2011 Nissan Altima vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

There's really something for everyone in the thickly populated field of mid-size sedans, but you have to examine your priorities.

The Ford Fusion is one of the sportier-driving mid-size sedans and has great handling; it's also well-built and offers impressive fuel economy in four-cylinder form.

What's more, its Hybrid version is offered in all 50 states and boasts 41 mpg on the highway.

Most shoppers in this class place some prominence on interior space, and for that the best vehicles are the Accord, Sonata, Opima, and Camry.

The freshly redesigned Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima are standouts in this class, with roomy interiors, impressive refinement, and excellent fuel economy.

But the Camry's interior is a bit bland and feels cheap in execution.

For safety, the Accord stands on top (it's an IIHS Top Safety Pick).

However, against any of these models, the Altima comes across as well rounded and sporty.

Versus the Nissan Altima Coupe, the only formidable rival is the Honda Accord Coupe; comparing the two, the Accord Coupe feels less sporty—it's more of a luxurious freeway cruiser, while the Altima Coupe is a little more cramped and less refined, but friskier-feeling.