The base 2.5 model ($17,200) comes standard with power windows, a green-tinted solar glass windshield, power steering, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, fold down center armrests front and rear, a 60/40 split folding rear seat and an in-glass antenna. Stereo and air conditioning are not part of the base package, however. The base model comes with a five-speed manual transmission; an automatic transmission is not available.

The 2.5 S ($19,050) adds air conditioning, power mirrors, remote keyless entry with remote trunk lock, an eight-way adjustable driver's seat, cruise control, a six-speaker audio system, seatback pockets and a lock for the split rear seat. The 2.5 S comes standard with a five-speed manual, but is available with a four-speed automatic ($19,550). This is the most popular Altima, and Nissan offers several option packages to further increase its appeal. The Convenience Package ($1,680) features alloy wheels, 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, trip computer, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, speed-sensitive volume control, automatic headlights and a vehicle security system. The Convenience Plus Package ($2,500) adds a power glass sunroof with sunshade to the other goodies, while the Premium Convenience Package ($3,300) ups the ante with a Bose audio system that includes a six-disc in-dash CD changer.

The 2.5 SL ($23,400) is the luxury Altima. It comes standard with a four-speed automatic transmission, heated leather seats, a power driver's seat, simulated wood trim, and has most of the features offered in the Convenience Packages above. The only convenience option is the sunroof ($850). For those who want all the goodies without the big engine, this is the car.

The 3.5 SL ($26,900) has the V6 and comes standard with the five-speed automatic. A new model for 2005, this is a very nice car, loaded with luxury features, and represents the top of the line.

The 3.5 SE ($23,100) is the performance model, equipped with the V6, five-speed manual, 17-inch alloy wheels, wider, speed-rated tires, a performance-tuned suspension, fog lights, and dual chrome exhaust tips. The SE is available with the automatic ($23,750). A Leather Package ($3,000) includes the leather upholstery, Bose audio system, sunroof, heated front seats, and heated mirrors. The Sport Package Plus ($2,600) includes the sunroof, spoiler, Bose premium audio, and xenon headlights. The Leather Sport Package ($3,900) combines the Leather Package with the spoiler and xenon headlights.

Safety features include dual-stage frontal airbags. Side-impact airbags for the front passengers are optional, however. Roof-mounted curtain airbags designed to provide head protection for front and rear passengers are also optional, but we recommend them as most side-impact fatalities are caused by head injuries. Seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters are standard; we recommend always wearing seatbelts because they are your first line of defense in a crash. Also standard is the LATCH system of lower anchors and tethers for child safety seats. The 3.5 SE with automatic can be ordered with traction control, which is packaged with front side-impact and full-cabin head protection airbags, as well as ABS ($1,100). The S, SL and SE manuals offer the other safety gear ($800) without traction control. Unfortunately, the side airbags and ABS aren't available on the base Altima.