After last year's debut to critical acclaim, Nissan's midsize sedan receives minor changes for 2003. Two new exterior colors, Sonoma Sunset and Crystal Blue add pizzazz to the wardrobe. There's a new charcoal seat fabric, padded cloth front center armrest cover (genuine leather on leather-equipped vehicles) and bright titanium interior accent colors for all models to spruce up the interior. The 2.5 SL receives a standard automatic transmission, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and simulated wood trim. For the 3.5 SE, there is a Sport Package, which includes a sunroof and spoiler, and a Sport Package Plus, which includes sunroof, spoiler, Bose audio system and HID headlights. The 3.5 SE Leather Package now includes a Bose audio system, sunroof and heated seats, while the Leather Sport Package adds a spoiler and xenon headlights. Finally, a new 3.5 SE Premium Leather Package sports all of the above plus throws in fake wood to boot. How can you go wrong?

The first-generation Altima sold well, proved reliable and was rather fun to drive. A solid car all around, even today as a used vehicle. Then, in 1998, Nissan redesigned it into obscurity. The car was still reliable and rather fun to drive, and it was even bigger inside and out than the original. Surefire recipe for success, right? Problem was it had the personality of a bowl of dry Grape Nuts. Staid styling, obvious cost-cutting and an overall tinny feel did the Altima no favors, and the "affordable luxury" advertising tagline no longer rang true. The car faded from consumer shopping lists, kept alive thanks only to fleet sales and hefty rebates. Given this uninspiring second-generation car and the resulting slide in consumer interest, it should have come as no surprise for Nissan to learn during research that a significant portion of buyers considering a midsize sedan were dissatisfied with the design, roominess and performance of models offered in the marketplace. With the new Altima, Nissan wanted "to bring a sense of passion and driving spirit back into the segment," according to Nissan. Wanted? More like needed. Debuting last year, the new Altima is a bigger, stronger and more attractive Altima, and Nissan is confident that its middleweight is ready to take on the best in its class. In nearly every aspect -- power, features, handling and styling -- the Altima is a drastic improvement over the previous model. While the Honda Accord now matches it in terms of horsepower and the Toyota Camry has a much nicer interior (and the Mazda 6 is nipping at its heels in terms of dynamic performance), the Altima still delivers a well-rounded package in either the sedate 2.5 or the zooty 3.5 SE. If you're looking to purchase a fun-to-drive family sedan with enough toys to make the neighbors jealous, the new Altima deserves serious attention.

The dashboard features a sporty three-pod instrument layout and an uncluttered center stack with the stereo placed high to provide easy access. Thoughtful and uncommon features in this class include a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a power point inside the center console and, on higher-end models, a trip computer and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

In terms of safety, the Altima offers the latest technology in occupant protection: side-impact airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags. These are optional on 2.5 S, 2.5 SL and standard on the SE. Other peace-of-mind features include optional traction control (for automatic V6 models) and optional antilock brakes. The NHTSA has performed crash tests; the Altima received four stars for safety in frontal impacts. Side-impact scores (on cars without side airbags) are three stars (out of a possible five) for front-seat occupants and four stars for rear-seat riders. In the IIHS' frontal offset crash testing, the Altima received an overall rating of "Good," the best ranking possible.

Both engines render the Altima fun to drive, and its capable suspension gives the Nissan a much more sporting character than most family sedans. The SE includes performance-oriented equipment not found on the four-cylinder, like 17-inch wheels and tires, dual-outlet exhaust and firmer suspension tuning. Because of the suspension, some drivers might find the SE too harsh for everyday use.