A New Sedan for Phoenix: The 2013 Nissan Altima
Nissan wants to win, and win big. It's not enough that last year's Nissan Altima leapfrogged ahead of the competition to become the 2nd best-selling mid-size sedan in the country, or that it achieved this feat with consumers fully aware of the fact that a complete redesign was underway for 2013. It wasn't enough that the Altima already held the qualities of a superior sedan brimming with class-leading features, performance and value all tied to a sweet-looking package. You'd think that after an achievement like that, the engineers, designers and executives at Nissan might have gathered together and said, "Look, let's hold off on 'an all-new one' for another year." No, major success just wasn't good enough for them. They continued their plans for the completely revised model unabated, the result of which is the stunning 2013 Nissan Altima. On top of a complete interior and exterior makeover that puts it squarely in the realm of luxury sedans ? without the luxury price ? the 2013 Nissan Altima includes new features like a more powerful 2.5-liter engine with a revised CVT transmission for smoother and quicker acceleration than its predecessor, a continuously updated navigation system, and class-leading 38 highway mpg. And that, dear readers, is just for starters. So before you think about rushing out the door to try the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or the Ford Fusion, visit Midway Nissan and test drive the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima. You'll find that its winning combination of style, value and performance is quite simply too difficult to resist.
Before I discuss the NASA-inspired "zero-gravity" driver and passenger front seats and other all-new features, it's important I cover the basics, which ironically, aren't really "basics" after all, especially considering that many of these trims are brand new and well ahead of what the competition has to offer. With that said, the 2013 Nissan Altima is available in four trim levels for the new model year: a base 2.5, S, SV and SL. Virtually every trim level can be applied to either a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder or a 3.5-liter (S, SV and SL only) V6 model. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with CVT produces a respectable 182 hp, (seven additional hp over last year's model) while the 3.5-liter V6 with CVT churns out 270 hp.
Behind the Wheel of the 2013 Nissan Altima on Phoenix Roadways
Pick up a newspaper, magazine or peruse the internet and the one thing you'll find in common with nearly all 2013 Nissan Altima reviews is their singular passion for this sedan. It seems as though the few minor qualms reviewers had for the 2012 model year ? which were almost totally comprised of CVT transmission complaints ? have utterly vanished. Being a skeptic myself, I was dubious about Nissan's ability to overcome what some have termed the "tame" acceleration capabilities of the Altima's predecessors. After a jaunt around a few stretches of Phoenix highways, it was clear that no one had mentioned that word anymore for a reason. While the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder I was driving was no GT-R, it's surprisingly quick, and a noticeably better performer than its competitors. There's no delay between intended acceleration and actual movement; the 2.5-liter engine and upgraded CVT perform quite well, and more importantly, do so at a wide range of speeds. The acceleration from 15-30 mph feels just as quick as the rate from 45-65 mph and on up.
After returning to Midway Nissan I decided to take a look at the 2013 Nissan Altima's new exterior design. It's slightly longer and wider than the 2012 model, and the roofline flows quite seamlessly to the trunk lid to form a more dynamic and engaging profile. An all-new grille and headlamps adorn the front end, and when combined with the fluid curvatures in the hood, create a demanding, even aggressive visage. Several new exterior colors are available, including Pearl White, Metallic Slate, Super Black, Saharan Stone Metallic and others. Nissan Altima drivers in Phoenix can choose from two interior colors: Charcoal or Beige.
Altima Interior & Exterior Features & Amenities
Inside, the 2013 Nissan Altima is as close to luxury as you'll find in comparably priced sedans. It features four safety systems that are typically reserved for more expensive cars, along with myriad others to protect you and yours. To begin with, the 2013 Altima has Nissan's RearView Monitor Camera, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Moving Object Detection for 360 degrees of protection. It also features NissanConnect SM with Navigation, which is an infotainment system that allows for easy operation of the nav system, music and hands-free texting. NissanConnect also allows Phoenix Nissan Altima drivers to enjoy Pandora, Bluetooth, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Google POI. In addition to its high-tech amenities, the Altima comes standard with Advanced Drive-Assist, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy Fill Tire Alert, push button ignition, powered windows, doors and seats; keyless entry, cruise control, AC and so much more.
The interior is quite comfortable, due in large part to the all-new driver and passenger front seats. When Nissan's engineers and designers decided to revise them they turned to NASA, of all places, for help. The aptly named "Zero Gravity" seats are designed to align the driver with a "neutral posture," so as to mimic the relaxed position that astronauts assume in a weightless environment. The seats conformed perfectly to my body with little adjustment, and I immediately recognized how they would come in handy on long commutes or road trips. For a few dollars more, 2013 Nissan Altima drivers in Phoenix can add heated leather seats.
Final Thoughts
To put it mildly, I was extremely impressed with the new version of Nissan's best-selling sedan. It appears as though the 2013 Nissan Altima reviews I read prior to experiencing it for myself were spot on in terms of its performance, tech features and amenities, comfort, value and fuel efficiency. Nissan's "Innovation for All" slogan is a fair moniker to attach with the new Altima, as it really does have something for everyone. Put this review to the test; contact Midway Nissan today and arrange a test drive in the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima.