2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE CVT
01/22/2007
Shahed Hussain
The last generation Altima was an unqualified hit for Nissan, but the Accord and Camry are still far ahead in sales. Altima customers are different from Camry and Accord buyers, valuing style and performance as high priorities. With its gracefully arced roofline and signature jet-like taillights, the Altima is arguably the most distinctively styled midsize family sedan. Nissan's newly updated VQ35 now cranks out 270-bhp, which makes the Altima 3.5 SE the most powerful car in its class and the most powerful sedan in Nissan's lineup. An optional CVT replaces the previous 5-speed automatic. A 6-speed manual is available if you want to shift for yourself.
Nissan offers the Altima with a straightforward set of option packages designed to bundle popular features together. As enthusiasts we would select the $24,000 Altima SE equipped with the 6-speed manual, rear spoiler ($360), and add Vehicle Dynamic Control plus full-size spare ($900) for a grand total of $25,645 (including $615 destination). Our tested Altima cost $30,715, equipped with the Premium Package with XM(R) satellite radio ($4,400), splash guards ($130), and floor mats & trunk mat ($170).
With its striking exterior styling, the Altima is without peer among family sedans. The Altima's clean profile, flared wheel arches, and 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels are pure sport sedan. Dual stainless steel exhaust tips poke out of the lower rear fascia, while the prominent clear lens taillights are more eye-catching than ever. Nissan did play it safe by not altering the basic design of the Altima, while cleaning up the styling. A casual viewer may not notice the subtle changes, but the new model shares no panels with the previous Altima. The Altima turns heads and grabs attention on the road.
Although overshadowed by the stunning exterior design, Nissan clearly paid close attention to the Altima's interior design, build quality, and materials. The sweeping dash has tight trim fits, with low gloss soft plastics, and attractively grained surfaces. Softly padded door armrests are appreciated on longer drives. Cupholders in the door panels and the center console have room to store up to four drinks for front passengers.
A 4-spoke perforated leather steering wheel integrates audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls on each side. The central 160-MPH speedometer is flanked by an 8,000 RPM tachometer on the left, and fuel and temperature gauges on the right. As part of the interior redesign, Nissan abandoned the individual instrument pods used on the previous Altima. To the right of the steering column is a round pushbutton to start the engine. This button replaces a conventional ignition key. Push once to start the engine; push again to stop. Push once more to turn on the accessories. The engine will keep running as long as the key fob is close to the car (inside or outside). At the top of the center console, a trio of round chrome-rimmed vents echoes the auxiliary gauge layout from the 350Z. Immediately below is the Bose(R) 6-CD audio system. With a standard XM(R) or Sirius(TM) satellite radio, MP3/WMA capability plus a line-in jack for an external MP3 player, the audio system should keep most music fans satisfied.
Polished metallic trim on shifter bezel and on the lower console adds some contrast to the predominantly dark gray interior. A large storage compartment on the lower console includes a 12V outlet. An additional 12V outlet is inside the center CD storage bin between the front seats. Large knobs for the dual climate controls are conveniently located just above the storage compartment. An amber LCD on each temperature control knob shows the selected temperature for each front seat occupant.
Nissan offers a choice of cloth or leather seating, although not all option packages are available with cloth upholstery. Our tested Altima SE had the optional heated leather seats, which offer just the right amount of bolstering and support for long distance comfort. Although the driver's seat has 8-way power controls, the front passenger must make do with manual controls for reach and rake adjustments. Entry to the rear seats requires passengers to dodge the downward slope of the roofline. Once situated, occupants will find commodious rear seat accommodations, but the hard, flat cushions of the center seat position is simply uncomfortable. Like many 5-passenger sedans, the Altima is really better suited for four occupants.
The 15.3 cu. ft. trunk is roomy, and extends deep into the passenger compartment. The small opening limits the size of objects that can be hauled inside the trunk. For extra long objects, the 60/40 split rear seats can be folded down. To prevent theft, a switch inside the locking glove box controls trunk access from the vehicle interior.
A review of the Altima would be remiss without a discussion of its superb 3.5L V-6. Although the standard 2.5L I-4 is a perfectly capable, the V-6 is a better match for the Altima's sporty looks. The latest iteration of the VQ35 (270-bhp @ 6,000 RPM) has an additional 10-bhp and torque increases to 258 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 RPM. Despite a refined exhaust note at idle and on the highway, the V-6 has a subdued burble noticeable with each throttle blip. Even at full throttle, the VQ35 never sounds harsh or strained. Boot the gas pedal, and the Altima SE shoots off the line with ease. From a comfortable 80 MPH cruise, the Altima will rush into triple digit speeds with no fuss.
Nissan realizes that for some enthusiasts, there is no substitute for a manual; but for most drivers caught in urban commutes, the optional CVT is a painless alternative. This unobtrusive transmission never "jerks" like a manual, and is smoother than the most advanced conventional torque converter automatics. A manual mode offers six "speeds" to simulate a stepped-ratio automatic (the selected "gear" is shown on an instrument panel LCD), but the CVT electronics are so sophisticated that the shift-for-yourself mode is rarely needed. The CVT will select the appropriate engine RPM depending on the throttle position. Feather the gas pedal, and the engine will stay around 1,500-2,000 RPM for optimum fuel economy. Mash the throttle, and the engine will surge to just above 4,000 RPM for faster acceleration. There is just a slight lag as the CVT "downshifts", comparable to a standard automatic.
With all that straight-line performance, superb braking performance is essential. All Altimas are equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes: 11.7"/11.5" diameter F/R. ABS is optional on 2.5L models. Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) are standard. The brakes are powerful enough to haul the Altima down from 100+ MPH speeds with confidence. Firm pedal feel and fade-free stops allow the driver to exploit the intoxicating power of the V-6 with minimal risk.
Base Altimas get a choice of 16-inch alloy or steel wheels with P215/60R16 Continental ContiProContact tires, while V-6 models get P215/55R17 Bridgestone Turanza EL400 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. A performance tire option on 6-speed Altimas would be appreciated, but we suspect that most enthusiasts so inclined will probably buy aftermarket wheels and tires anyway.
When Nissan redesigned its D-Platform for the Altima, enhanced chassis stability was clearly a priority. Even in crosswinds, the Altima tracks straight, and holds its line around curves with surprising composure for a FWD sedan. Torque steer is negligible, barely felt as a slight wheel tug accelerating from a stop. Bumps and potholes are absorbed with no fuss or kickback from the moderately weighted steering. Road textures are filtered through the fat-rimmed wheel, perhaps a bit too much for some enthusiasts. Steering feel is rather subjective, so it's difficult to please everyone.
Overall, the 2007 Altima is an impressive update of Nissan's popular family sedan. Some may argue that it breaks no new ground stylistically, but we suspect that the Altima's core buyers will be more than pleased with the design. Nissan carefully addressed the Altima's weaknesses with a much improved interior design, minimal torque steer, and of course, even more exotic taillights. The solid chassis and enhanced handling are sure to impress current owners, as well as new customers. The combination of its newer platform, superior power and a choice of 6-speed manual or CVT makes the Altima SE an obvious enthusiast's choice. Will the Altima convert Accord and Camry buyers? Probably not, but Altima customers want a sporty and stylish alternative to the Accord and Camry, which is exactly what Nissan has delivered.