2007-2008 Nissan Altima: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Nissan redesigned its best-selling car for 2007, giving it freshened styling and more standard safety features. In this form, the Altima sedan was an inch shorter in wheelbase and 2 inches shorter overall than the 2002-2006 generation. Base 2.5 and 2.5 S models kept their 175-hp four-cylinder engines. Also returning were 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL versions with a 270-horsepower V6. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on all but the 3.5 SL. A gearless continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard on the 3.5 SL and optional on all but the base 2.5 sedan. All models had four-wheel disc brakes. Antilocking was standard on V6 versions, but optional for four-cylinder models and not available for the base 2.5. Previously optional front side airbags and curtain airbags now were standard in all models. Traction control was standard on 3.5 models, but unavailable on 2.5 sedans. An antiskid system was an exclusive 3.5-model option. Nissan's navigation system was available, now including a rearview camera. Additional options included leather upholstery and a wireless cell phone link. With the Altima sedan, Nissan competed against the Honda Accord, Saturn Aura, and Toyota Camry. Before long, Nissan followed up with a companion Altima coupe, smaller in dimensions, with a more sporty nature but the same powertrain choices. Nissan also introduced an Altima Hybrid sedan, sold only in California and seven specific northeastern states. The Hybrid coupled Nissan's four-cylinder engine with a CVT and electric motor, producing a total of 198 horsepower. The Hybrid sedan could run on either or both power sources, depending on driving conditions, and did not require plug-in charging.