Engine: 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 175-hp 2.5-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 250-hp 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6; 260-hp 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Transmission Options: 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual front airbags, active front-seat head restraints, emergency inside trunk release; LATCH system

Optional Safety Equipment: front side-impact and front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags, anti-lock brake (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, traction control

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Smyrna, Tennessee

Model Tested: Nissan Altima 3.5 SE ($23,500)

Standard Equipment: air conditioning, AM/FM/CD with six speakers and speed-sensitive volume control, cargo net, automatic headlamps, fog lights, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, eight-way power driver's seat, power windows with front auto-down, power mirrors, power locks, cruise control, intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry with remote trunk release, 60/40 split rear seat with lock, tilt steering column, steering wheel audio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sun visor extensions

Options as Tested: ABS and Side Airbag Package ($800) includes anti-lock brakes, side-impact and side-curtain air bags; Leather Package ($3000) includes leather seating surfaces, padded leather armrest cover, simulated leather door trim panels, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirror, heated outside mirrors, HomeLink universal transceiver, automatic climate control, one-touch power sunroof, Bose audio system with eight-speakers AM/FM/CD6, trunk lid trim

Destination Charge: 580

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 250 @ 5800

Torque: 249 @ 4400

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 21/27

Wheelbase: 110.2 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 191.5/70.4/57.9 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.0/61.2 inches

Turning Cycle: 38.7 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 40.8/53.0/43.9 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.6/52.7/36.4 inches

Trunk Volume: 15.6 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: inches

Curb Weight: 3227 pounds

Towing Capacity: 1000 pounds

Tires: P215/55VR17

Brakes: vented disc/disc with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake distribution

Fuel Capacity: 20 Gallons