doesn't assault the eyes with trendy, short-lived styling, challenge service personnel

with exotic hardware, or pressure the bank account with irresistible options customers

just can't live without.

A car, in short, like the Nissan Altima.

You might not even notice a member of the three-model Nissan sedan family in a

crowd. It lacks the distinctive ovoid styling cues of the newer Ford Contour and

Mercury Mystique, for example, or the aggressive, cab-forward presence of the Dodge

Stratus. And it does without a long list of model choices, drivetrain options and

other sticker-inflating gimcrackery.

Fact is, in a field that is filled with everything from Honda Accords to Hyundai

Sonatas--with the Mazda 626, Mitsubishi Galant and a number of others in between--the

Altima has carved out a high successful niche for itself during the past three model

years by being unobtrusive, understated and an especially good value.

To those basic virtues are added a few surprises along the way,

comfort/convenience features that allow Nissan to unblushingly bill the Altima as a

small luxury sedan.

A look at sales figures shows how correct Nissan's product planners were: The

Altima has sold well since the day it was introduced, and continues to do so, a

performance that's had a profoundly positive impact on the company's fortunes in the

intensely competitive North American market.

And all without smoke, mirrors or gimmicks.

exterior. Far from being avant-garde--as West Coast designs so often are--the Altima

relies on quiet, efficienty good looks for its appeal. The rounded nose is unadorned,

free of excessive brightwork, the profile is smooth and the tail is neatly contoured,

with only a pair of large taillights for decoration.

Even so, there are nice touches everywhere. A shape that might be bland is made

better-looking by smooth contours and subtle modeling, the wrapover doors increase

ease of entry/exit and the few applications of bright trim around windows and on the

door handles add the right touch of class.

The Altima's body has more than quiet good looks to recommend it. The unitbody

structure is commendably rigid, and all seams and gaps are narrow and uniform. Precise

panel fit allied with a low-drag shape and flush glass has much to do with the

Altima's noteworthy lack of wind noise.

There are few external clues to differentiate the base Altima XE from the GXE, SE

and fully-equipped GLE versions. The SE and GLE ride on stylish aluminum alloy wheels,

while the others make do with steel rims and wheel covers, but all have dual outside

mirrors and tinted glass. The more expensive pair also have added fog and front

cornering lamps, though these are subtly integrated into the front end design.

All members of the Altima family use the same 2.4-liter dual overhead cam 16-valve

4-cyl. engine, and all but the GLE have a standard 5-speed manual transmission. A

standard 4-speed automatic transmits power to the GLE's front wheels; automatics are

optional in the others.

Suspension--MacPherson struts at all four corners--is also the same across the

entire model range, although the sportier SE gets a larger rear antiroll bar and

4-wheel disc brakes. When antilock brakes are ordered--a $999 option for all

models--4-wheel discs are part of the package.

provdes a comfortable environment for four or five. Seats in all four Altimas are

upholstered in high-grade cloth, with leather optional in the SE and GLE. The SE has

the best front seats, in our opinion; they have more pronounced side bolsters and fit

their occupants snugly.

Like other Nissans, the Altima has a stylish cabin. The instruments--a standard

array including speedometer, tachometer, and fuel and coolant gauges--are clearly

marked and all controls, from light switches to climate control panel are generally

easy to find and use.

There is one exception here. The sound systems supplied in the SE and GLE have

small and sometimes confusing pushbuttons that are tricky to operate when the car is

moving.

The SE's AM/FM/cassette audio system is optional in XE and GXE models, offered in

packages that also include air conditioning.

The SE comes with a manually-operated air conditioning system as standard

equipment. The GLE's air conditioning is integrated in an automatic climate control

system.

In terms of amenities, the GXE, SE and GLE are standouts for cars in this class.

All three feature a center armrest in the rear with a pass-through feature to the

roomy trunk, plus power windows, mirrors and door locks. Option package for XE and GXE

add air conditioning and audio systems. The standard power glass moonroof that comes

with the SE and GLE is available as an option ($849) on the GXE.

Regardless of model, Altima interiors are nicely done, displaying high assembly

quality and good materials. The wood trim applied to the top three models is a matter

of individual taste, though no one will complain about the standard tilt steering or

rear window defogger. Front seatbelts have adjustable top anchors, and a pair of

cupholders is supplied.

Dual airbags, of course, are standard equipment, as they are in all 1996 passenger

cars.

Altimas, but not quite a threat to the tigers of this class--the Ford Contour SE V6,

for example, or the Mazda 626 LX V6. On the other hand, the ride is uncommonly smooth,

thanks to all-independent suspension, bolted to separate front and rear subframes that

isolate the suspension (and thus noise and vibration transmitted by the front and rear

struts) from the body shell.

Steering and brakes require minimal effort from the driver.

Pushing the Altima to its cornering limits provokes tire squeal, body roll and

increased steering input, but it takes real excess to make the Nissan lose its

composure.

Most owners--probably all, in fact--will never intentionally work the car that hard.

We think they'll be perfectly happy with its calm, composed manners in all driving

situations. And if an emergency situation arises, calling for quick, decisive response,

we think the Altima will give a good account of itself.

The engine, too, goes about its business with little fuss. It is large enough and

sufficiently power to deliver good performance at everyday rpm levels. That's a good

thing, because the engine does sound a little strained as it reaches maximum speed.

Either transmission is a good choice. The automatic suits the car's character--and

the engine's power characteristics--quite well. So does the easy-shifting 5-speed,

which extracts a little better straight-ahead performance from the car, something

that's true for all manual transmissions, regardless of the car. However, most Altimas

go out the door with automatics, and owners seem to be generally pleased with their

performance.

Most cars in this class offer a V6 engine option. The Altima does not, but it's

one of the few cars we'd say doesn't really need to. The standard engine does a good

job, and is economical to boot.

competition. It is attractive, comfortable, poised, performs well and is assembled--in

the U.S.--with great care. But so are many other compact sedans.

It has a full list of features, both standard and optional, that justify the

price, but so do various Fords, Hondas and Toyotas.

What makes the Altima worth a first and second look is the combination of

ingredients. It's true that nothing really stands out--with the possible exception of

the attractive interior design--but there's also nothing that really annoys or offends.

Therein lies the Altima's appeal: It does many things well, without calling undue

attention to itself.

For those seeking sensible transportation with a touch of luxury, understatement

may be the strongest statement of all.