CAR
OF THE MONTH APRIL
2007 |
|
Not
Less is More 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE |
|
| |
| In
short: A value-inspired family sedan. |
The
same game is being played by all the car
manufacturers:
bigger is better. As new generations of similarly named
cars come to market, they offer more than their predecessors
and often have grown in size. Remember what happened to
the Honda
Accord, the Toyota
Camry, etc… For
the fourth generation Altima, Nissan might as well have come
up with an entirely new name since the auto is so different
from what it was a decade ago when it came to the U.S.
No longer the starter car in the Nissan line up, as it
has been replaced by the Versa, this edition affords itself
even more luxuries and sporty amenities. Sure, you can
get a base model for $17,950, but our fully loaded tester
added up to over 30 grand. Comparing it to other models
on the market, we still stand firm that the Altima is
loaded with value.
 |
 |
It
looks sharp, edgy and sporty with an aggressive stance
and distinctive front and rear lights. There is great space
distribution inside for all five passengers and a nicely
sized trunk. Interior finish and materials are of good
quality and the leather seats we had gave it a luxurious
feel. Get in with the Intelligent Key and start up the 6-cylinders
with the Push Button Ignition. Fill up the nine cup holders
and you are ready for a comfortable Sunday cruise with
the kids.
The
sport-tuned suspension, which proved useful on the winding
canyon roads, did not take away from a comfortable and
smooth ride. And thanks to the Xtronic continuously Variable
Transmission, we were able to alternately play rally drivers
or continue to observe the scenery for the leisurely drive.
Come across a patch of gravel and the traction control
system will kick in to save the precious cargo.
 |
 |
In
the tech department there is the convenient Bluetooth
hands-free phone system, a Bose developed audio system
with nine speakers, six disc in-dash CD auto changer
with MP3, WMA CD-ROM playback capability, and the very
enjoyable dual-zone automatic temperature control.
Rumor
has it a coupe version is not far behind. But if tax
season is taking a bite out of your budget, the Altima
could be a great cure, should you be in the market for
something that will be worth each of your
hard earned pennies.
Read
a review of the 2008
Nissan Altima Hybrid
and the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE
Warranty/Service: 3-year/36,000-mile
bumper to bumper; 5-year/60,000-mile power train; 3-year/36,000-mile
roadside assistance
QUICK
SHEET |
Base Price: $25,115/As Tested: $30,715 |
|
Technical
Specifications
|
Vehicle
type: front engine, front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Engine: 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 270 bhp @ 6,000
rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 4,400
Transmission: Continuously Variable
Curb weight: 3,447 lbs
Wheelbase: 109.3 in
Length/Width/Height:
189.8/70.7/57.9 in |
Brakes: ABS
Suspension: MacPherson strut (front), multilink
(rear)
Traction: traction control
Safety: front and rear airbags, tire pressure
monitoring system
0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds
EPA City: 22 mpg
EPA Highway: 28 mpg
|
|
Check
out other Nissan models
See
all of our Automobile Reviews
Visit
the Nissan website
PJW040207 |
(Updated
07/31/08 SCV) |
