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Performance
The 2.5-liter engine in the 2007 Nissan Altima serves as the perfect example of how far four-cylinder engines have come. While it revs like a four-banger and lacks the silky refinement of some V6s, this widely-used powerplant provides plenty of giddy-up, and with the optional CVT at work, revs make sure all 175 horses are constantly at the ready. No need to qualify this one as “just a four-cylinder model.” Furthermore, drivers can have a bit of fun with the CVT’s manual shift function, which we used quite often during spirited operation and may have lead to the 23 mpg average we recorded after a week of driving.
Handling
If a weekend filled with curvy roads traveled at law-busting speeds is commonplace for you, the 2007 Nissan Altima probably shouldn’t be your first choice. This ample sedan exhibits noticeable squat and dive on starts and stops, and the suspension would disappoint drivers who seek athleticism in their rides, though it does better others in the class like the Toyota Camry. The Continental tires sacrifice grip for comfort, a feature actually appreciated when road bumps and highway irregularities are absorbed without fuss. To be sure, the Altima is an ideal commuter cruiser, aided by speed-sensitive steering that gains nice heft at higher speeds and brakes that are plenty effective, if a bit too grabby and difficult to modulate.
Visibility
Despite what some socially-conscious celebs may say, being seen <i>in</i> a car is not as important as seeing <i>out</i> of a car. Nissan recognizes this distinction, and provides the 2007 Altima driver with square side mirrors that lessen blind spots, thin A- and B-pillars for clear views forward and over the shoulder, as well as expansive side glass area. Even the rear pillars are relatively narrow, further eliminating those nasty blind spots. Rear visibility is hampered somewhat by the steep angle of the glass and small integrated outboard headrests.
Fun to Drive
Anyone piloting the 2007 Nissan Altima will likely characterize it as a pleasure to drive, and for non-enthusiasts, it may even be fun. There’s plenty of power, the CVT actually does an admirable job of maximizing the four-cylinder’s output (high praise coming from one who generally dislikes CVTs), and the steering is tight and fairly responsive. Add in the impression that the Altima is built for miles upon miles of commuter and family hauling duty, and you’ve got the makings of a great sedan, but not an extremely fun four-door for the occasional run to the backroads.
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