The Nissan Altima has had a rocky history in the U.S. market starting with an unremarkable smaller platform and body in 1992, redesigned in 1998, and again into a much larger, somewhat clumsy mid-size car in 2002. In 2007, the Altima was redesigned again to almost the same size but into a much better looking and handling car.

The 2008 is the same car as the 2007 Altima and comes in three basic models, the 4-cylinder, the 6-cylinder and the hybrid. A number of coupes also are available. The test car was a well-appointed 4-cylinder version powered by a 2.5 liter, 175 hp, 4-cylinder, dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine. The 3.5S, 3.5SE and 3.5 SL are all powered by a 3.5 liter, 270 hp, V-6, DOHC engine. Nissan engines are among the best in the mid-size auto group.

This Altima has a redesigned platform and all new front suspension and it shows in the handling. It is a few inches shorter than the previous model, which for many seemed large and clumsy. This is a driver’s car. The 4 cylinder engine’s performance makes one wonder why Nissan bothered to offer a thirstier 6-cylinder version that uses premium fuel.

Nissan Altima

The 4-cylinder has great pep off the line and adequate power for all traveling situations. The experience is enhanced by the state of the art CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) installed in the test car. Nissan has used CVTs for many years in the Murano SUV, and appears to have mastered the technology. At first it feels a little weird to have the engine rpm appear to be reasonably constant while the car is accelerating rapidly, but you quickly get used to it. This transmission has a manual override, so if you want shift points you can shift yourself. Drivers could fall in love with this sedan as they do with Mazda 3s or 6s, or with BMW 3 series.

The interior is pleasant, much nicer than the Camry, and about the same as the Accord. All the normal bells and whistles are there and everything is laid out for efficiency and ease of control. The optional Bose radio has to be heard to be believed. As one gets older, the hearing loses the ability to differentiate between stereo systems, but this ancient tester could sure tell that the audio system in this car was way better than the competition. In fact, sitting for an hour in this car outside your house just to listen to the stereo may seem a little odd to your neighbors, but it’s worth it. The sound is that good.

The base 2.5 liter 4-cylinder model goes for $18,620; the better equipped 2.5S for $20,470. The well-equipped 2.5 S test car had an MSRP of $26,000, the 3.5 SE 6-cylinder car costs $24,470 and the 3.5 liter SL 6-cylinder costs $28,670. The pretty well equipped 4-cylinder “hybrid” is $25,480.

Options available on the 2.5 are sparse, but you can get really crazy on the 2.5S with option packages galore. If you choose all of them, you will need to dig deep in your pockets to find another $9,000. Highlights include navigation system, XM satellite radio, moonroof, Bose stereo system, dual automatic climate control, leather, power driver’s seat, automatic CVT transmission and “hands free” Bluetooth connectivity. The 3.5SE V-6 model can be upgraded to the max for around $11,500. The 3.5 SL comes with most of the above options as standard equipment except for $2,000 for the “connectivity” package which includes navigation and XM satellite radio.

This car’s performance in the NHTSA’s and IIHS’s safety crash tests was similar to those of the Camry and the Accord. All three cars passed the IIHS tests with flying colors, and in all tests for the NHTSA with a 4 or 5 safety rating. (max. points 5) The four-wheel disc braking system comes standard with antilock control system.

EPA estimated fuel consumption mileage for the 4-cylinder automatic is 23 city/31 highway, and for the 6-cylinder is 19 city/26 highway.

The warranty on these cars is three years/36,000 miles with a powertrain warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles.

If you are looking for a solid, good-driving mid-size sedan, the Nissan Altima compares favorably with the industry leaders, the Accord and the Camry, which in the well equipped 4-cylinder models cost some $2,000 more for the Accord and around the same for the Camry.

Mossy Nissan of Oceanside provided the test car.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 59 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at austin@sandiegometro.com.