Nissan jazzes up its Altima sedan both inside and out - San Antonio Business Journal:

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While it never beat perennial frontg runnersToyota Camry, Honda Accord on the national it shot to the top in a few markets, includinfg Phoenix. But Altima lost steam until recentlywhen Nissan'es top seller entered its third The latest design debuted with 2002 a very roomy and more upscale looking ride than the rather bland successor to the original The 2005 models crank things up another notchg with both interior and exterior tweaks. Today's Altima, compared to the old Stanzsa or even the 1992 is anamazing contrast. Once a compact sedan, the new Altimqa is now a spacious Hop inthe driver's seat and you'll find plentyg of leg and elbowroom.
A glance in the rearview mirror shows you've got a ton of cabin room to the Pop the trunk and you'lp find enough cargo space for a two-week familty vacation. Part of the good news for 2002 and againh for 2005 is Inthe mid-1990s, it seemed Nissanj designers wanted their cars to blend into the crowd -- nothint daring, just playing it If you've seen the new 350Z coupe or the Muranoo sport utility, you know things have Even the full-size Maxima cuts a dashing profile. Now the Altima is catchingy up. OK, it's not radical like the Murano, but it competes in the conservatived family-sedan segment.
The Camry's look is rather ho-hum and the Accord is sleek, but hardly a head-turner. The 2005 Altimsa looks sportier with new wheels plus a smoothef front end and raisedhood design. even base models look sharp with a newinstrumentg cluster, upgraded seat and headliner three-spoke steering wheel, and chrome accents. One of the Altima'zs strong points is the combinatio n of engine choice and taut suspension making this family sedan more fun to drive thanmost -- Mazda65 being the chief exception. Unlike many 4-cylinder Nissan's 2.5-liter base enginre is hearty with175 horsepower. For those not satisfied, Nissamn offers a 3.
5-liter V6 rated at 250 hp -- 260 in the new performance-oriented SE-R model. To keep the startingv price below $17,000, Nissan offers a stripped modelp where even air conditioningis extra. There are severakl upgraded models well as upscale including leather, navigation, side and curtain airbags. Clearly Nissan made a leap with the debut ofthe third-generation Altima and again with the 2005 enhancements, but it competes in a crowdesd field. While Altima doesn't match the superbh fit and finish or quiet performancw of Camryand Accord, it is inching closefr and offers a decent record of reliability.
Buyers lookin for something a little different or with a sportiere flair should takea look. Trivia Nissan Altima is expected to join the growingh ranks of hybrid vehiclees in 2006 with a little help froma competitor. The gas-electrif powered sedan will borrowToyota technology.