Nissan Canada says there's no direct comparison available between the 2002 and the 2001 Altima models because the new one's a much better car and the packaging is different, but a lot of people are going to notice that the base price has gone up $3,500 from last year.
Specifically, you could buy an Altima with a 4-cylinder engine for $19,998 last year, but this year an Altima with a 4-cylinder engine starts at $23,498, and that does not include anti-lock brakes or side curtains or a bunch of other worthwhile or desired equipment.
To be sure, the new car does have a much more exciting look and the equipment levels may have changed, but this price boost flies directly into the face of the current industry trend to deliver more car for less money when it's revised. Other car companies are able or willing to deliver an improved model for the same or even less money.
Nissan Canada clearly wants to make more money from what it sees as a much more appealing car, and there's no arguing that last point. This Altima gets a better platform, more interior space, a new and improved 2.5-litre inline-4, an optional V6 for the first time, and a much nicer package in general.
For 2002, an Altima 2.5 S with a five-speed manual transmission starts at $23,498, while an Altima 2.5 S with a four-speed automatic starts at $24,498.
An Altima SL, which features more equipment and the 4-cylinder engine with the automatic, carries an MSRP of $28,998
The Altima 3.5 SE with a manual transmission starts at $27,698, and a 3.5 SE with the four-speed automatic is $28,998.