2003 Nissan Altima Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Compared to most Japanese sedans, the Nissan Altima sports the aggressive look of a German car. Attentive observers might spot styling cues from the Volkswagen Passat up front, and design elements similar to the Audi A6 in the rear. That's not a bad thing, as many people regard the Passat and A6 as world design leaders.

As mid-size sedans go, this is a big car. Redesigned for 2002, the Altima grew a significant 7.1 inches in wheelbase. Its track widened 1.8 inches in front and 2.4 inches in the rear. Overall it measured 5.7 inches longer, 1.3 inches wider, and 2.0 inches taller. A long, 110.2-inch wheelbase leaves plenty of room for large doors, which make the Altima look somewhat larger than it is. Even the base Altima comes with 16-inch wheels, which help its looks and its handling.

The Altima's large-diameter wheels are pushed out near the four corners, which enhances its aggressive look, as well as helping it handle better. The front grille and bumper stick out quite far but are nicely set off by multi-parabola projector-beam type headlights, with four bulbs set behind large triangular covers. Although the grill opening is fairly large by modern standards it doesn't look awkward. The whole front of the car looks like one cohesive unit.

The rear of the car is even more striking, featuring a sloping roofline more reminiscent of a coupe than a four-door sedan. It ends in a high trunk that is set off by bold round taillights, turn signals and backup lights all set behind a triangular-shaped clear cover. The units are surrounded in bright silver, the current trend among young hot-rodders. The trunk has a large opening and generous volume. Its gooseneck hinges intrude into the useable space, but have the advantage of popping open the trunk lid when a button on the key fob is pressed. Design details abound on the Altima that are not present on the all-new Accord and other mid-size sedans. Creases in the mirrors, fog lamps integrated into the front bumpers and other details give the Altima distinction. The Altima is assembled with a one-piece bodyside structure, for more consistent panel fit, and Nissan claims panel-fit accuracy within 1.0 mm.

Interior Features

The Nissan Altima interior design complements the exterior styling. For 2003, Nissan has improved the interior with more attractive dash textures and titanium accents for all trim levels. This year marks an improvement over the 2002 interior, but still doesn't match the fit and finish and attention to detail of the new Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, much less a Volkswagen Passat.

It's a brilliant design, however. The dashboard is set relatively low. A binnacle directly in front of the driver contains three pods for the speedometer, tachometer, and water temperature and fuel gauges. The instruments glow orange in the dark.

Sound system controls live in a raised, ovoid panel in the center of the dash. Climate control knobs lie directly below, are well located and have a nice feel to them. Air conditioning vents are flush-mounted on the dash, rather than in protruding pods as in many other cars. Seams for the passenger-side airbag are invisible, cleverly hidden in a large expanse of unembellished dashboard surface.

The interior design gives the Altima a feeling of spaciousness. That feeling is no illusion. Front legroom in the Altima is more generous than in all but the largest vehicles on the road. The Altima is among the best in its class in terms of roominess and comfort. Decent-sized seats in front complement the legroom. Getting into and out of the Altima is easy, thanks to a slightly higher-than-average front seating position.

Rear seats are supportive and comfortable with good legroom and sufficient headroom. A 6-foot, 4-inch passenger can sit comfortably behind a 6-foot, 4-inch driver. A center armrest folds down and provides cup holders. Rear center passengers get a full three-point seat belt with shoulder harness. Getting in and out of the rear seats of the Altima is easier than it is with other mid-size sedans. Its long wheelbase and large doors mean you won't get dirty when climbing in or out by dragging your clothes across the rear fender well.

Nissan has also thoughtfully provided space to stuff your stuff. Two big cup holders reside in the center console, where you'll also find an adjustable elbow rest and a small storage bin. The parking brake is a proper handbrake, located in the center. There's a small, covered cubbyhole at the front of the console under the climate controls, which suffers from a flimsy lid.