2007 Nissan Altima

The Altima has been Nissan’s pageholder in the mid-size sedan market for over a decade. But the Altima has always been seen as an alternative to the market leading Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. But, now there is an all-new fourth generation that aims to chip away at the leaders even harder. And with big gains by every measure, it just might crack the big time.

The old adage goes: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Nissan’s been mindful of this advice with their best-selling Altima. The latest generation 2007 version of Nissan’s mid-size stalwart is all-new, yet most upgrades are evolutionary.

Still unmistakably a Nissan, the new Altima’s outward show has been infused with a shot of aggression borrowed from the Maxima. An edgy T-grille and steeply cut headlights kick off its meaner, sleeker look.  Beefier fender flares also favor the more brawny Maxima. The back-end finishes off with optional spoiler and futuristic-looking taillights that give the Altima the air of a spaceship.

All Altimas ride on 16-inch wheels, except for our sporty-trimmed 3.5SE which has standard 17’s.  Overall length is 2 1/2 inches shorter, at 189.8 inches, with an inch loss in wheelbase to 109.3 inches.  But a shrinking exterior has not undersized cabin space. Altima’s roominess remains competitive to Camry and Accord.

Interior design improves nicely with more perceived quality. It’s clean, sporty and to-the-point, with richer materials and subtle chrome accents.  Well-bolstered seating comes with optional heat and leather.  Our 3.5SE had standard 8-way power adjust for the driver.  Available amenities such as a Bose stereo with 6-disc changer, navigation, rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, and Intelligent Key with Push Button Start makes the Altima’s interior as appealing as some luxury cars.

A spacious rear seat has room for three and grants a 60/40 split folding feature. The roomy trunk has also retained ample capacity with 15.3 cubic feet of cargo hold.

As for mobility, the front-wheel drive Altima starts with a quieter 2.5 liter four-cylinder with the same 175-horsepower as before.  But it’s the redesigned 3.5 liter twin-cam V6 that’s getting all the attention.  It impressively outputs 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, out-muscling the Accord and edging out the Camry.

Both engines can be tied to either a 6-speed manual or our tester’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission.  The CVT provide 3-modes – economy, normal and sport.

On that, Government Fuel Economy ratings for the V6 CVT are 20 city/29 highway using premium gas. Expect 24 in normal driving. The Altima has a typical for its class annual Energy Impact Score of 14.3 barrels. One barrel equals 42 gallons of oil. A stingier gasoline-electric hybrid Altima arrives before spring.

On the track, our Altima V6 automatic managed 0 to 60 in a moderately quick 7.3 seconds with no noticeable torque steer. The quarter-mile ends in 15.6 seconds at 95 miles-per-hour. The CVT may save gas but it just doesn’t get your blood pumping.

The Altima’s new architecture delivers improved rigidity for a reengineered suspension that still consists of struts up front and multi-links in the rear. The 3.5SE has thicker stabilizer bars with higher spring rates. It goes easily, granting responsive handling with a nicely sporting ride that doesn’t compromise comfort. The overall driving experience is relaxed and fluid. The speed sensitive steering is precise and well-weighted, while body roll is barely detectable. Our car’s stability control is a an option.

Braking comes by way of 4-wheel discs with standard ABS on uplevel trims. Still our tester averaged a less than sporting 139 feet from 60 to 0.

Altima base prices cover a wide range and generally go toe-to-toe with Camry and Accord. Base sticker is $18,565.  The 3.5SE begins at $24,615; while the posh SL begins at $29,015.

With a host of well-thought out upgrades, Nissan has made their fine Altima even finer. More power, a better chassis, and an even more accommodating interior put the 2007 Altima squarely on the same pedestal as segment leaders. In fact, some may put the Altima on a pedestal all its own.