Review
Introduction
The fourth-generation Altima, introduced for the 2007 model year, has been a solid success for Nissan, with nearly 300,000 finding buyers this past year. That makes it the third-bestselling mid-size car, ahead of anything produced by Ford, General Motors, or Chrysler. An Altima took second place in our most recent mid-size-sedan comparo, trailing only the Honda Accord.
The Altima comes in two body styles: sedan and coupe. The coupe is available with a 175-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a powerful 270-hp V-6, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission that effectively functions as an automatic. The sedan has the same powertrain choices but adds a gasoline-electric hybrid that mates an electric motor with a 158-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
Verdict
The Altima sedan is a roomy and somewhat sportier alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, which have been the major players in the mid-size-sedan market for years. The V-6 Altima in particular is very fast in a straight line. The 2007 model added some much-needed interior upgrades, although the cabins still look a little gloomy. The coupe is fun to drive and is an attractive alternative to the Honda Accord coupe.
Click here to read our latest comparison test involving the Nissan Altima.
Click here to visit our buying guide for the Nissan Altima.
What's New for 2008
The Altima coupe was introduced in the summer of 2007 as a 2008 model. It rides on a four-inch-shorter wheelbase than the sedan, at 105.3 inches. Overall, it is 7.3 inches shorter in length at 182.5 inches and sits 2.6 inches lower in height at 55.3 inches. Although the running gear is essentially the same as the sedan’s, the coupe shares only its hood with the four-door—all the other body panels are unique.
For the rest of the range, changes are relatively minor. All Altima sedans add standard splash guards and available XM satellite radio, and the 2.5 and 3.5 models get standard anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution.
