Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

2007 Nissan Altima 2.5 S Road Test

Get the best interest rate
Khatir Soltani
Refinement over revolution
Before the new generation 350Z sports car, audacious Titan pickup, reformed Maxima, or the rest of a revitalized premium Infiniti lineup, Nissan flung its first arrow in their quiver of vehicles nearly six years: the prescient Nissan Altima. A car that hinted at Nissan's turnaround product agenda by offering more room, more performance and more style than the competition.

The Altima was the first to show the new image of Nissan's line up.

That 2002 Altima may have set the revolutionary tone for Nissan's then future, now present vehicles. But when the last generation Altima was looked at with a cold, critical eye, it was obvious where Nissan spent their money (engines and styling), and where they didn't (interior and a front-end that had a predilection to torque steer).

So when it came time to do the next gen front-wheel-drive Altima sedan for 2007, Nissan wisely built on the previous model's successes and addressed its noted shortcomings.

A gas-electric hybrid Altima will arrive at Nissan dealers this spring, and a 3.5-litre 270 horsepower V6 gas engine is available. But the bread-and-butter Altima Nissan will be this four-cylinder Altima 2.5 S, starting at $24,398.

Improved interior
Inside the new Altima's driver instrumentation and centre console display are clearer and have a more refined application in both materials and panel gaps than the last model.

Thin plastics have now been replaced with more substantial petrochemical materials, and some are even soft to the touch. The standard cloth covered front thrones in the 2.5 S test car were both comfy and supportive, and the tilt and telescopic steering column was appreciated for its accommodating ways.

Nissan's bold claim
In addition to making the inside of the car more upscale, Nissan has publicly gone out of its way in proclaiming the engineering target with this new Altima was to create "the best performing front-wheel-drive sedan in the world."

To back up this bold intent, the Altima's body rigidity was increased with its wheelbase becoming shorter by almost 25 millimetres, yet keeping the interior volume as before.

The newcomer offers plenty of room for both front and back occupants.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada