Road Test: Nissan Altima

Swank it wasn't when the Altima first debuted in 1990, but it didn't matter. Practical, well-priced and oddly jelly-bean-shaped, the sedan was immediately popular. Today, cheap and practical aren't enough. The car you want in your driveway is sporty, elegant and cheap. Nissan went for two out of the three with its completely redone Altima. At thirty grand, my fully loaded tester was priced wildly outside the original Altima's sticker category, a hint that this budget-minded five-seater is edging closer to the pricey sport-sedan segment.

The new Altima is significantly more aggressive in looks and performance than the last-generation model, with a 3.5-liter, 270hp power train with plenty of torque for superquick acceleration, front and rear stabilizer bars and a sport-tuned suspension to hold the road tightly. It also has a gas-saving continuously variable transmission. But it's not just sporty. This five-seater is a great everyday driver, with a generous trunk lined with a grocery net that handily accommodated my family's hauling needs and a back seat with loads of legroom for real-size adults. One quip: the uninspired, bland interior design and overuse of hard plastics on the dash and console made me think budget.

Tip: A pared-down 2.5S model with 95 fewer horses goes for $4,700 less.

—Tara Weingarten

© 2007