Following in the Maxima's footsteps? More like stealing its shoes.
By Thom Blackett
|
January 19, 2007
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
What We Drove
Performance
Handling
Visibility
Fun to Drive
Front Comfort
Rear Comfort
Interior Noise
Loading Cargo
Build Quality
Materials Quality
Styling
Storage
Infotainment Controls
Climate Controls
Secondary Controls
Competition
2nd Opinion - Wardlaw
Introduction
Nissan Altima – Review: Growing up can be hard, but not necessarily only for the one growing. Think about the second-string high school football player who is suddenly overshadowed by his younger brother, the new starting quarterback, or the financially-stable parent who needs a second mortgage to put Junior through college. Now you’ve understand the plight of the Nissan Maxima, a model that has been pushed one inch closer to the edge of redundancy with the debut of the 2007 Nissan Altima. Already a near duplicate in the areas of style, power, and size, the updated Altima takes each aspect up a notch, not to mention it courts suitors with more options and a wider price range. Which begs the question – Maxi what?
What We Drove
Nissan delivered our test car without a window sticker, so we used Autobytel’s research section to calculate the retail price of the Metallic Jade (light green) Altima in our parking lot. We came up with $23,065, which included the 2.5 S’s $19,800 base price, $615 for delivery, $500 for a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT), and $2,150 for a Convenience Plus package. That last bundle included a power driver’s seat, automatic headlights, illuminated vanity mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a cargo net and tie-downs, a remote, a power sunroof, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Performance
The 2.5-liter engine in the 2007 Nissan Altima serves as the perfect example of how far four-cylinder engines have come. While it revs like a four-banger and lacks the silky refinement of some V6s, this widely-used powerplant provides plenty of giddy-up, and with the optional CVT at work, revs make sure all 175 horses are constantly at the ready. No need to qualify this one as “just a four-cylinder model.” Furthermore, drivers can have a bit of fun with the CVT’s manual shift function, which we used quite often during spirited operation and may have lead to the 23 mpg average we recorded after a week of driving.
Handling
If a weekend filled with curvy roads traveled at law-busting speeds is commonplace for you, the 2007 Nissan Altima probably shouldn’t be your first choice. This ample sedan exhibits noticeable squat and dive on starts and stops, and the suspension would disappoint drivers who seek athleticism in their rides, though it does better others in the class like the Toyota Camry. The Continental tires sacrifice grip for comfort, a feature actually appreciated when road bumps and highway irregularities are absorbed without fuss. To be sure, the Altima is an ideal commuter cruiser, aided by speed-sensitive steering that gains nice heft at higher speeds and brakes that are plenty effective, if a bit too grabby and difficult to modulate.
Visibility
Despite what some socially-conscious celebs may say, being seen in a car is not as important as seeing out of a car. Nissan recognizes this distinction, and provides the 2007 Altima driver with square side mirrors that lessen blind spots, thin A- and B-pillars for clear views forward and over the shoulder, as well as expansive side glass area. Even the rear pillars are relatively narrow, further eliminating those nasty blind spots. Rear visibility is hampered somewhat by the steep angle of the glass and small integrated outboard headrests.
Fun to Drive
Anyone piloting the 2007 Nissan Altima will likely characterize it as a pleasure to drive, and for non-enthusiasts, it may even be fun. There’s plenty of power, the CVT actually does an admirable job of maximizing the four-cylinder’s output (high praise coming from one who generally dislikes CVTs), and the steering is tight and fairly responsive. Add in the impression that the Altima is built for miles upon miles of commuter and family hauling duty, and you’ve got the makings of a great sedan, but not an extremely fun four-door for the occasional run to the backroads.
Front Comfort
Peek into the 2007 Nissan Altima and you’ll quickly come to one conclusion – the word’s out about American obesity. Spacious front bucket seats should accommodate most any adult; they’re wide and firm, though not so firm as to be uncomfortable. After putting quite a few clicks on the odometer, muscle fatigue remained at bay, and we appreciated the stiff bolsters on curvy highway ramps. Our tester’s power adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering wheel allowed each editor to find a suitable position, and all applauded the sliding center armrest, the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and the padded sills.
Rear Comfort
Back-seat drivers are afforded a generous level of comfort in the 2007 Nissan Altima, with plenty of leg, foot, and head room as well as padded armrests and door sills. A fold-down center armrest serves outboard passengers on longer trips, and the rear bench’s soft cushions and natural recline position should keep occupants comfortable. The center “hump” seat is suitable for short rides, though it’s a little stiff and lacks a dedicated headrest, relegating it to short-straw status for extensive jaunts. Front seatbacks are padded for knee comfort on the outside edges, but the center sections are hard with just a thin cloth layer.
Interior Noise
Travel in the 2007 Nissan Altima for the most part is peaceful, accentuated by a relatively quiet cabin that allows for a stress-reducing ride home from work. There’s an utter lack of objectionable wind and tire noise, and the engine is muted until you mash the throttle, eliciting the expected whine from the high-revving four-cylinder. Overall the low noise level imparts a sense of refinement that measures well among others in this class. However, it shouldn’t be confused with the serenity of pricier luxury vehicles.
Loading Cargo
Every car has its weak points, though some are hidden better than others. The 2007 Nissan Altima’s weakest point becomes obvious as soon as you open the trunk. Inside, you’ll see old-school gooseneck hinges that fold down into cargo and a long yet shallow space that seriously limits what can be carried. The rear split-bench seat is admirable in theory, but loses its luster when one has to reach deep into the trunk to reach the release straps, a feat which must be accomplished while simultaneously pushing the seat backs forward. In a word, it’s awkward, and there are more convenient designs out there. To its credit, the Altima’s trunk features a wide opening, a storage net, and multiple tie-downs for securing cargo.
Build Quality
With only a few exceptions, the 2007 Nissan Altima appears to be well-built. Among the negatives we discovered were slight gap differences around the instrument panel, a couple of ill-fitting plastic pieces on the front of the center console, larger spaces around the right side dash vent than on the left vent, and slightly loose rear lower door panels. Outside, our 2.5 S test car was marred by inconsistent gaps around the hood, trunk, and doors. Not one of these issues was glaring or significant enough to immediately dismiss the Altima, rather they were unveiled after close inspection and indicate average, if not above average build quality.
Materials Quality
Note to carmakers accused of offering cheap interiors: Think about using the 2007 Nissan Altima as a template for improvement. We rolled in a cloth-clad 2.5 S model, a fabric that felt soft and durable, unlike the hard, cheap stuff found in some other mainstream rides. Plus, the soft upholstery is everywhere, including the seats, armrests, and door inserts. Most impressive was the one-piece, padded, low-gloss dash cap which itself adds style and a suggested level of refinement. Mesh material was used on the headliner, A-pillars, visors, and optional sunshade; hard plastic was reserved for the lower surfaces of the doors, dash, and console, though it too was low-gloss, substantial, and featured matching grains. All that’s needed are rubber grips on the control dials.
Styling
While attending a recent auto show, a few of our editors happened by the Nissan stand to make sure there weren’t any new, unannounced surprises to be found. No surprises, except for how difficult it can be to discern a 2007 Altima from a 2007 Maxima when parked next to each other. Dimensions are similar, lines are similar, proportions are similar – it’s only when you look at details such as taillights and rear side glass angles that the cars become distinguishable, and even then just barely. The Altima’s attractive interior includes a less steep center panel and a gauge cluster wrapped in soft curves.
Storage
Commuters need room for stuff in their cars. We travel with cell phones, beverages of all sizes and sorts, books, iPods, papers, and every other prized possession we can’t fathom leaving home without. Consequently, a daily ride needs to be delivered with ample storage. The 2007 Nissan Altima is ready for any commuter’s accouterments with its large locking glovebox, huge covered cubby under the instrument panel, and deep two-level cavern beneath the front center armrest. There are also dual seatback pockets, and a multitude of cupholders, two of which are integrated into the front door pockets.
Infotainment Controls
From a usability perspective, the Nissan Altima’s radio controls are top notch. Sure, we’d like a rubber grip on the large center power/volume dial and a knob instead of buttons for tuning, but at least they’re big and easy to reach. As are the buttons for the clock, presets, and all other functions. Steering wheel controls mirror those on the dash, in that they’re large and easy to use. Finally, there’s an auxiliary audio jack on the radio face, making for quick and simple iPod setup.
Climate Controls
As with the radio volume dial, the climate control dials in the 2007 Nissan Altima would benefit from rubber grips. That would seem like a trivial gripe, but satisfying the tactile senses with a soft-touch material that could be used several times each day adds a sense of quality not offered by the existing hard plastic. GM, a brand historically bashed for interior quality, has started adding the rubber grips in some mainstream 2007 vehicles for just that reason, and to good effect. Materials aside, the Altima’s climate control panel is set up well with large dials and buttons for easy operation.
Secondary Controls
Thanks, Nissan, for putting oft-used controls right where the masses will look. That means buttons for power door locks, power mirrors, and power windows are on the door switch panel; sunroof buttons are overhead; the trunk release is on the lower left dash (that would be our second guess, right behind a lever on the floor by the driver’s seat); and cruise control buttons on the right spoke of the steering wheel. The only item that takes a few seconds getting used to is the slot on the left side of the dash for the keyless ignition, which can be used if you don’t want to keep the remote in your pocket or toss it into a cupholder.
Competition
The midsize sedan segment is ultra competitive, and that means cars like the 2007 Nissan Altima need to be at the top of their game in terms of style, power, quality, features, safety, and in many minds, efficiency. The field is teeming with respected existing models, redesigned sedans, and all-new entrants. Among them are the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda6, Mercury Milan, Mitsubishi Galant, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, and the Volkswagen Passat. However, the greatest competition may come in the form of a Nissan Maxima.
2nd Opinion – Wardlaw
Nissan Altima – Wardlaw’s Opinion:
My complaints about the redesigned Nissan Altima include the rear styling, the front seat comfort, and minor interior cost cutting, but since two of the three are subjective I can only conclude that this is a terrific family sedan, especially if you’re willing to trade a pillowy ride for something that’s firm and responsive. Great gas mileage, decent acceleration, and generous equipment for our as-tested sub-$24K price are added benefits. This is a stiff, quiet, dynamically refined sedan with a stylish cabin and room for five. In 2.5 S trim it might not light an enthusiast’s fire, but it’s more exciting transportation than most mid-sizers on the market.
Nissan Altima – Review: Growing up can be hard, but not necessarily only for the one growing. Think about the second-string high school football player who is suddenly overshadowed by his younger brother, the new starting quarterback, or the financially-stable parent who needs a second mortgage to put Junior through college. Now you’ve understand the plight of the Nissan Maxima, a model that has been pushed one inch closer to the edge of redundancy with the debut of the 2007 Nissan Altima. Already a near duplicate in the areas of style, power, and size, the updated Altima takes each aspect up a notch, not to mention it courts suitors with more options and a wider price range. Which begs the question – Maxi what?
Click here for Table of Contents...
What We Drove
Nissan delivered our test car without a window sticker, so we used Autobytel’s research section to calculate the retail price of the Metallic Jade (light green) Altima in our parking lot. We came up with $23,065, which included the 2.5 S’s $19,800 base price, $615 for delivery, $500 for a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT), and $2,150 for a Convenience Plus package. That last bundle included a power driver’s seat, automatic headlights, illuminated vanity mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a cargo net and tie-downs, a remote, a power sunroof, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Performance
The 2.5-liter engine in the 2007 Nissan Altima serves as the perfect example of how far four-cylinder engines have come. While it revs like a four-banger and lacks the silky refinement of some V6s, this widely-used powerplant provides plenty of giddy-up, and with the optional CVT at work, revs make sure all 175 horses are constantly at the ready. No need to qualify this one as “just a four-cylinder model.” Furthermore, drivers can have a bit of fun with the CVT’s manual shift function, which we used quite often during spirited operation and may have lead to the 23 mpg average we recorded after a week of driving.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Handling
If a weekend filled with curvy roads traveled at law-busting speeds is commonplace for you, the 2007 Nissan Altima probably shouldn’t be your first choice. This ample sedan exhibits noticeable squat and dive on starts and stops, and the suspension would disappoint drivers who seek athleticism in their rides, though it does better others in the class like the Toyota Camry. The Continental tires sacrifice grip for comfort, a feature actually appreciated when road bumps and highway irregularities are absorbed without fuss. To be sure, the Altima is an ideal commuter cruiser, aided by speed-sensitive steering that gains nice heft at higher speeds and brakes that are plenty effective, if a bit too grabby and difficult to modulate.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Visibility
Despite what some socially-conscious celebs may say, being seen in a car is not as important as seeing out of a car. Nissan recognizes this distinction, and provides the 2007 Altima driver with square side mirrors that lessen blind spots, thin A- and B-pillars for clear views forward and over the shoulder, as well as expansive side glass area. Even the rear pillars are relatively narrow, further eliminating those nasty blind spots. Rear visibility is hampered somewhat by the steep angle of the glass and small integrated outboard headrests.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Fun to Drive
Anyone piloting the 2007 Nissan Altima will likely characterize it as a pleasure to drive, and for non-enthusiasts, it may even be fun. There’s plenty of power, the CVT actually does an admirable job of maximizing the four-cylinder’s output (high praise coming from one who generally dislikes CVTs), and the steering is tight and fairly responsive. Add in the impression that the Altima is built for miles upon miles of commuter and family hauling duty, and you’ve got the makings of a great sedan, but not an extremely fun four-door for the occasional run to the backroads.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Front Comfort
Peek into the 2007 Nissan Altima and you’ll quickly come to one conclusion – the word’s out about American obesity. Spacious front bucket seats should accommodate most any adult; they’re wide and firm, though not so firm as to be uncomfortable. After putting quite a few clicks on the odometer, muscle fatigue remained at bay, and we appreciated the stiff bolsters on curvy highway ramps. Our tester’s power adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering wheel allowed each editor to find a suitable position, and all applauded the sliding center armrest, the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and the padded sills.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Rear Comfort
Back-seat drivers are afforded a generous level of comfort in the 2007 Nissan Altima, with plenty of leg, foot, and head room as well as padded armrests and door sills. A fold-down center armrest serves outboard passengers on longer trips, and the rear bench’s soft cushions and natural recline position should keep occupants comfortable. The center “hump” seat is suitable for short rides, though it’s a little stiff and lacks a dedicated headrest, relegating it to short-straw status for extensive jaunts. Front seatbacks are padded for knee comfort on the outside edges, but the center sections are hard with just a thin cloth layer.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Interior Noise
Travel in the 2007 Nissan Altima for the most part is peaceful, accentuated by a relatively quiet cabin that allows for a stress-reducing ride home from work. There’s an utter lack of objectionable wind and tire noise, and the engine is muted until you mash the throttle, eliciting the expected whine from the high-revving four-cylinder. Overall the low noise level imparts a sense of refinement that measures well among others in this class. However, it shouldn’t be confused with the serenity of pricier luxury vehicles.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Loading Cargo
Every car has its weak points, though some are hidden better than others. The 2007 Nissan Altima’s weakest point becomes obvious as soon as you open the trunk. Inside, you’ll see old-school gooseneck hinges that fold down into cargo and a long yet shallow space that seriously limits what can be carried. The rear split-bench seat is admirable in theory, but loses its luster when one has to reach deep into the trunk to reach the release straps, a feat which must be accomplished while simultaneously pushing the seat backs forward. In a word, it’s awkward, and there are more convenient designs out there. To its credit, the Altima’s trunk features a wide opening, a storage net, and multiple tie-downs for securing cargo.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Build Quality
With only a few exceptions, the 2007 Nissan Altima appears to be well-built. Among the negatives we discovered were slight gap differences around the instrument panel, a couple of ill-fitting plastic pieces on the front of the center console, larger spaces around the right side dash vent than on the left vent, and slightly loose rear lower door panels. Outside, our 2.5 S test car was marred by inconsistent gaps around the hood, trunk, and doors. Not one of these issues was glaring or significant enough to immediately dismiss the Altima, rather they were unveiled after close inspection and indicate average, if not above average build quality.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Materials Quality
Note to carmakers accused of offering cheap interiors: Think about using the 2007 Nissan Altima as a template for improvement. We rolled in a cloth-clad 2.5 S model, a fabric that felt soft and durable, unlike the hard, cheap stuff found in some other mainstream rides. Plus, the soft upholstery is everywhere, including the seats, armrests, and door inserts. Most impressive was the one-piece, padded, low-gloss dash cap which itself adds style and a suggested level of refinement. Mesh material was used on the headliner, A-pillars, visors, and optional sunshade; hard plastic was reserved for the lower surfaces of the doors, dash, and console, though it too was low-gloss, substantial, and featured matching grains. All that’s needed are rubber grips on the control dials.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Styling
While attending a recent auto show, a few of our editors happened by the Nissan stand to make sure there weren’t any new, unannounced surprises to be found. No surprises, except for how difficult it can be to discern a 2007 Altima from a 2007 Maxima when parked next to each other. Dimensions are similar, lines are similar, proportions are similar – it’s only when you look at details such as taillights and rear side glass angles that the cars become distinguishable, and even then just barely. The Altima’s attractive interior includes a less steep center panel and a gauge cluster wrapped in soft curves.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Storage
Commuters need room for stuff in their cars. We travel with cell phones, beverages of all sizes and sorts, books, iPods, papers, and every other prized possession we can’t fathom leaving home without. Consequently, a daily ride needs to be delivered with ample storage. The 2007 Nissan Altima is ready for any commuter’s accouterments with its large locking glovebox, huge covered cubby under the instrument panel, and deep two-level cavern beneath the front center armrest. There are also dual seatback pockets, and a multitude of cupholders, two of which are integrated into the front door pockets.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Infotainment Controls
From a usability perspective, the Nissan Altima’s radio controls are top notch. Sure, we’d like a rubber grip on the large center power/volume dial and a knob instead of buttons for tuning, but at least they’re big and easy to reach. As are the buttons for the clock, presets, and all other functions. Steering wheel controls mirror those on the dash, in that they’re large and easy to use. Finally, there’s an auxiliary audio jack on the radio face, making for quick and simple iPod setup.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Climate Controls
As with the radio volume dial, the climate control dials in the 2007 Nissan Altima would benefit from rubber grips. That would seem like a trivial gripe, but satisfying the tactile senses with a soft-touch material that could be used several times each day adds a sense of quality not offered by the existing hard plastic. GM, a brand historically bashed for interior quality, has started adding the rubber grips in some mainstream 2007 vehicles for just that reason, and to good effect. Materials aside, the Altima’s climate control panel is set up well with large dials and buttons for easy operation.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Secondary Controls
Thanks, Nissan, for putting oft-used controls right where the masses will look. That means buttons for power door locks, power mirrors, and power windows are on the door switch panel; sunroof buttons are overhead; the trunk release is on the lower left dash (that would be our second guess, right behind a lever on the floor by the driver’s seat); and cruise control buttons on the right spoke of the steering wheel. The only item that takes a few seconds getting used to is the slot on the left side of the dash for the keyless ignition, which can be used if you don’t want to keep the remote in your pocket or toss it into a cupholder.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Competition
The midsize sedan segment is ultra competitive, and that means cars like the 2007 Nissan Altima need to be at the top of their game in terms of style, power, quality, features, safety, and in many minds, efficiency. The field is teeming with respected existing models, redesigned sedans, and all-new entrants. Among them are the Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda6, Mercury Milan, Mitsubishi Galant, Pontiac G6, Saturn Aura, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, and the Volkswagen Passat. However, the greatest competition may come in the form of a Nissan Maxima.
Click here for Table of Contents...
2nd Opinion – Wardlaw
Nissan Altima – Wardlaw’s Opinion:
My complaints about the redesigned Nissan Altima include the rear styling, the front seat comfort, and minor interior cost cutting, but since two of the three are subjective I can only conclude that this is a terrific family sedan, especially if you’re willing to trade a pillowy ride for something that’s firm and responsive. Great gas mileage, decent acceleration, and generous equipment for our as-tested sub-$24K price are added benefits. This is a stiff, quiet, dynamically refined sedan with a stylish cabin and room for five. In 2.5 S trim it might not light an enthusiast’s fire, but it’s more exciting transportation than most mid-sizers on the market.
Click here for Table of Contents...
Photos courtesy of Ron Perry