Overall Rating: 3

Details:

2009 Nissa Altima 2.5S (2.5L 4-cyl, CVT transmission), about 40,000 miles on, white exterior, black interior, stereo w/ Aux jack

Miles Driven: 325

Drivability: 4

This was my first experience with a CVT or continuously variable transmission. I was impressed with the nice, smooth acceleration and lack of gear changes. On city streets, it meant smooth transitions from low to medium speeds and back again. For full acceleration, it provided a steady level of pull.

My only criticism was the goofy "manual" option. This is how I actually discovered it was a CVT. When I kicked it over to manual each time, there was an artificial match between the manual "gear" and the current gearing under CVT. The RPMs would leap to make a match, where other vehicles made a smooth transition to manual mode.

Steering felt disconnected from the wheels, almost like it was a drive-by-wire system. I like a little more feedback...actually ANY feedback would have been welcomed. Despite the disconnected feeling, turning was precise and comfortable (not wild and random like the recent Impala).

Visibility from the driver's seat was good all the way around. Even with a sport coat hanging in the rear driver's side, I was able to see out the window when I turned.

Ride: 3

No passengers on this trip, so you only get my impressions. The trim felt crude and hard. My left knee was resting against the door panel much of the time, which was uncomfortable due to the hard plastic panel.

There was a wind noise along the right front windshield.

For the most part, though, the ride was relatively smooth.

Gas Mileage: 4

The in-dash system said I was getting just shy of 30 MPG.

Performance: 3

The Altima handled speed and maneuvering well. Acceleration on entrance ramps was smooth and constant due to the CVT. Torque was always there when I needed it.

When I dropped off the gas at lower speeds (in residential areas), the CVT seemed to act as a brake since there was no lag while the transmission attempted to match the changes in revs. Only a minor inconvenience.

I also experienced a couple cases of hydroplaning in small puddles along the interstate. Don't know if the car runs light or if the puddles were actually that big.

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