Nissan Altima is available in four trim levels: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SL, and 3.5 SE. Two engines are available. Altima base, S, and SL models come with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is more powerful than last year's four-cylinder. SE models get the 3.5-liter V6.

The base 2.5 model won't be popular as it does not have air conditioning. It does, however, come with power windows, green-tinted solar glass windshield, power steering, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, fold down center armrests in front and rear, 60/40 split folding rear seat and an in-glass antenna. The 2.5 S adds air conditioning, power door mirrors, remote keyless entry with remote trunk lock, height adjustable driver seat, cruise control, a 6-speaker audio system, seatback pockets, and a lock for the split rear seat. The 2.5 SL adds considerably more items such as alloy wheels, leather trim, power driver seat, trip computer, security system, premium sound system and other convenience features.
In addition to the V6 engine, the SE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and many of the luxury features included with the 2.5 S. Further options can be added to all but the base 2.5 model.

Compared to most of its Japanese competitors, the new Altima offers distinctly aggressive styling akin to a German car. Styling cues from the Volkswagen Passat can be seen in front with design elements similar to the Audi A6 in the rear. That's not a bad thing as many people regard both of those cars as stylish vehicles. The wheels are located near the four corners, which helps give the car a more aggressive look as well as helping it handle better. The car's grille and front bumper stick out quite far but are nicely set off by multi-parabola projector-beam type headlights with four bulbs set behind a large triangular-shaped cover. Although the grill opening is fairly large by modern standards it doesn't look awkward.
The rear of the car is the most striking styling element as it has a sloping roof line that is more reminiscent of a coupe than a four-door sedan. It ends in a high trunk line that is set off by bold round taillights, turn signals and backup lights all set behind a triangular-shaped clear cover. The trunk has a large opening and the trunk volume is better than that of both the 2001 Camry and Accord. Gooseneck hinges are used, however, which do intrude into the useable space.

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A long wheelbase allows the Altima to have large doors, which makes it look somewhat larger than it is. The base Altima comes standard with 16-inch wheels compared to 14-inch wheels on the Accord and Camry, which improves its looks and its handling.

Compared to the dramatically styled exterior, the interior is sedate, but still stylish nonetheless. The dashboard is set relatively low with three pods in a binnacle located in front of the driver containing the speedometer, tachometer, water temperature and fuel gauge. The instruments are lit with a nice orange glow in the dark.
Sound system controls and display are in an ovoid raised panel in the center of the dash. Climate control knobs are directly below the radio and are well located with a nice feel to them. The vents are flush mounted on the dash rather than being located in protruding pods as in many cars. Even the seams for the passenger-side airbag are totally invisible, despite being located in a large expanse of unembellished dashboard surface. All in all the whole design gives the car a feeling of spaciousness.