2007 Nissan Altima Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Nissan redesigns its best-selling car for 2007, giving it freshened styling, more standard safety features, and the company's first gas/electric hybrid model. Altima is 1 inch shorter in wheelbase and 2 inches shorter overall than the 2002-2006 generation. Base 2.5 and 2.5 S models return with a 175-hp 4-cyl engine. Also returning are 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL versions with a 270-hp V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the 3.5 SL. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on the 3.5 SL and optional on all but the base 2.5. Altima Hybrids are sold only in California and northeastern states. They pair the 4-cyl engine and CVT with a battery-powered electric motor for 198 hp. The Hybrid can run on one or both of its power sources depending on driving conditions; no plug-in charging is necessary. All Altimas have 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS is standard on V6 and Hybrid models, optional on all others except the base 2.5. Previously optional front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard on all. Traction control is standard on 3.5 models, unavailable on 2.5s. An antiskid system is an exclusive 3.5-model option. A navigation system is available and, for '07, includes a rearview camera. Among other options are leather upholstery and wireless cell phone link.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Mercury Milan, and Saturn Aura.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Saturn Aura.

News

The first gasoline/electric Altima is promised for early in calendar 2007. It will be sold only in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, all of which have stricter emissions than the other 42 states. The hybrid powertrain reportedly combines technology licensed from Toyota with a modified 2.5-liter Nissan 4-cyl engine and CVT automatic transmission. Full details and pricing won't be released until just before sales begin, but keep checking back with us for late news.

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2007 Nissan Altima Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Engine noise

CVT-transmission performance	Control layout (w/navigation system)

Ride	Rear-seat comfort

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
6	7	7	5.9

Conventional 4-cyl models with CVT sprightly from a stop, show good highway passing response. V6 versions stronger still in all situations. Test 3.5 SE with CVT did 6.3 sec 0-60 mph. CVT well matched to either engine, and its manual shift gate allows for near-instantaneous gear changes. No Hybrid or manual-transmission Altimas made available for test.

Fuel Economy

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
6	5	5	5.1

Test 3.5 SE models with CVT automatic averaged 23.3-23.8 mpg. No opportunity to measure with 4-cyl. Altima 2.5s use regular-grade fuel. Nissan recommends premium for the V6. Altima has a 20-gal fuel tank, among the largest in the midsize-car class.

Ride Quality

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
7	6	6	6.1

One of the more controlled and comfortable midsize sedans. The 2.5 models are best composed overall. Sport suspension in 3.5 SE models induces unwanted thump, body jiggle over sharp bumps. No opportunity yet to test 3.5 SL, which has softer suspension tuning.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
6	7	7	6.2

Nicely damped body motions and precise, direct steering impart a sporty feel. Torque steer a non-issue even on 3.5 versions. Models tested equipped with ABS had generally good stopping control, though one test model suffered touchy pedal action. Nissan should make ABS standard on all Altimas.

Quietness

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

Neither the 4-cyl nor V6 sounds especially refined, but they're not overly intrusive either. Tire, road, and wind noise are well controlled, though one test model suffered from dashboard rattles.

Controls

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
7	7	6	6.7

Large, legible gauges. Simple climate and audio controls in models without navigation system. Navigation absorbs audio functions and isn't intuitive to program, a demerit. Textured, soft-touch materials put to good overall use, though some hard plastic persists in center console area.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
7	7	7	6.8

Good overall head and leg room, though six-footers may want more seat travel. Seats have very good thigh, lumbar support, though some testers complain that seats lack supportive contour. Steering wheel tilts/telescopes to aid in driver positioning. Visibility fine in all directions.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	5.1

Rear bench is reasonably comfortable for those under six feet. Tall riders will find head room cramped and leg space lacking unless front seats are well forward.

Cargo Room

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
5	5	5	4.8

Trunk is generously sized, shaped. Lid hinges intrude deeply into cargo area. Low liftover eases loading of bulky items, though split rear seatbacks don't fold completely flat. Average interior storage.

Value within Class

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
8	8	7	6.3

This Recommended pick is a sportier alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, and it doesn't give up much in terms of everyday usability. Rear-seat comfort and overall refinement still trail the class leaders, but Altima is more engaging to drive.

Total Score

2.5 S, CVT	3.5 SE, CVT	3.5 SE w/nav. sys., CVT	Class Average
63	63	61	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69

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2007 Nissan Altima Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/22/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5 4-door sedan, manual	$17,950	$17,538	$625

2.5 S 4-door sedan, manual	$19,800	$18,519	$625

2.5 S 4-door sedan, CVT	$20,300	$18,987	$625

3.5 SE 4-door sedan, manual	$24,000	$22,196	$625

3.5 SE 4-door sedan, CVT	$24,500	$22,658	$625

3.5 SL 4-door sedan, CVT	$28,400	$26,265	$625

Hybrid 4-door sedan, CVT	$24,990	$23,442	$625

Price note: Hybrid available only in Calif., Mass., Maine, N.Y., Vt.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.5

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, driver-seat height adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, keyless access and starting, tachometer, visor mirrors, map light, rear defogger.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 215/60TR16 tires, wheel covers.

2.5 S adds to 2.5:

Powertrain

6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (CVT).

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, digital clock, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers.

3.5 SE adds to 2.5 S:

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

8-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport suspension, 215/55VR17 tires, alloy wheels.

3.5 SL adds to 3.5 SE:

Powertrain

Continuously variable automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (CVT).

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: sport suspension.

Xenon headlights, 215/60TR16 tires.

Hybrid adds to 2.5 S:

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline/electric motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), traction control.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
2.5 SL Pkg.
2.5 S CVT	$3,850	$3,501
Antilock brakes, dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear vents, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, power sunroof, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic up/down front windows, remote control windows, woodgrain and metallic interior trim, cargo net, automatic headlights. Requires rear spoiler.

Convenience Pkg.
2.5 S	$1,050	$911
Hybrid	$1,300	$1,127
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, woodgrain interior trim (2.5 S), illuminated visor mirrors, automatic up/down front windows, remote control windows, cargo net (2.5 S), automatic headlights, rear spoiler (Hybrid).

Convenience Plus Pkg.
2.5 S	$2,150	$1,866
Convenience Pkg. plus power sunroof, alloy wheels.

Connection Pkg.
Hybrid	$4,400	$3,817
Convenience Pkg. plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, universal garage door opener, mirror-mounted turn signals, rear air conditioning vents, illuminated console.

Premium Pkg.
3.5 SE	$4,400	$3,817
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, dual-zone automatic climate controls, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, metallic interior trim, console light, xenon headlights, rear spoiler. Requires antiskid system.

Leather Pkg.
3.5 SE	$2,700	$2,342
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, automatic climate control, Bose sound system, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener. NA w/Premium Pkg.

Technology Pkg.
Hybrid	$6,400	$5,551
Connection Pkg. plus navigation system, satellite traffic information, rearview camera, hybrid energy flow display.

Sport Pkg.
3.5 SE	$1,300	$1,127
Power sunroof, fog lights, rear spoiler.

Safety
Antilock brakes
2.5 S	$300	$260


Antiskid system
3.5 SE, 3.5 SL	$900	$780
Includes full-size spare tire.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Hybrid	$850	$738


Automatic day/night rearview mirror
2.5 S CVT, 3.5 SE	$280	$222
Includes compass. 2.5 S requires Convenience Plus Pkg. 3.5 SE requires Sport Pkg.

Floormats
2.5, 2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL, Hybrid	$170	$127
Includes cargo mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
2.5 S CVT, SE	$310	$251


Mud guards
2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL	$135	$106


Rear spoiler
2.5 S CVT, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL	$370	$292

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2007 Nissan Altima Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Altima 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	109.3

Overall Length, in.	189.8

Overall Width, in.	70.7

Overall Height, in.	57.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	3055

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	17.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.2

Rear Head Room, in.	36.8

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	39.5

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6	dohc I4/electric

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /152	3.5 /214	2.5 /152

Horsepower @ rpm.	175 @ 5600	270 @ 6000	198 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	180 @ 3900	258 @ 4400	@

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	24/31	21/27	--/--

CVT automatic	23/29	20/29	42/36

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Nissan Altima 4-door sedan

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2007 Nissan Altima Photos

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Also in the 2007 Nissan Altima Review:

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima Road Test

Nissan Altima Prices & Equipment

Nissan Altima Specs & Safety

Nissan Altima Photos

Nissan Altima Full Review