Ride Report - '07 Nissan Altima
Mar 13, 2007, 6:10 pm
#1
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Join Date: Jan 2005
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Ride Report - '07 Nissan Altima
Averted a Taurus upgrade crisis and scored one of these redesigned models at DFW last week... 
http://www.nissanusa.com/altima/
My base 2.5SE model had the optional continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT) for a grand total of $20,915.
Powertrain: The newest-generation Altima continues with the standard 2.5L four-cylinder, this time producing 175 hp. Power is excellent for the size of the engine, especially for a base model. Noise, however is raucous, and not in a pleasing way (such as Honda's four-cylinder motors, for example). The CVT is extremely responsive and is inherently smooth and free of shift vibrations. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated 26/34 mpg city/highway, and my figures seem to have matched that.
Ride/Handling: Being on the sportier end of the family-sedan bunch, the redesigned Altima certainly doesn't disappoint. Chassis feel and grip are solid, and body roll is kept to a minimum. Ride-quality is surprisingly smooth and road/wind noise are controlled well. The steering is a bit of an oddity, though -- it's responsive and provides excellent feedback, but feels light and numb as well. Brakes work as expected in feel and stopping distance.
Interior: The last-generation Altima was sometimes criticized for interior cheapness, and this Altima fixes many of those problems. Build and tactile quality are noticeably improved, though materials quality still falls a bit short of the class leaders. Space is comparable to other competitors, and trunk space really shines. Seats are comfortable and controls are within easy reach.
Design: Much of the Altima's exterior design is evolutionary, and it works for the most part, except for (IMO) the hideously-bulbous rear-end. It sticks out way too much and makes the car look ungainly. I also am not a fan of the clear taillights. However, the interior is another story -- elegant and simple, but unique enough to showcase the Altima's sporting intentions. Gauges are an attractive electroluminescent white/orange color, and visibility is fine throughout the cabin.
Features: The new Altima has all the requisite features in base trim, including the full set of airbags and power accessories. It also has a standard keyless start/remote similar to that of the new Infiniti G35.
Value: The Altima is classed as a D, with the Sonata and G6 usually as classmates (depending on location). Of that group, I'd take the Altima if I needed a sporty sedan, but of course the Mustang is also a choice in the D class for someone who cares less about comfort/space and more about performance. Overall though, it looks like Nissan will continue to have one of the more engaging entrants in the family sedan class. ^
To sum it up:
The Good
Sharp dynamics
Comfortable and spacious
The Bad
What's with the Sir Mix-a-Lot rear end?
Light steering
Some interior quality issues
http://www.nissanusa.com/altima/
My base 2.5SE model had the optional continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT) for a grand total of $20,915.
Powertrain: The newest-generation Altima continues with the standard 2.5L four-cylinder, this time producing 175 hp. Power is excellent for the size of the engine, especially for a base model. Noise, however is raucous, and not in a pleasing way (such as Honda's four-cylinder motors, for example). The CVT is extremely responsive and is inherently smooth and free of shift vibrations. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated 26/34 mpg city/highway, and my figures seem to have matched that.
Ride/Handling: Being on the sportier end of the family-sedan bunch, the redesigned Altima certainly doesn't disappoint. Chassis feel and grip are solid, and body roll is kept to a minimum. Ride-quality is surprisingly smooth and road/wind noise are controlled well. The steering is a bit of an oddity, though -- it's responsive and provides excellent feedback, but feels light and numb as well. Brakes work as expected in feel and stopping distance.
Interior: The last-generation Altima was sometimes criticized for interior cheapness, and this Altima fixes many of those problems. Build and tactile quality are noticeably improved, though materials quality still falls a bit short of the class leaders. Space is comparable to other competitors, and trunk space really shines. Seats are comfortable and controls are within easy reach.
Design: Much of the Altima's exterior design is evolutionary, and it works for the most part, except for (IMO) the hideously-bulbous rear-end. It sticks out way too much and makes the car look ungainly. I also am not a fan of the clear taillights. However, the interior is another story -- elegant and simple, but unique enough to showcase the Altima's sporting intentions. Gauges are an attractive electroluminescent white/orange color, and visibility is fine throughout the cabin.
Features: The new Altima has all the requisite features in base trim, including the full set of airbags and power accessories. It also has a standard keyless start/remote similar to that of the new Infiniti G35.
Value: The Altima is classed as a D, with the Sonata and G6 usually as classmates (depending on location). Of that group, I'd take the Altima if I needed a sporty sedan, but of course the Mustang is also a choice in the D class for someone who cares less about comfort/space and more about performance. Overall though, it looks like Nissan will continue to have one of the more engaging entrants in the family sedan class. ^
To sum it up:
The Good
Sharp dynamics
Comfortable and spacious
The Bad
What's with the Sir Mix-a-Lot rear end?
Light steering
Some interior quality issues
Mar 13, 2007, 6:43 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: IAD, DCA, SAN
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Posts: 1,236
I am driving a rental Altima now. Love the keyless entry/ignition. Not a bad car. Agree with OP about some of the interior quality issues. I like the car though. I would take it over a Mustang any day of the week for pure comfort and driveability.
Good post.
Good post.