2007 Nissan Altima Review

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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Visibility

Despite what some socially-conscious celebs may say, being seen a car is not as important as seeing 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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