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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2007 Nissan Altima

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Nissan Altima

Overview

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2007 Nissan Altima Review

By KBB.com Editors

When Nissan redesigned its midsize sedan for 2002, it turned out as big as the "flagship" Maxima. Because that Altima has sold strongly, Nissan kept the 2007 redesign evolutionary, concentrating on improvements. Lower engine mounting, for instance, aims to cut "torque steer" to near-zero. Either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) may be installed with the four-cylinder or V6 engine. This CVT, Altima's first, provides a kickdown comparable to regular automatics. Shift modes provide normal, economy and sport operation, with no strange "rubber band" sensation. A gasoline/electric hybrid sedan will arrive soon, followed by an Altima Coupe.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like CVTs as well as a choice of four-cylinder or V6 power, the Altima is an appealing, sportier contender when compared to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Anyone who values firm control on winding and challenging roads, without a loss of ride comfort, should appreciate the merits of the Altima's taut suspension—especially the sport-tuned setup of the 3.5 SE.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Naturally, if you simply cannot get used to the gearless operation of a CVT, the Altima isn't likely to appeal to you unless it has a manual transmission—though the kickdown feature makes the CVT feel more like a conventional automatic. Reducing the availability of anti-lock braking (Nissan offers it as standard only on V6 models, and not available at all for the base 2.5 sedan), is an unfortunate choice that several automakers are making lately as a cost-cutting measure.

What's New for 2007

Slightly smaller in this fourth generation, Nissan's midsize sedan can have an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) for the first time. Striving for the best-performing front-wheel-drive sedan in the world, Nissan claims to have addressed perceived weaknesses of the 2002 through 2006 models, including interior quality, noise levels and steering effort.

Driving the Altima

Driving Impressions Seriously substantial, each Altima model demonstrates superior handling capabilities coupled with a satisfying ride. In 3.5 SE form with manual shift, it's especially enjoyable on twisting roads. A beautifully-behaved clutch...

adds to the pleasure, though the shifter is a bit vague. Although the taut suspension yields greater body motion on imperfect surfaces, ride comfort doesn't suffer. The four-cylinder sedan also blends ride comfort with adept handling. You hardly notice lesser bumps, and Altimas make quick work of deeper ones. Even the four-cylinder delivers exuberant energy with only moderate engine noise. As expected, Nissan's CVT performs with satisfying smoothness.

Favorite Features

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Nissan has taken the lead with CVTs, which have been produced since 1992, though not installed in U.S. vehicles until more recently. For the Altima, the CVT benefits from a passing kickdown feature as well as a choice of three modes, and the CVT-equipped sedan accelerates without excessive engine noise.

Sport-Tuned Suspension (3.5 SE)
With its tauter suspension and undeniably sporty control, plus excellent steering characteristics, the V6-powered Altima 3.5 SE performs masterfully on twisty two-lane roads, offering fine road feel and connection to the pavement.

2007 Nissan Altima Details

Interior

Seat cushions in the "high-hospitality" interior have been lengthened and offer good thigh support. Seatbacks are taller, but back support isn't quite up to par. Especially with leather upholstery, you may sometimes feel as if you're about to slide downward. Front occupants can stretch out comfortably. Abundant glass translates to super visibility and a low cowl permits expansive views ahead. Gauges are basic, but easy to read. Doubled in volume, the glovebox is now deemed "jumbo-size," because no part of the air conditioner is behind it. A new dual-pivot brake pedal promises normal "feel" at both low and high speeds.

Exterior

Built on an all-new "D" platform, the Altima rides a wheelbase that has shrunk by nearly an inch. Overall length is 2.5 inches shorter than the 2002 through 2006 models, and windshield pillars have moved forward. In its 2007 form the sedan's "stance is still aggressive," according to Nissan, but in a slightly smaller size. In consideration of the car's many new features a shorter wheelbase was needed to keep weight down, but Nissan claims the Altima offers "the same room inside." Wheel arches are considerably more pronounced. Taillamps were reworked, but have kept the basic look of the prior generation. Body rigidity has improved, too.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Even in the base 2.5 trim level with a four-cylinder engine and stick shift, the Altima includes power locks, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, "Intelligent Key" with a pushbutton start feature, a split-folding rear seat and 16-inch tires. Three additional trim levels are offered: Four-cylinder 2.5 S (with SL package available), plus the 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL. The 2.5 S adds air conditioning and a CD player. Sport-minded drivers can choose the 3.5 SE, which includes a sport-tuned suspension, V6 engine, power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 17-inch alloy wheels. Curtain-type and seat-mounted airbags are standard. Anti-lock braking (ABS) is standard with V6 models, but optional for four-cylinder models (except the base sedan). Traction control is standard with the V6, and upper models may be fitted with optional Vehicle Dynamic Control.

Optional Equipment

A navigation system with Real-Time Traffic information is available. Additional options include a RearView monitor, Bose-developed nine-speaker audio, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system, XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio and heated front seats. High-intensity discharge headlamps are offered on V6 Altimas.

Under the Hood

Nissan's fourth-generation 3.5-liter V6 generates 270 horsepower (up 20) and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder develops 175 horsepower. Both engines can work with either a six-speed manual gearbox or Nissan's continuously variable transmission (CVT), which incorporates 700 algorithms and a kickdown feature and offers a choice of three driving modes. A gasoline/electric Altima Hybrid sedan goes on sale early in 2007.

2.5-liter in-line 4
175 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
180 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/35 (manual), 26/34 (automatic)

3.5-liter V6
270 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/29 (manual), 22/28 (automatic)

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2007 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 865 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.2/10

Most comefortable car I have ever owned

By Jessy (FL) on Thursday, July 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,604

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, drivability"

Cons: "passanger seat is manual"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Just came home after a road trip of about 3,400 miles. I never tired nor did my back hurt from all the hours of driving. The 4 cylinder engine has enough pep to get out of its own way while entering highways and more to spare. Back seat is comfortable for our adult friends. Back seat also accepts child car seats easily. I have been very pleased with this car and would not hesitate to recommend it."

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Unhappy with paint job.

By Jack on Monday, July 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "High price,enjoy driving."

Cons: "7cup holders different sizes."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"When I picked up the it was overcast and unable to see scratches over the entire body, also the owners Manuel has false information, except for the aforementioned I am very satisfied with the car and the service of the dealer."

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5 years old and still runs like a top

By rudy (CO) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Reliable-MPG-CVT"

Cons: "None worth saying"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I picked up an old friend for lunch last week and when he got into my car, he asked if it was new. I had not seen this guy for over six months, but he had been in my car several time in the past 5 years. The point is, that this car looks and rides like new. I do take very good care of it, but I am very impressed with this car. Not one problem major or minor for the almost five years I have owned it. For the price, just a good solid middle of the road four door family sedan. I plan on getting a 2014, maybe. the competition is tougher now. The Fusion and Mazda 6 are nice rides. I won't buy an Accord or Camry, I am not that old yet."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Mostly satisfied

By Altima 2.5 S Reviewer on Wednesday, June 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Ride, Acceleration for a 4 CYL., cabin room."

Cons: "Cold engine noise, CVT hesitation."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"This vehicle is of good value for the money. I bought it used with 34K on the odometer and it has ran well since then. My overall MPG is 31 and I believe my highwway MPG to be around the mid 30's. However, the engine/CVT combo took some getting used to. The engine does sound like a diesel when cold and it will tick until warmed up under acceleration. I did a lot of research on that issue and the noise is due to engine design and solid lifters. I ran Pennzoil Platinum and Mobil 1 filter for 4K and had a near perfect used oil analysis which indicated much less than average wear for the vehicle. So I guess I somewhat confirmed that the noises are not detrimental. I also had the CVT hesitation TSB performed for free from a local dealer. That was nice but it still hesitates and drops in RPM at approximately 30 MPH but I guess occurs less frequently. This is my first Nissan and overall things are fine. The ride is quiet and comfortable and the cabin is roomy. There are just some things to get used to with a new manufacturer."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Overall very good vehicle at great value

By Sam (PA) on Saturday, June 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great all-around sport sedan"

Cons: "master cylinder/braking fair"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I am very happy to own this vehicle. It does many things very well and has many great attributes with only a couple weaknesses. The car is a good family car with plenty of room and comfort; yet it is also definitely sporty with the strong 3.5 L V-6 engine. Other sporty features include sleek body, fog lights, manual shift gate, VDC stability control, and dual exhaust. The car is fun to drive aggressively or on normal roadways. This car also has excellent technology features even though it is now 5 years old. It has rear-backup camera, satellite radio, navigation, auto-diming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, push-button start, intelligent key, bluetooth, and many voice activated commands. Considering it is a V-6, I find it to get good though not super, gas mileage. I have averaged 24 mpg in mixed driving. 28 mpg on the highway is realistic, as this car does have the CVT transmission. The car looks good, is comfortable, has great technology that works well, and is generally fun to drive. An additional strong point is that the Altima is a popular model in general and this trim line in particular is in higher demand, so the residual values have held up very well for this vehicle. I note 2 weaknesses in this vehicle; it could be more firmly planted and the steering is a bit sensitive, also the dealer did not seem at all surprised when I needed the master cylinder replaced at only 30k miles. It was still under warranty fortunately, but I think Nissan had to issue a recall for this deficiency. In general for most people, this car does many things very well and would fit most people's needs very well."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Strong 2.5 Motor, Strong Value

By HAIL (KS) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Very Strong and quiet Engine, Very Fuel Efficient"

Cons: "Wish it was leather for its high class"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"+ Sporty 2.5 Engine + Quieter then its rival competitors on Road and when Idle + Great Gas Millage 28 City / 34.5 HWY (70MPH) + Comfortable and Roomy interior and Large Truck + Larger Fuel Tank then other sedans + Very Quick Acceleration and Option to Switch to Sport manual Shifting + Very Dependable Car + You cant go wrong with Altima/Accord/Camry they are all Japanese built only difference in your preference + This car is like Cash in your pocket, you can sell it anytime you like"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 865 reviews