2002 Nissan Altima

Before we get into why the automotive press might have slightly erred in its declaration that the Nissan Altima is the best thing this year on four wheels, first, a warning: Hide the No-Doz and forget the cold water.

Nissan's newest midsize family sedan is no longer the yawner that used to replace midnight infomercials as the leading antidote for sleepless nights. It's no longer the humdrum cruise that would call for Metallica to keep your lids alert. And it's no longer an Altima, even if it is.

This redesigned ride rolls. Is it the North American Car of the Year, as the world press suggested in Detroit last month? Too many quirks say no.

But every first-timer needs a few breaks.

For all the changes Nissan made to its one-time snoozer, we'll cut the Altima a few.

What can be argued is this: For a change, the third-generation Altima is a good looking, roomy, quick ride that shatters every concept of what this midsize cruise used to be. It's no longer an economy car trying to be a sport sedan. It's definitely more upstream - moving into a new, tougher area of competition where Accords and Camrys make the competition into chop suey.

Even better, it's not boring.

Nissan's chief product specialist Masami Yagata said it will remind consumers of a "hunting tiger." We'll settle for a prowling cat. From the inside-out, it's an eye-catching shape far more carnivore than caterpillar, and with either a 175-horsepower four cylinder or a league-leading 240-horse V-6 engine, that boasts a 20-percent bump in power than the beefiest Honda Accord, it might even give its own sibling a run for its money.

The Altima has always been considered the smaller of the two Nissan sedans - a softer version of the Maxima. But here's one for you: In the V-6, it's only 20 horses lighter than the Maxima even though it's longer and taller than its big brother.

Maxima? Minima for a change.

Given the extra size and shape, one thing the Altima can't be is ignored anymore.

Available in a base 2.5-liter and upscale SE V6 model, the Altima is a fun trip to the corner store that might get your neighbors to turn their heads.

On the outside, it blends a new form of styling that shatters images of the old. Replaced is the front end that looked like the side of your average boxcar. Replaced is the back end that sloped off like a ski slope.

From all sides the 2002 Altima looks more regal, almost Camry-like. With a squared-off rear and sculptured taillights, we found it shapely, distinctive and unique. It may polarize the public - as most unusual styling usually does - but those who see it can't help staring. (When was the last time the old Altima did that?)

Inside, the redesign is just as daring, albeit somewhat flimsy. Which is exactly where this Car of the Year thing comes into play.

With modern touches, a deep dashboard that enhances the feel of roominess and good ergonomics, the Altima looks diffe rent, but also looks its price. With a sticker that starts around $16,000, some of the interior cost-cutting shows. The surfaces seem flimsy and cheap, not quite matching what the exterior tries to promise.

On space, there is plenty all around. With an overall increase of six inches in length and more than seven inches on the wheelbase, tall drivers won't have a problem. Large passengers won't complain. But the rear-seat position has a feel more La-Z-Boy than Le Mans, and over our 250-mile test, the front seats didn't give the lateral support we've experienced in a Camry or Accord.

But who can focus on seating comfort, when you are trying to hold onto the wheel?

From a purely performance-based perspective, the Altima is a winner, way ahead of its counterparts in terms of pure power. The V-6 explodes out of the parking lot, with the kind of muscle usually reserved for more expensive rides. It roars off the line and cruises at highway speeds.

Nissan says it worked hard on steering and suspension upgrades - there is an all-new four-wheel independent suspension - and the improvements are noticeable, if not entirely perfect.

On the open road the Altima cruises with the comfort and quietness of most upscale sedans, but it suffers in pure handling, the true hallmark of a sports sedan. Bumps are absorbed with dips and dives, tight corners are taken with a bit of body roll. More importantly, road feel is a tough one to gauge.

Speaking of gauges, one that will be noticeable is the one tied to the gas pump. The Altima remains a good performer in fuel economy, about 25 miles per gallon on our highway test. City driving averages about 21.

And what you don't save at the pump, you'll save in the wallet with a long list of standard features that won't cost you a bundle. The base Altima starts just shy of $17,000 and even a well-equipped SE 3.5-liter will run you just more than $23,000.

It's money well spent, in a segment dying for competition out of anyone besides Camry or Accord.

Is it perfect? No. Is it better? Most definitely. And that's exactly where we think the "Car of the Year" becomes the "Most Improved Car of the Year."

Altima feels like a well-thought-out, well-designed ride that is leaps and bounds ahead of previous models. It is fast (especially in the V-6 ), safe (with side-impact curtain air bags) and hardly humdrum (see: previous models).

Is it the best on the road? Not likely. There is still room to make up on the Germans and Japanese counterparts.

But it's getting close. And that's nothing to snore at.

NISSAN ALTIMA SPECS

Rating: 2.5

High gear: The redesigned Altima is sports car power in a midsize shell. With a high level of features, plenty of roominess and a distinct new shape, Nissan has taken a giant step forward out of a ho-hum history.

Low gear: The all-new design may polarize some but the lack of road feel and overall fit and finish leave the Altima with room for a few areas of improvement next time around.

Vehicle type: Front-wheel drive, front-engine, four-door, five-passenger midsize sedan.

Standard equipment (2.5): Five-speed manual transmission; ABS brakes; eight-way power driver's seat; automatic climate control with air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise control; split-folding rear seats; front, side and inflatable air bags; remote anti-theft system; fog lights; tilt steering; AM/FM CD stereo with six speakers.

Competition: Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala

Engine (3.5): 240 horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6

Torque (3.5): 246 foot-lbs. @ 4,400 rpm

Wheelbase: 110.2 inches

Length: 191.5 inches

MPG rating: 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway

Manufactured: Smyrna, Tenn.

Warranty: Basic warranty is th ree years/36,000 miles; powertrain warranty is five years/60,000 miles; rust perforation warranty is five years/unlimited miles; roadside assistance is three years/36,000 miles.

Base price (2.5 model): $16,349

Price as tested (3.5 SE model, includes options, destination and delivery charges): $24,564