ALTIMA L31

About the Altima L31

Third-gen Altima, and Nissan was building one of the best mid-size sedans on the market. The QR25DE 2.5-liter made 175 hp, willing and efficient. The VQ35DE 3.5 V6 pushed to 250 hp and sounded excellent doing it, the signature VQ rasp present at every rev. Manual transmission available with both engines, which in 2002 was already becoming unusual for a mid-sizer. The chassis was tuned for engagement over comfort, and the Altima drove with a sportiness that the Camry couldn't match and the Accord only matched in V6 form. The interior was clean and functional. The SE trim with the V6 and six-speed manual was the driver's choice, one of the best front-drive sedans of the 2000s. Nissan was swinging hard at Honda and Toyota, and the L31 landed.