Jason on Cars

While reviewing the Altima Coupe, I joked that, while the Sedan may be a nice kid, the Altima Coupe would always be the favorite child. Now, after a few days in the sedan, I realize I may have spoken a bit too soon.

With an entry price of just $19,000 (or up to $30,000 with all the features added), the Altima offers itself to a very wide range of buyers, and provides excellent value to all of them. The comfortable seats, well placed interior, spacious cockpit are all high-above most competitors. I personally found the interior to be among the best Nissan has ever designed. It was very well thought out, and incredibly functional while maintaining a level of comfort and everyday usability that I hope every car strives for.

When I was told what my car would be this week, my response was “a Nissan What?” I’ll be honest. I hadn’t heard of the Versa, and when asked by my friends what I was driving, they responded the same. It’s a quiet, unassuming car that asks for very little attention. It’s easily overlooked in parking lots, and pretty much forgettable in appearance.

However, I wish I could say the same about it’s driving. I think I’ll remember this car for long after, as a benchmark to judge miserable, long-term driving by. Many have touted it’s low-price and perceived offering of extras; tilt-steering, A/C, CD stereo, and… um. I guess that’s it (I had the base model at $14,105). And around town, this car was great. I can easily see the target market, young, first time buyers, skipping around town on their short commutes loving this car. It’s new, it’s theirs, and it isn’t enslaving them to poverty.

–Nasty Alert! In the following section, I let out a little steam over this car, and address one of the biggest gripes I’ve ever had with a test drive. Please forgive me for being a bit harsh.–

It’s right there, printed at the top of the Monroney (or window sticker if you don’t like to get fancy); “LARGEST INTERIOR OF ANY 1/2-TON TRUCK.” Big, bold, in-your-face bragging. I’M BIG SO RESPECT ME.

That’s what this truck tries to say. It’s the Titan for goodness sakes. And while driving it, you feel it. I constantly felt myself warning other drivers to watch out, I was bigger than they were. Don’t cut me off, I’m HUGE. Over and over I was the king of the road and if you weren’t with me, you were against me. And for that, I had the right to crush you. That is, until I drove into a parking lot and clogged the whole thing up with a 12-point turn just trying to get into a normal size space, not to mention trying to get out.

This truck’s just too big for a city truck. It was a royal pain to drive on the small streets near my house, and while parking I often day-dreamed of those guys with the orange markers you see bringing in planes at the airport. That’s pretty much what you need for anything but the most Wal-Mart of parking lots.