Shopping around for a mid-size vehicle these days requires some time and careful investigation. Every manufacturer has one or more models in that category, which represents a major portion of the United States market.


Even before last year’s redesign, the Nissan Altima was among major players in the mid-size world. The Altima is a smart-looking sedan with a solid 4-cylinder option and a more appealing, performance-laden V6.

With the combination of family appeal and sporty look, the Altima became the sixth most popular selling car in the United States for 2006. Last year’s successful redesign also included a  hybrid option, allowing the Altima to further compete the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Despite the improvements, the Altima has a difficult time competing with the Camry and Accord in total sales.


Established in 2007, the new Altima styling included more chiseled headlights and flared fenders borrowed from a cross between the Nissan 350Z sports car and the G-37 made by Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury division. That’s part of the Altima’s appeal — veering away from more conservatively designed family oriented cars.


Test driven for a week was the Altima 3.5 SE, an athletic-looking sedan that features a 3.5-liter, V6 with 270 horsepower that doesn't labor pulling around a vehicle that weighs 3,334 pounds and accelerates 0-60 mph in under seven seconds. The scaled-down Altima is a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder with 175 horsepower.


While making no dramatic changes in the basic product for 2008, Nissan did create a new Altima coupe. It’s a sporty two-door reportedly very fun to drive and offers plenty of comfort for a model that has its own distinctive taillights, headlights and grille, and does not sit as long and high as the other Altimas.


The test version included 6-speed manual transmission, which didn’t add to the driving experience even in a sporty sedan like the Altima. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is an option and reportedly delivers a smooth acceleration through all the gear changes.

 

 
The Altima 3.5 rates high on plenty of fronts – appearance, performance, mileage, comfort, practicality – and can be purchased relatively cheap ($24,080) considering all the value. Yet beware, it can climb the price ladder rather quickly when tempting upgrades are added.

 

Criticized for its limited interior room and road noise, the Altima addressed both problems with its redesign. The driver and passenger seats now provide additional support and comfort, while the visibility lines are also solid. While there is more overall space in the back seat, taller passengers will still feel a bit cramped on head and leg room. Rear seating does not fold flat, reducing the overall effectiveness of the cargo area, which offers above average space.

 

Although still not refined, driving in the Altima will not require turning up the radio to drown out the road and wind noise. The 3.5 version has a firm, sport-tuned suspension that can make the ride less uneven on bumpy roads. But the handling is precise, allowing for a confident feel of the road that is enhanced by its responsive braking power.

 

The mileage estimate ranges from 19-27 mpg and the Altima 3.5 does require premium gas.

 

Nissan Altima, 2008: Fast Facts

 

Power — 3.5-liter, V6, 270 horsepower.

 

Mileage estimates — 19 mpg (city), 27 mpg (highway)                                          

 

Standard Features — Multi fuel-injection system, traction control, anti-lock brakes, heated seats, automatic headlights, eight-way driver’s seat, push button ignition, leather-wrapped, tilt steering wheel; keyless entry, power windows, locks and mirrors.