5​ collector cars Gen-X, Boomers, and Milennials were searching for during the pandemic

Classic Cars

Photo courtesy of Mazda North American Operations

In 2020, Americans were given a lot of time to sit at home and distract themselves by surfing the web. Often, they found themselves daydreaming about owning a classic or collector car.

Hagerty has released some interesting results of a survey of the company's web traffic during that period, detailing which vehicles had their quotes searched for the most and what age groups were doing the searching. Scroll down to see the results.

2000-2006 BMW M3 (E46)

BMW E46 Convertible

The E46 generation BMW M3 was available as a coupe or a cabriolet.

Photo courtesy of BMW

Gen-Xers and Millennials are looking hard at the BMW M3s of the early 2000s. Seventy-eight percent of the quotes Hagerty received were from that age group.

The E46 edition of the car was produced as a coupe and a convertible, getting its power from the last of the S54 straight-six engines BMW produced. The automaker sold the model in a variety of special editions but the CSL was never brought to market in North America.

1997-2004 Porsche Boxster

Boxster (986), 1996

Porsche introduced the Boxster in 1996.

Photo courtesy of Porsche AG

The Porsche Boxster celebrated a big birthday this year, but last year it was the first-generation model that was on the minds of browsers. Boomers represented 51 percent of the quotes for the Boxster followed by 33 percent by Gen-X.

The mid-engine Boxster was Porsche's first road vehicle to be originally designed as a roadster since the 914, which was in production from 1969 to 1976. A couple different engine choices were available for the first-gen Boxster when it was new and the model underwent a mid-generation update for the 2002 model year.

1984-1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

1989 Jeep Wagoneer

This 1989 Jeep Wagoneer sold for over $100k at Barrett-Jackson.

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer's popularity is picking up just as Jeep announced that they're bringing the SUV back. The new Grand Wagoneer is expected later this year.

Hagerty reported that 65 percent of all quotes for the vintage version of the SUV were from Gen-X and Millennial buyers - the target market for the new one as well.

1993-2002 Pontiac Firebird

Pontiac Firebird

The Pontiac Firebird was discontinued just before the Great Recession hit causing the brand to fold.

Photo by Ken Morris/Shutterstock.com

The final generation of the Pontiac Firebird is still turning heads, nearly 20 years after it left the market. During the pandemic, 63 percent of the quotes that were searched for are from Gen-X and Millennials

1990-1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata

2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The third-generation Mazda Miata went out of production six years ago.

Photo courtesy of Mazda North American Operations

Gen-X and Millennials represented 56 percent of all quotes for the second- and third-generation Mazda Miata. The second-gen MX-5 debuted in 1997 and was put on sale for the 1999 model year. This was the generation that got rid of the pop-up headlights.

The third-gen Miata was in production from 2005 to 2015. Design-wise, the car stayed pretty true to its roots but there was one notable innovation. This generation was the first to have a retractable hardtop variant.

From Your Site Articles
Photo courtesy of Silverstone Auctions

1972 Reliant Regal Supervan III from popular 80s sitcom goes up for auction

Silverstone Auctions

A 1972 Reliant Regal Supervan III from the popular '80s sitcom "Only Fools and Horses" will cross the auction block on Saturday, March 27 as part of Silverstone Auctions The Race Retro Live Online Auction.

The three-wheeled van is believed to one of the original half-dozen Reliants featured on the show. It had a supporting role alongside David Jason, father of "Hollyoaks" star Ciara Janson, and Nicholas Lyndhurst, the grandson of British film pioneer Francis Lyndhurst.

On-screen, the van was used to transport the family to several destinations. It has been lightly used by its present owner over the last six years.

1972 Reliant Regal Supervan III x4The model is classified as a tricycle in the U.K.Photo courtesy of Silverstone Auctions

1972 Reliant Regal Supervan III x4

The Reliant Regal was sold from 1953 to 1973. Under U.K. law it's considered a tricycle and can be driven by drivers possessing a Class A motorcycle license. The Reliant Supervan is the light-commercial version of the Regal and features a side-hinged rear door.

Aside from the vehicle's use in "Only Fools and Horses", a baby blue version of the 1972 Reliant has been used in the "Mr. Bean" show and is frequently shown tipping over with actor Rowen Atkinson behind the wheel. A Reliant Regal also played a part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Forza Horizon 3 and Forza Horizon 4 both feature the model as an options for gamers.

In preparation for its sale, the van underwent a thorough recommissioning that included new tires, overhauled brakes, and a thorough fuel system check. It continues to have a top speed of 55 mph.

The exterior of the van continues to wear a unique kit. There's fluffy dice inside as well as a 'Tax in the Post' sign in the wind screen and an inflatable doll in the rear window, which were part of the popular 'Danger UXD' episode.

The light-commercial version of the car has a side-hinged rear door.Photo courtesy of Silverstone Auctions

BBC letterhead with a BBC key tag signifies that this is one of the original vehicles from the 22-year lifespan of the show. It was previously owned by John Mansfield of the BBC.

Photo courtesy of Volkswagen AG

This cute Volkswagen cabrio was compared to a picnic basket but buyers loved it

Vintage Vehicles

Remember the simpler times? Before amusement in the car was measured by whether or not it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, there was a tremendous amount of joy that people received just from having a car with a sunroof. Pop-up, pull-down, electrified - it was all good. Even more fun was had by those that were lucky enough to have a convertible.

The original Beetle was a popular cabriolet though the top didn't win many accolades. It was often ill-fitting and less rainproof than what is ideal. Owners found carwashes to be a perilous experience. Volkswagen sold 332,000 Beetle Convertibles worldwide.

Volkswagen Rabbit CabrioletThe model was beloved though its roof was not.Photo courtesy of Volkswagen AG

In 1976, Volkswagen replaced the Beetle with the first-generation Golf, which was known as the Rabbit in the U.S. But that wasn't good enough. VW wanted to make a Golf cabriolet with safer and affordability in mind. The result was the 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet with a five-layer roof that folded all the way back.

Globally, the model was sold under a number of different names and in a variety of special editions including the Wolfsburg models in the United States.

The Rabbit Cabriolet was the first model in its class to have a permanently installed roll bar attached to the B-pillar. This feature improved rollover protection and structural integrity, and quickly led to the model being compared to a picnic basket. However much fun of it people poked, they couldn't ignore its relative spaciousness and fuel efficiency.

Five years later the Rabbit was updated for its second generation and the Cabriolet received slight exterior updates though it kept its original underpinnings.

Volkswagen Rabbit CabrioletThe Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet was sold in the U.S. up until 2002.Photo courtesy of Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen continued to sell the model in the U.S. through 1993 updating it over the years adding options like power windows and larger wheels. By the time production of the first-generation Cabriolet ended in 1993, Volkswagen had sold 388,552 of them worldwide.

The second-generation of the Cabriolet was launched in the U.S. in 1995 and included updates from the third-generation Golf as well as an available power roof with glass rear window. Buyers loved it and would make this version of the Cabriolet the best-selling convertible in the world with more than 600,000 produced over the next seven years.

In 2002, production of the model halted as customer preferences changed and safety regulations became more stringent.

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

Happy 30th birthday, Diablo! See the Lamborghini super sports car through the years

Milestones

It's been 30 years since the Hubble Telescope launched, Nelson Mandela was released from prison, and Tim Berners-Lee created the first web server, which created the foundation for the World Wide Web. In 1990, Automobili Lamborghini debuted the Diablo, but its story actually began give years earlier.

The year was 1985 and the Diablo was codenamed Project 132. Its aim was the replace the Countach at the top of the Lamborghini lineup. The Countach had been in the Lamborghini stable since 1974 and would end up sticking around until 1990.

Lamborghini Diablo (1990)

Lamborghini Diablo (1990)
  

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

Legendary car designer Marcello Gandini is responsible for the clean and aggressive lines of the body of the Diablo, just as he was responsible for the design of the Countach and Lamborghini Miura. Chrsyler's design center (Chrysler owned Lamborghini from 1987 to 1994) partially revised Gandini's plans.

Gandini was unimpressed with Chrysler's revisions. Two years before the Diablo went on sale, Gandini was able to realize his true design in the Cizeta-Moroder V16T.

Lamborghini Diablo VT (1993)

Lamborghini Diablo VT (1993)
  

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

When it launched, the Diablo was the fastest production car in the world. It was capable of achieving a top speed of 203.1 mph. The car could get from zero to 62 mpg in 4.5 seconds. Diablo's dynamics were developed in partnership with rally champion Sandro Munari.

The Countach successor took was offered in its predecessor to the next level, featuring many features and equipment that are commonplace on modern vehicles including adjustable seats and steering wheel, electric windows, a high-end stereo system, power steering, anti-lock brakes, and rear spoiler. Buyers could choose to add a remote CD changer.

Lamborghini Diablo Roadster (1996)

Lamborghini Diablo Roadster (1996)
  

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

The Diablo was powered by a 5.7-liter 12-cylinder engine that featured four overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. It had multi-point electronic injection that led it to be capable of developing 485 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque.

Lamborghini Diablo SE (1994)

Lamborghini Diablo SE (1994)
  

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

The first Lamborghini Granturismo with four-wheel drive was the Diablo VT. It launched in 1993 and brought with it a number of styling changes and mechanical innovations. Among the changes was the addition of a viscous center differential. It was that merchaincs that gave the car its name. "VT" stands for viscous traction. The Diablo VT featured new front air intakes below the headlights and larger intakes in the rear arches. The car's interior was revised to be more ergonomic.

Lamborghini Diablo SV (1996)

Lamborghini Diablo SV (1996)
  

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

In 1993, the special SE30 series was presented to commemorate Lamborghini's 30th anniversary. The model received a power increase to 523 horsepower. It had enough differences with the traditional Diablo to render it unique. There was a revised front fascia that included a deeper spoiler and the raging bull emblem was moved from the front lid to the nose panel. There was just one fog lamp and one backup light. The car also featured special magnesium alloy wheels and SE30 badging.

The Diablo SV debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1995. It was only available with two-wheel drive but it made 510 horsepower and had a adjustable rear wing. The car received black tail lamp surrounds, repositioned rear fog and reverse lamps, dual front fog lamps, and an extra set of front brake cooling ducts. Buyers could add SV decals to their model.

Later that year, the automaker brought the Diablo VT Roadster to market as Lamborghini's first 12-cylinder, open-roofed, mass-produced Lamborghini. The car was offered only with a four-wheel drive transmission.

Lamborghini Diablo SVR (1996)

Lamborghini Diablo SVR (1996)
  

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

The Diablo SVR was made for just one year, 1996, and was designed for racing. The Diablo GTR followed in a similar vein. The company sold just 32 of those models from 1999 to 2000. The GTR was a lightweight version of the Diablo that had the air conditioning, stereo system, soundproofing, and heatproofing removed. The former two-seater had a single race seat installed, compete with a six-point seatbelt harness. A roll cage, fixed Plexiglass windows, and new air intakes were among the other modifications.

Lamborghini Diablo GTR (1999-2000)

Lamborghini Diablo GTR (1999-2000)
  

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

In 1998, Lamborghini was sold to the Volkswagen Group who soon placed the brand under the control of its Audi arm, where it remains today. In 1999, a restyled Diablo SV was revealed after design revisions by Luc Donckerwolke, the company's first in-house designer. Donckerwolke is currently the Chief Creative Officer at Hyundai Motor Group.

With the revisions, the car became capable of achieving 529 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque. For the first time, a Lamborghini came with an antilock braking system.

The Diablo 6.0 was a transitional model as the brand prepared to launch Diablo's successor, the Murciélago. It featured a revised front fascia that included two large air intakes, smoothed features and larger turns signals. The rear of the car remained mostly unchanged by taillight surrounds went from red or black to body-colored.

Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 (2001)

Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 (2001)
  

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

Lamborghini brought back elements of its past models, 18-inch OZ wheels were styled to look similar to a design that was on the Countach. Air conditioning and pedal alignments were improved.

Software updates and new intake and exhaust systems gave the car a power output of 549 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. Lamborghini did not sell the Diablo VT 6.0 in anything but a coupe body style.

The Diablo was Lamborghini's most produced car to date with 2903 units in total whenn it was replaced by the Murciélago.

Lamborghini Diablo GT at MUDETEC

Lamborghini Diablo GT at MUDETEC
  

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

MUDETEC is Lamborghini's museum. It's no longer just a showcase of cars, but also an homage to the technology, from cars to production lines, that helped make Lamborghini the brand it is today, and in the future. The Museum of Technologies is located in Bologna, Italy.

Lamborghini Diablo 30th Anniversary Celebration

Lamborghini Diablo 30th Anniversary Celebration
  

Photo courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini

Photo courtesy of RBW

RBW EV Roadster combines classic sports car design with EV technology

Electric Vehicles

Everything old is new again, if the Peter Allen song is to be believed. Certainly it's true in this era of modern electric vehicles, where special attention is being paid to classic cars, retrofitting them with electric powertrains. RBW EV Classic Cars has revealed a pre-production version of the RBW EV Roadster, a model that fits into the spirit of these revised older models.

Inspired by the MGB Roadster of the 1960s, the RBW EV Roadster has a brand-new heritage-style body shell designed by British Motor Heritage.

The RBW System and architecture isn't a one-off. It can be installed into other shells including those from Austin Healey, Jaguar, and Mini.

RBW EV RoadsterThe RBW EV Roadster is on sale now.Photo courtesy of RBW

Its patented drivetrain system has been three years in the making. To develop it, RBW worked with Continental Engineering Services and Zytek Automotive, both part of Continental AG. Continental AG provides the technology for Formula E race cars.

"Our patented systemplaces the electric motor at the rear of the car and Hyperdrive Innovation's lithium-ion battery technology under the bonnet, which gives perfectly balanced weight distribution," said Peter Swain, managing director, RBW. "Not only does this give the driver much better handling of the car, retaining that sports car feel, but it also affords maximum battery volume to be housed."

The RBW roadster has a bespoke front and rear suspension that utilizes independent coil-over damper technology. There are OEM-developed brake discs and calipers that deliver regenerative braking capability.

RBW touts the maintenance-free usage of the car compared to a true classic. All parts and components installed are brand new. Also unlike a vintage vehicle, the RBW EV Roadster has been designed with modern noise, vibration, and harshness mellowing considerations.

The car isn't a technological relic either. It also has a multi-function dashboard with driver gauges and messages that are featured on an easy-to-use graphic interface. The Pioneer Flagship Wi-Fi-enabled navigation system works in tandem with a 7.0-inch touch screen located at the center of the dashboard. There's an HDMI input so the screen can mirror smartphones, and a SD input, dual USB inputs, and gold-plated RCA connectors.

Its interior has been designed by Prototrim.

RBW has created 30 limited-edition hand-crafted Roadster models. Plans are underway to offer a fixed-head GT version in 2021 as well as another RBW electric vehicle.

Production begins early 2021 with prices starting from £90,000 plus taxes, with an initial £5,000 deposit. Orders are already being taken with RBW taking the car to clients for Covid-safe test drives. For more information visit: www.rbwevcars.com.

Photo courtesy of McLaren Automobiles

These 5 customer-commissioned McLaren Senna GTRs celebrate the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans

Supercars

The 1995 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was a milestone in McLaren history. That year, five McLaren F1 GTRs finished in the top 15, placing 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 13th. Five customer-commissioned McLaren Senna GTR models celebrate that iconic race.

The five cars wear a bespoke, hand-painted livery that either replicates or pays tribute to the design of each of the 1995 cars.

Each of the models is a unique creation raking more than 800 hours of craftsmanship by McLaren Special Operations to complete. Two of the five models are headed to the U.S. - one in Gulf livery and the other an art car that required several thousand hours of work to complete its unique airbrush paintwork.

McLaren Senna GTR Le Mans 1995 TributeEach of the models pays tribute to vehicles raced in the 1995 24 Horus of Le Mans.Photo courtesy of McLaren Automobiles

The McLaren Senna GTR is the fastest-lapping car McLaren has ever made outside of Formula 1. These models include an upgraded twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter engine that puts out 833 brake horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.

Scroll down to see models and read descriptions of each, provided by McLaren.

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/1

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/1
  

Photo courtesy of McLaren Automobiles

An homage to McLaren F1/01R, often referenced as 'The Ueno Clinic car' and the outright winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995

The car bearing race number 59 was driven in 1995 by two-time Le Mans winner Yannick Dalmas, Japanese veteran Masanori Sekiya and former Formula One driver, JJ Lehto.

The race was one of the wettest in Le Mans' history, which played into the hands of the bulletproof reliability of the McLaren F1 and also the skills of the drivers – especially Lehto, who was so quick in the wet his team tried to persuade him to slow down.

The charcoal grey livery branded with the name of Japanese sponsor Ueno Clinic was not widely recognised at the time but has since passed into legend. The MSO team has faithfully recreated it on the McLaren Senna GTR LM, precisely matching the color by mixing a new tone dubbed 'Ueno Grey' – a fitting tribute to achievements of the car, and of course its three drivers.

This car has been very authentically reproduced from the original race-winning F1 GTR, echoing every last detail right down to recreating car 59's unique driving lamps, which have been specially commissioned by the GTR LM's owner*.

The OZ Racing wheels are finished in matching grey, completing the menacing look that still sends shivers down the spine of race fans 25 years after the chequered flag fell.

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/6

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/6
  

Photo courtesy of McLaren Automobiles

An homage to McLaren F1/06R, often referenced as 'The Harrods car'

Car number 51, driven by an all-British line up of Andy Wallace, Derek Bell and Justin Bell, might well have won had it not suffered a transmission glitch two hours from the flag that saw Wallace have to nurse the car home in third place.

The car's famous yellow livery with bold green stripe bore the name of iconic London department store, Harrods – and that prestigious relationship has been reunited for the GTR LM. While the colors have been worn again by a McLaren since the 1995 race – a McLaren P1™ GTR was finished in the livery in 2015 – this is the first time that the famous Harrods logo has been seen on a McLaren for 25 years.

The MSO paint team used a vivid color called Solar Yellow for the body of the car, and that distinctive wide stripe is applied in Heritage Green, shadowed by a matching green pinstripe and green detailing within the front aero diffuser.

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/2

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/2
  

Photo courtesy of McLaren Automobiles

An homage to McLaren F1/02R, often referenced as 'The Gulf car'

Brazilian Maurizio Sandro Sala joined Brits Mark Blundell and Ray Bellm behind the wheel of the McLaren F1 GTR for 291 rain-lashed laps of La Sarthe in 1995, eventually finishing in fourth place.

Car number 24 had arguably the most iconic livery of any of the cars. The Gulf Racing blue, perfectly reimagined here by MSO as Gulf 95 Blue, fits the McLaren Senna GTR LM seamlessly. Its 'Gulf 95 Orange' pinstripe traces the rear diffuser and the imposing shape of the rear wing's LMP1-style endplates, tracks along the lower sill and unites at the front with vivid orange blades on the front splitter.

The OZ Racing wheels conform to the theme, being finished in equally vivid orange, while the lower sills and roof stripe are painted in Gulf 95 Silver. The actual Gulf Oil logo appears on the bonnet and doors, and a finishing touch is provided by Ayrton Senna's signature boldly recreated on the rear quarter of the bodywork.

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/7

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/7
  

Photo courtesy of McLaren Automobiles

An homage to McLaren F1/07R, often referenced as 'The Jacadi car'

Car number 50 was run by French-based customer team Giroix Racing. Two French drivers – Fabien Giroix and Olivier Grouillard – joined Swiss pilot Jean-Denis Deletraz to bring the car home in fifth place, just a lap down on the Gulf car.

The unmistakeable royal blue livery was proudly French-themed and has been preserved by the McLaren Senna GTR LM's new owner by the specification of a startlingly bright color called Le Mans Blue for the body of the car. It looks particularly stunning on the GTR LM's massive rear diffuser.

That blue is complemented by a blue metallic called 'Polaris', and further offset by the use of authentic Elf logos belonging to the French oil company which sponsored the 1995 race car. The car is the only one of the five to wear the French Tricolour flag.

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/5

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/5
  

Photo courtesy of McLaren Automobiles

An homage to McLaren F1/05R, often referenced as 'The Cesar car'

Displaying the most intricate livery design of all the McLaren F1 GTRs that raced in 1995, car number 42 finished 13th position, completing the McLaren roll of honour of finishers.

Run by French team Société BBA, the striking car was driven by an all-French line-up of Jean-Luc Maury-Laribiere, Marc Sourd and Hervé Poulin. Maury-Laribiere and Poulin were pioneers of 'art cars' and asked renowned artist Cesar Baldaccini to envisage a livery for the F1 GTR they would be racing at Le Mans.

An experienced endurance racer, Poulin's fine collection of racing trophies became the inspiration for Cesar's work on the McLaren.

McLaren Senna GTR LM 825/5 is a modern reinterpretation of the livery, drawing in new elements, such as pole position lap times; contemporary race trophies and Le Mans branding cues.

An immensely complex piece of work produced using many techniques – including extensive airbrushing – this was the car that took longest to paint, to the point that MSO stopped recording the time taken. As an estimate, several thousand hours of work were needed to finish the project to the exemplary standard that is now so evident.

All five McLaren Senna GTR LMs have now been completed and will be delivered to owners in the United States, Europe and the UK. As with all bespoke commissions created by McLaren Special Operations, their value remains undisclosed unless the owners choose to share this detail.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.

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