The Altima is a hot item for Nissan, giving it competition in the midsize rink with The Camry and Accord for best-selling bragging rights. The stakes are high in this sedan segment, with average sales figures topping 350,000 units a year. None of the three automakers can afford a mistake here.Nissan upped the ante for 2013 with its fifth generation Altima, a sedan that took on a more sculpted look, a refined interior, and two engine options that cater to those wanting good fuel mileage or sportier performance.
I recently spent a week behind the wheel of the 2014 Altima. My tester came equipped with the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and the top-line SL trim package. It was loaded with nearly every feature available, including Navigation, blind spot and lane-departure warnings, Moving Object Detection, a moonroof, power everything, and a nine-speaker Bose sound system, among other things.
The Altima proved to be a competent daily driver with enough pep to maneuver through traffic while providing a comfortable ride and a no-nonsense demeanor. Its updated looks earned a few fans from my family members while its less-than-stellar steering earns a few gripes from my inner enthusiast.