Overall I think I like the looks of the new Altima. But do my eyes deceive me?? Is there only an auto avail? Still don't like that big grille look but I think it will be the trend so come 2002-03 the Altima will look fine.

Wonder if that elusive 5/6 speed is withheld on the Altima so as to not cannibalize the Maxima sales for 2002.

 

Yep......5sp WILL be available. Nissan says around 7.1 to 60 with an auto(just a tad slower than a current 5sp max) and 6.3 for the 5sp. That 6.3 is a good deal faster than the current maxima and is basically entering BMW 330 speed. I've seen them tested between 5.9-6.3.

Mike S.