Overview:
This week I finally was able to drive the newly designed 2002 Nissan Altima. Now I have to tell you I have a soft spot in my heart for the company. In the early 1960’s I was one of the brave souls to buy one of those new to the U.S. Japanese cars. Brave because when I was a kid, merchandise (toys) from Japan was considered “junk”.
So I was conditioned to believe things made in Japan were not worth buying. Kind of like buying a car built by Pigmy’s in Borneo today. Now the technology could have changed a lot since I visited the natives but you get the picture. As you will probably recall Nissan used to be called Datsun back then. Secondly, Nissan sponsored my good friend and race driver Price Cobb in the IRL, (Indianapolis Racing League), where two power plants were used – Oldsmobile and Infiniti (Nissan). But still this company has come a long way since I bought that Datsun Station Wagon. Dealerships are as extensive as American made dealerships so getting parts and service is better than in those early days.
I’ve been writing about cars for many years and it’s appropriate to compare that mode of travel with flying, particularly in these times since September 11th of 2001. I have a keen sense of the obvious, but I really had to experience the pain and agony of flying these days to do an analysis of Drive vs. Fly. I had to ask this question: is it me or has everyone concluded that driving is better than flying unless you must cross an ocean. Case in point: The flight time from Portland, Oregon to San Jose, California is only 1 ½ hrs but you must consider post 9-11 flights require you arrive at the airport 2-½ hrs before your flight and endure prisoner of war indignities at several checkpoints. It is worse than flying to Israel a few years back. So lets look at the analysis. I left the office at 3PM for the airport for a 6:30PM flight. Liftoff at 6:48PM and arrived at San Jose baggage claim at 8:40PM. Pulling out of the parking lot I noticed the time – 9:11PM and I finally got to my hotel at 10:30PM. Although you could do the math I’ll do it with you. Point to point is 7-½ hrs. Worse yet, I had to inconvenience a friend to pick me up at the airport where she arrived early for car inspection and then drive home after dropping me at the hotel.
Ok, now the automobile option. One-way car rental cost is about the same as flying including gas. If there are two or more people traveling the car option gets even better for this 600-mile trip. I’ve made it several times and the drive takes about 3-½ hrs from Portland to Medford and Medford to San Jose is about 5 hours for a total of 8 ½ hours. That means to save one hour by flying you must endure all the inconveniences of flying, like packing more carefully, straining a gut carrying all that luggage and waiting in lines to hell, driving is a better option in today’s world.
You’re right; I should have driven this Altima to San Jose. Onward…
Handling & Performance:
F a a a s s t t V6, smoooooth, quiet and comfortable with a longer wheelbase in either the 4-cylinder or V6 powered model.
Styling:
Ho-Hum, since its sleek design looks like so many others on the market today. Come to think of it, too many cars lack creativity of design. Don’t misunderstand me, this Altima is slick and nice looking and greatly improved over prior models, but it is rather commonplace.
Fit and Finish:
Very good. 8 on a scale of 1-10.
Conveniences:
I think you’ll get the same feeling I did. You sense you’re in a more expensive car because there are so many features and gadgets.
Cost:
Not too bad with all the features that are standard on this test vehicle.
Recommendation:
Buy a car, any car and don’t fly any more for trips of 600 miles or less, because the skies aren’t friendly any longer. Now, if we can only avoid road rage.
The Competition:
(Nissan Altima $16-22,000), Chevrolet Impala $20-24,000, Dodge Stratus $17-21,000, Ford Taurus $19-23,000, Honda Accord $15-25,000, Hyundai Sonata $15-18,000, Mazda 626 $19-23,000, Mitsubishi Galant $18-24,000, Oldsmobile Intrigue $23-28,000, Saturn LS $16-20,000, Subaru Legacy $19-25,000, Toyota Camry $19-25,000, Volkswagen Passat $22-29,000.
Good News:
Fast, smooth, quiet, comfortable spacious interior, priced well, good gas mileage on the V6 and very good on the 4-cylinder, large trunk, and a lot of standard features.
Bad News:
So-so styling, feels a bit light and tinny.
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter inline 4-cylinder 175 hp engine, 4-speed automatic trans, power steering, 4-wheel power disc brakes, independent rear suspension, remote keyless entry, 6-speaker radio with CD player, power windows and door locks, tilt / telescopic steering wheel, remote trunk, fuel filler and hood, front and rear armrests, air conditioning, cruise control, dual power mirrors, dual air bags, anti-theft system and child door locks.
Gas Stats:
23 City and 29 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $21,196.
