lots of it at 75-80, with some passing blast on the 2 lane. Averaged about 29 mpg over 250 miles. The older model, which I ran on the same types of roads and speeds did better--about 32 mpg. But the trip length and road mix on the other trip were quite different so it's not a real comparison. Not bad either way with my fairly heavy foot.
Brakes were too sensitive for my liking. Great initial bite but lacked feel. No ABS in my rental, which is just dumb, IMHO. That should be standard on all cars.
The seats were OK. Not enough adjustment in the one I had, but they were adequate.
I still like the looks and these are a decent car.
What amazes me is that, at least IMO, my 12 year-old Saab 9000 is nicer in just about every way. Sure, in 1996 the 9K was a $37,000 car and the 2008 Altima is a $20,000 car. But cars in general--especially the low to moderate priced ones--have gotten a lot better over the past decade. But given that I paid less than $10K for my car, it is certainly a lot better deal and a lot more car.
, Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:01:24
, Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:55:23
, Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:41:47
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