2007 Nissan Altima: Part family sedan, part hooligan

LINK: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=110046

The Altima is arguably the most important Nissan product of the last decade. If you go back a mere 10 years and look at Nissan circa 1996 you'll see a company struggling to survive in the North American market. The Z was about to die. The "premium" products coming out of Infiniti were lackluster at best, and nothing in Nissan's future portfolio indicated a turnaround was anywhere on the horizon.

Fast-forward to the New York auto show — spring of 2001. Nissan rolls out an all-new Altima that offers more interior space, more horsepower and considerably more attitude than the former family sedan benchmarks from Honda (Accord) and Toyota (Camry). Can you say "shift-paradigm"?

Fast-forward another five years to spring of 2006. The Z-car is back, there's a full-size Nissan Titan challenging the domestic trucks, and the Infiniti G35 is openly threatening BMW's 3 Series. Yet the Altima's claim to fame remains the most impressive of them all: It is among the top five best-selling cars in the U.S.

Nissan obviously hopes to continue, and even build upon, the car's success with an all-new 2007 Altima. We were lucky enough to road test an early production model before the 2006 New York Auto Show unveil, and we have a solid picture of how the redesigned Altima will fit into this ultracompetitive segment.

All-new from the platform up Starting with an all-new "D" platform, Nissan lowered the engine, upgraded the front suspension geometry and improved the shock absorbers for better steering response and handling. The new engine location allows the half shafts to be mounted at equal angles to reduce torque steer, while a new upper cowl structure provides increased rigidity at the front-suspension mounting points. The rear suspension continues to use an independent, multilink design and antiroll bars are mounted at both ends of the car.

Base Altimas utilize 16-inch steel wheels with 215/60 tires, but 17-inch alloys wearing 215/55 tires are available on the 3.5 SE models. The 3.5 SE also features a sport-tuned suspension and larger antiroll bars. Much of the 2007 Altima's improved rigidity comes via the use of high-strength steel throughout the platform, as well as a 1-inch-shorter wheelbase. Despite these structural gains the new model is only 55 pounds heavier than the current car.

With a proclaimed engineering target of creating "the best performing front-wheel-drive sedan in the world," we had rather high expectations for the new Altima. What we got was a noticeable uptick in steering feel and feedback and an overall sharper, more nimble car. The improved front suspension tuning, along with the new speed-sensitive, power rack and pinion steering system, provides a precise and linear steering response that rivals the class leader in this area — Honda's Accord.

Drivetrain developments Adding to the Altima's fun factor is a more powerful 3.5-liter V6. Final SAE horsepower figures have yet to be released, but expect the peak number to come in around 265, a 15 horsepower increase over the current model's V6. Reduced internal friction and improved cylinder head cooling contribute to the increase in horsepower while also providing a more refined engine note. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder gets a bump in compression ratio, an improved balancer system and a larger intake manifold, but final numbers for this engine are similarly pending.

More impressive than either engine is the new Xtronic CVT. This is the same unit found in the Murano SUV, but it has benefited from an upgraded "Sport" controller that uses adaptive logic to adjust shift patterns under varying conditions.

As a rule we haven't been too impressed with CVTs, but our brief experience in the Altima suggests this technology is finally ready for prime time. While technically not "shifting" at all, this CVT made the most of both the four-cylinder and V6 engines' power and torque. When rolling into the throttle, or climbing a hill, the CVT allowed the engines to rev quickly and build power before executing a simulated — and very positive feeling — "upshift."

Nissan has been pushing CVT technology for over a decade. It feels the improved efficiency and smoothness offered by this transmission design represents the wave of the future. The company expects to sell 1 million CVTs globally, every year, by 2008. If they all work this well we'll happily contribute to that number. Buyers still not sold on the merits of CVTs can select a six-speed manual transmission for either engine.

It's what's on the inside that really counts While we appreciated the 2007 Altima's structural and drivetrain improvements, I think everyone can agree on where this car really needed a redo: interior quality. As paradigm-shifting as that 2002 Altima was, it never threatened the segment leaders in terms of cabin environment. For this redesign Nissan wanted to "build on the strengths, address the weaknesses" of the current model.

Tapping on the new Altima's dash and door panels confirmed Nissan did its homework. The previously rock-hard plastics have given way to…well, supple plastics. Seat leather and interior controls are also clearly improved. It's not like you'll confuse the Altima's interior with an Aston Martin's, but the car can finally stand toe-to-toe with Accord and Camry cabins.

For instance, our test car was equipped with dual-zone climate controls and the temperature knobs had a confident, weighty feel as we turned them back and forth (also a slick temperature display inside the knobs). The gauge cluster and radio displays have a significantly brighter and more polished appearance, and the available Intelligent Key system allows for push-button engine starting.

Other options include a nine-speaker Bose audio system and a Bluetooth hands-free phone system. Of course there's still that Nissan-esque folding door over the storage pocket at the base of the center stack. But the one on our test car actually worked smoothly without feeling like it was about to break off in our hand.

It's also worth noting that although Nissan shortened the car's wheelbase by 1 inch during its redesign, the Altima's total interior volume remains the same. This was accomplished by reworking the firewall location and trunk layout, yet trunk space remains about the same.

All-new car, same old mission Nissan wants the 2007 Altima to be among the top three selling cars in the U.S. Beyond the improvements listed above, the company will add a hybrid model during the winter of 2007 as part of its goal. These enhancements will probably maintain the Altima's standing in the market, but with an all-new Camry (and Camry Hybrid) hitting showrooms, along with increasing pressure from upstarts like Hyundai and Mazda, getting Altima on the sales podium will be an uphill battle.

Nissan doesn't appear concerned, however. The Altima has been part of uphill battles before.

LINK:
With a proclaimed engineering target of creating "the best performing front-wheel-drive sedan in the world," we had rather high expectations for the new Altima.

I wonder if they would care to take on a GP GXP on a long road course? Or a Cobalt SS supercharged coupe?

Lutz has been known to call out people before it would be quite interesting if he did here!

BTW Robert when are you going to admit you work for Nissan? And I am totally serious that I am just curious.

They are nice, the lack of an insertable key drives me nuts though for the ignition. I do not like the idea of just turning a knob.

BTW Robert when are you going to admit you work for Nissan? And I am totally serious that I am just curious.
If you have a problem with me than I suggest you take it up with Jason or Chris.

Who I have worked for, do work for or will work for is my own concern and none of your business.

The Z-car is back, there's a full-size Nissan Titan challenging the domestic trucks, and the Infiniti G35 is openly threatening BMW's 3 Series.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Who I have worked for, do work for or will work for is my own concern and none of your business.

It is if you come here to promote a product. Which you do quite frequently.

It is if you come here to promote a product. Which you do quite frequently.
Then take it up with Jason or Chris....until they say it's your business, it isn't.

Ladies... can we keep the drama out of it? thx

I don't know whats more lame. A guy working for Nissan trying to promote his brand on a Camaro website, or this article proclaiming the Altima as some kind of automotive icon. Nothing says hooligan like a CVT transmission.

I don't know whats more lame. A guy working for Nissan trying to promote his brand on a Camaro website....
If you believe anything I've posted is out of line or inappropriate then report it; in the meantime, if my posts bother you, you aren't obligated to read them.

If you've got a problem with the article, feel free to take it up with the author.

The Automotive News/Future Vehicle Discussion section has posts that pretty conver just about every nameplate and vehicle made, even Nissan.

Definitely sounds like a nice, refined car. I'm not sure where the hooligan part comes into play though. Even though it appears to have a nice powertrain in the works, I really doubt I'll see them tearing up the strip or autocross.

I wonder if they would care to take on a GP GXP on a long road course? Or a Cobalt SS supercharged coupe?

Why would they take on a cobalt ss COUPE????:confused:

It's a sedan!!! And their goal was to be the best performing SEDAN!


GXP vs. Altima on a road course would be interesting.

Nothing says hooligan like a CVT transmission.

This made me laugh openly.

Why would they take on a cobalt ss COUPE????:confused:

It's a sedan!!! And their goal was to be the best performing SEDAN!


GXP vs. Altima on a road course would be interesting.

Yeah I thought about that but really GM could easily put the SS Supercharged components onto a sedan. I guess it isn't a true comparison but the Ion Redline is quite sedan like having 4 doors.

Our CVT's are very nice indeed! They do take a little getting used to tho I will admit. All of our cars are switching to CVT's by the way. If you want a 4speed auto get one of the early Versa's because they will no longer have them as an option in a few months.

Our CVT's are very nice indeed! They do take a little getting used to tho I will admit. All of our cars are switching to CVT's by the way. If you want a 4speed auto get one of the early Versa's because they will no longer have them as an option in a few months.

The Titan and the Clown Shoe...

...lead me to believe Nissan is entirely staffed with idiots.

"Nice" and "CVT"...

...confirmed it once and for all.

Yeah I thought about that but really GM could easily put the SS Supercharged components onto a sedan.they should.:alert:

"Nice" and "CVT"...

...confirmed it once and for all.

Well. . . I don't know if you've ever driven one. . .

But, I own a Murano, now for 2 years, with 30k hard miles on it, and I love the CVT. It's smooth and the Murano pulls hard at any speed. I enjoy driving it.

Too bad GM didn't have anything competitive in the mid size SUV segment.

Mike

But, I own a Murano, now for 2 years, with 30k hard miles on it, and I love the CVT. It's smooth and the Murano pulls hard at any speed.



I had a Murano as a rental and that thing pulled hard......never. It was so slow getting off the line and seemed as though it would need an additional 50 ft-lbs to get decent off-the-line- acceleration. The Envoy was much more entertaining to drive and mover out much better.

I had a Murano as a rental and that thing pulled hard......never. It was so slow getting off the line and seemed as though it would need an additional 50 ft-lbs to get decent off-the-line- acceleration. The Envoy was much more entertaining to drive and mover out much better.

maybe I should re-phrase that.

It pulled hard at any speed. . . other than ZERO. It is pretty sluggish from a dead stop. Otherwise, it pulls well for an SUV. . . and handles as well as a TBSS, and brakes awesome. So, I'd have a hard time seeing where an Envoy is more entertaining.
ahh well. . . to each his own.

My point was, I'm *very happy* with the CVT. I think it'd be an awesome tranny to put into a ~2400lb sports car. Program the CVT to have a sport mode so there's engine braking. . . and it'd have a similar feel to a direct drive transmission, and you'd always be in the powerband.

Mike.

Well. . . I don't know if you've ever driven one. . .

But, I own a Murano, now for 2 years, with 30k hard miles on it, and I love the CVT. It's smooth and the Murano pulls hard at any speed. I enjoy driving it.

Too bad GM didn't have anything competitive in the mid size SUV segment.

Mike

CVT - yes, driven them. YAWN.

Murano - pulls "hard"...

The only way to get a Murano to accelerate "hard" is to drive it off a cliff.

CVT - yes, driven them. YAWN.

Murano - pulls "hard"...

The only way to get a Murano to accelerate "hard" is to drive it off a cliff.

Gonna have to agree with PacerX. I like driving the murano because it's smooth but not because it pulls hard.

at least it still comes with a 6sd manual.

I don't know whats more lame. A guy working for Nissan trying to promote his brand on a Camaro website, or this article proclaiming the Altima as some kind of automotive icon. Nothing says hooligan like a CVT transmission.

Dude, this section says Automotive news/future vehicle discussion. It doesnt say "future GM vehicles" so any news on any brand of car, so long as its new or up and coming is welcome. There are many brands aside from GM, Ford and Dodge you know...I suggest you read up on them and see why the big 3 is in the pits. More competition would mean better cars for GM to release.

Yeah, but I think Mr. Nashville is well aware that mentioning Nissan around here is like sticking a hand-grenade in a hornet's nest.

The GM product that 'lines-up' the best with the Altima is probably the Pontiac G6 -- and comparisons probably won't be that favorable for the home-team. Both Mazda and Nissan seem be beating Pontiac at their "We Build (FWD) Excitement" game.

The GM product that 'lines-up' the best with the Altima is probably the Pontiac G6 -- and comparisons probably won't be that favorable for the home-team. Both Mazda and Nissan seem be beating Pontiac at their "We Build (FWD) Excitement" game.

I'd agree with that statement. I don't think the G6 is setting the world on fire. Needs some pizzaz, and more motor.

Almost everytime I see some redesigned car come out with CVT, they priase it as being the best CVT out there. Then, they go one to say that the technology has finally come around.

I know 3 people who own / have owned current generation Altima's.

Each and every one of them have had a powertrain issue that caused the cars to stutter on acceleration, and eventually stall completely. 2 of the 3 owners got stranded and had to be towed because the vehicle would not restart.

I understand all vehicles have their issues, but this one really stands out to me, being that it is a 3-for-3 on a personal basis. And, it is something I would consider serious, and dangerous if it occurred in the right (ie: wrong) traffic conditions.

Almost everytime I see some redesigned car come out with CVT, they priase it as being the best CVT out there. Then, they go one to say that the technology has finally come around.
CVTs are definitely making inroads into the automotive world. The change is not unlike the transition from a time, 30 years or so ago when virtually everything had a manual transmission and automatics were found only on big luxury cars to today when only a tiny percentage of cars are sold with manual transmissions.

CVTs will probably never be welcome or desired among the enthusiasts crowd but the general public (who, after all, keep the GMs and Fords of the world in business) seems to like them.

Yeah, but I think Mr. Nashville is well aware that mentioning Nissan around here is like sticking a hand-grenade in a hornet's nest.

The GM product that 'lines-up' the best with the Altima is probably the Pontiac G6 -- and comparisons probably won't be that favorable for the home-team. Both Mazda and Nissan seem be beating Pontiac at their "We Build (FWD) Excitement" game.

I think the Saturn Aura would compare better with the Altima, or maybe Malibu SS. Aura has a high power HF V6 and 6 speed auto and definately has Euro style. It may be slightly larger but I don't know for sure.

The Titan and the Clown Shoe...

...lead me to believe Nissan is entirely staffed with idiots.

"Nice" and "CVT"...

...confirmed it once and for all.


What is wrong with the Titan? And what are you calling a clown shoe? All of our SUV's and trucks are very nice. They all have lots of power and all our customers love it.

We own a Murano as well and yes it is a dog, but it is very smooth and the brakes are awesome.

I dont see what the deal is with bashing Nissan. We had an 04' Camry or Coralla in and I dont see what anyone sees in Toyota. The interior was so boring and bland. It reminded me of mid 90's crappy everything plastic interiors.

What is wrong with the Titan? And what are you calling a clown shoe? All of our SUV's and trucks are very nice. They all have lots of power and all our customers love it.

We own a Murano as well and yes it is a dog, but it is very smooth and the brakes are awesome.

I dont see what the deal is with bashing Nissan. We had an 04' Camry or Coralla in and I dont see what anyone sees in Toyota. The interior was so boring and bland. It reminded me of mid 90's crappy everything plastic interiors.


http://picsorban.com/upload/catvsbabyheaduh9.gif

Ok I do find that GIF rather funny but what the hell is your point?

Ok I do find that GIF rather funny but what the hell is your point?

You are the toddler in the above .gif

Do a search.

The turdness of the TiTaN has been discussed to death, and here's a clown shoe for you:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/PacerX/ClownShoe.jpg

I liked how you changed the GIF to a different one. Maybe you should explain your reasons instead of posting stupid pictures.

ZROC86,

You might as well not bother yourself with this discussion - it's a waste of time.

There are some on this board who hold the opinion that if GM didn’t produce it then it’s not worth discussing – for them, the world begins and ends in Detroit and they will bash anything non-GM and especially if it’s from the east and very especially if it’s Nissan.

Some do it out of stupidity; some out of jealously, some out of hate and some simply out of childishness but the end result is the same and the equation that applies for these folks is ‘GM = good” and “everything else = bad”.

You’ll also find, in the opinion of these self-appointed "expects and defenders of GM", that every automotive magazine and every automotive journalist and every automotive related organization is engaged in a vast conspiracy to ruin GM – citing any of these sources in a post to support your position will bring down the wrath of these folks because these sources are always “wrong” (unless they say GM is great and/or agree with the conventional wisdom).

Those who hold such opinions as described above should either be patted on the head and sent off to bed, as one would a child, or perhaps best of all, ignored completely.

Robert, I agree. I personally used to not like Nissan like everyone else probably for the same reasons. I have been a tech for a year now with Nissan and have come to realize that they are one of the best brands out there. The Altima is one of the top 5 selling cars in the US. I just want to know why eveyone knocks them down. They have quality. They may not have the best MPG but Nissan has always been a performance type devision and according to most people on here that is what is important not gas mileage. I know arguing is not going to get me anywhere here but I have seen it over dumber things.

It's a little Nissan cabal... how nice!

Oh look its a one dimensional "expert".

The interwebnet is a magic thing...

Amazingly, I managed to find a picture of you two at the last 350Z owner's rally:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v299/PacerX/1372_image.jpg

The guy in the background on the right is the chief engineer for Nissan powertrain.

I think you posted the wrong picture. Last I remember that is you and your cousin.

Seriously you go from being biased to immature.

I think you posted the wrong picture. Last I remember that is Bobby and his cousin.


Fixed it for you. :)

And then PacerX proves my point perfectly; does anyone need a better example of jealously, hatred, and childishness than what he just provided?

The man who proudly proclaims that he owns a ricer bike (Japanese sport bikes being where the term ricer originated, after all) then turns around and derides all things “rice” and with such great and thoughtful retorts like this wonderful picture. :lol:

This is now becoming way off topic...

To Robert: Ignore the kids and continue posting informative stuff (GM or non-GM related)....

All of our SUV's and trucks are very nice. They all have lots of power and all our customers love it.

We own a Murano as well and yes it is a dog, but it is very smooth and the brakes are awesome.



Do you see the irony in what you just wrote?


As for the other post calling Nissan a performance division, give me a break. One sporty car doesn't balance that equation out.

Furthermore, I question whether anyone calling the new altima a "hooligan" has ever driven one...

Robert, I agree. I personally used to not like Nissan like everyone else probably for the same reasons. I have been a tech for a year now with Nissan and have come to realize that they are one of the best brands out there. The Altima is one of the top 5 selling cars in the US. I just want to know why eveyone knocks them down. They have quality. They may not have the best MPG but Nissan has always been a performance type devision and according to most people on here that is what is important not gas mileage. I know arguing is not going to get me anywhere here but I have seen it over dumber things.

I don't think you can put Nissan and high quality in the same sentence. The Altima does pretty well but if it wasn't for the VQ I doubt they would even be mid-pack. Do I need to mention the Quest?

ZROC86,

You might as well not bother yourself with this discussion - it's a waste of time.

There are some on this board who hold the opinion that if GM didn’t produce it then it’s not worth discussing – for them, the world begins and ends in Detroit and they will bash anything non-GM and especially if it’s from the east and very especially if it’s Nissan.

Some do it out of stupidity; some out of jealously, some out of hate and some simply out of childishness but the end result is the same and the equation that applies for these folks is ‘GM = good” and “everything else = bad”.

You’ll also find, in the opinion of these self-appointed "expects and defenders of GM", that every automotive magazine and every automotive journalist and every automotive related organization is engaged in a vast conspiracy to ruin GM – citing any of these sources in a post to support your position will bring down the wrath of these folks because these sources are always “wrong” (unless they say GM is great and/or agree with the conventional wisdom).

Those who hold such opinions as described above should either be patted on the head and sent off to bed, as one would a child, or perhaps best of all, ignored completely.


first off I like Nissan...second your GM=good and everything else=Bad..yes sure its a Camaro board..its like being in Yankee Stadium and being a Red Sox fan..your going to get heckled...and backing it up with reason and long logic is not going to get you anywhere here..

and last..
that every automotive magazine and every automotive journalist and every automotive related organization is engaged in a vast conspiracy to ruin GM
You really dont think so??? Auto press have been so negative to Detroit since the 90's they have been kicking them while they were down for a long time..cus it the was in thing to do...and if you never thought that Im sorry..they deserved it when Detroit made crappy cars..but not anymore..

I have been a tech for a year now with Nissan and have come to realize that they are one of the best brands out there.

No offense, but if you work for Nissan, of course you're going to have that opinion.

Even though I too find it a bit funny to call the Altima a "hooligan", in the end, this board is for all automotive discussion. If you're not interested in Nissans, why click the thread?

As for the other post calling Nissan a performance division, give me a break. One sporty car doesn't balance that equation out.

Furthermore, I question whether anyone calling the new altima a "hooligan" has ever driven one...
Historically, Nissan has always put performance ahead of gas mileage; whether you consider any of their cars "sporty" or not isn't the point.

As for the Altima, I wonder how many you've actually driven? That aside, since I know you haven't driven an '07 yet, just what is the basis for your opinion??? :confused:

As I said to someone else a few posts ago, if you've got such a problem with the article why don't you take it up with the author; the direct link to the article has the guy's email address...have fun!

No offense, but if you work for Nissan, of course you're going to have that opinion.

Even though I too find it a bit funny to call the Altima a "hooligan", in the end, this board is for all automotive discussion. If you're not interested in Nissans, why click the thread?

Well the only reason I started with Nissan was for a two month internship that I needed to graduate. The reason I stayed is because I ended up likeing the brand. I have the opinion I do because I have been around the product and know the product, not based on my internet ego opinoin.

And as far as one performance car. SKYLINE, SILVIA, 240SX, all of the Z's, 200SX. Nissan has been about performance its entire life.

Put it this way they are like Chevy in Japan. According to you Chevy's rule and are a true performance brand right? Nissan is really like this in Japan being one of the first performance oriented devisions. Sure Toyota had the Supra, but what else?

And as far as one performance car. SKYLINE, SILVIA, 240SX, all of the Z's, 200SX. Nissan has been about performance its entire life.

Put it this way they are like Chevy in Japan. According to you Chevy's rule and are a true performance brand right? Nissan is really like this in Japan being one of the first performance oriented devisions. Sure Toyota had the Supra, but what else?


Thats going pretty far to prove a point and actually Chevy is considered the blue collar brand that anyone can step into..Pontiac is supposed to be the "performance" brand but thats besides the point.. and the cars mentioned the Skyline and so on..the thing with Chevy and not talking about GM is they have 4 times that amount of performance cars over the years..even now from the vette all the way down to the cobalt SS..they have more performance product that Nissan..and thats just chevy..
and the other statement about "chevy's rule" well hate to throw it back at you but thats what your tying to say to us about nissan..and like said before...if your at Fenway park and a yankees fan your going to get the comments your getting now..even if the team (car) is better they still suck..

But back to comparing Chevy to Nissan you cant..Nissan just has to take care of Nissan and Infinity..where Chevy is part of a bigger group of GM..now if said group was the same size..well you might see somethign that blows the doors off of everything out there..but you gotta give some ofthat to Pontiac in the GXP's and the GTO's, Saturn in the Redline and the Sky's, Buick with the Lucerne and the Enclave, GMC and the Denali and Sierras, Caddy with the V series and the everything from that..Hummer..nuff said..and Chevy..and they got an inpressive line up too..
Not saying Nissan is a bad car actually love the Pathfinder, and loved driving the G35 sedan we had for our wedding..But to tought and then say "well you dont work for them you dont know" well if the shoe was on the other foot..

first off I like Nissan...second your GM=good and everything else=Bad..yes sure its a Camaro board..its like being in Yankee Stadium and being a Red Sox fan..your going to get heckled...and backing it up with reason and long logic is not going to get you anywhere here..

and last..

You really dont think so??? Auto press have been so negative to Detroit since the 90's they have been kicking them while they were down for a long time..cus it the was in thing to do...and if you never thought that Im sorry..they deserved it when Detroit made crappy cars..but not anymore..
Well, just because the "crowd" chooses to ignore logic and reason and would rather make their "points" by doing things such as posting pictures and attacking people personally (either directly or indirectly) doesn’t mean their behavior is acceptable nor does it mean that everyone else has to get in the gutter with them. Being passionate about "their brand" is fine, doing so at the cost of ignoring all rational thought is not, IMO.

As to the magazines, no I don't think so…as I said in another thread:

“…I just don’t buy into the belief system that every automotive publication and every automotive journalist is part of some grand conspiracy to attack and diminish anything domestic.

There is bias in everything and while you may well find bias in what is clearly opinion about a particular vehicle, much of the testing data displayed in publications are from independent testing firms with no particular axe to grind and/or provided by the manufacturer itself.”

Most of my problem with people citing the grand automotive press conspiracy is that those very same people who will call a particular magazine or journalist “biased” when he writes something they don’t like will turn around in another thread and cite the very same publication/author when they say something they agree with.

What I was trying to proove in my last post was the Nissan has performance and always has. I was never trying to proove that Nissan is BETTER than any other devision. All I was ever trying to do was to show that Nissan is a quality brand with performance and style and has a real quality product. I also wanted to know WHY people do not like the brand. Which has yet to be explained.

Well, just because the "crowd" chooses to ignore logic and reason and would rather make their "points" by doing things such as posting pictures and attacking people personally (either directly or indirectly) doesn’t mean their behavior is acceptable nor does it mean that everyone else has to get in the gutter with them. Being passionate about "their brand" is fine, doing so at the cost of ignoring all rational thought is not, IMO.

Exactly. The arguement with Pacer started because of this. He did nothing to try and make his point logical and rational. Instead he posts pictures and attacking people doing nothing to explain his point.

and like I stated with the baseball analogy...

you walk into the home teams stadium you not going to get anything but what your getting...you can put as much logic rational thought behind your responses but the point is your wearing the other teams jersey..cant ignore the fact..
Now here is the way I stand..like I said I like Nissan..would I buy brand new...no..If soemthign used came along that was in decent shape I would take it..like I said my mom drives a pathfinder and its a great SUV.
The only auto I would buy brand new is an American companies, and not cus of this or that and the cars or parts are made here or there or Canada the things built in Australia or mars..the end result is that I am buying from a company that was created here in the U.S. and finacially the money goes back to a company thats in the U.S. not to a company overseas..I am supporting the home team..and like I said with the baseball thing it sums it up again..the parts or (players) might be from everywhere to make the team a good one but the fact is the home office and management (owners) are in the same city your in, not the visiting team..

and like I stated with the baseball analogy...

you walk into the home teams stadium you not going to get anything but what your getting...you can put as much logic rational thought behind your responses but the point is your wearing the other teams jersey..cant ignore the fact..

This isn’t a baseball game we are talking about; this is a discussion forum…a place for the exchange of ideas and opinions and that’s especially true of the “Automotive News/Future Vehicle Discussion” section.

And as I said, passion for one’s “home team” is fine; even a good thing, but passion fueled by blind loyalty, positions based on a total lack of independent thought (and sometimes a lack of any though at all) or opinions based on what a company used to be (and isn’t any more) deserver to be called into the light of day and exposed for what they are.

Not every “non-GM” article or the journalists who writes it or the vehicle it's talking about deserve to be derided by those who have never had an independent thought nor do those who post such articles in this forum deserve to be derided and personally attacked simply for posting them – if such postings or the vehicles they discuss are so hated by some here then perhaps they should just not read them and let those who want to carry on some real discussion do so.

This isn’t a baseball game we are talking about; this is a discussion forum…a place for the exchange of ideas and opinions and that’s especially true of the “Automotive News/Future Vehicle Discussion” section.

.... and the web site happens to be labeled CamaroZ28.com. Just about every forum available here is associated with a GM product/model/motor/club etc. Folks here are pretty receptive to just about anything.

With your trend of posting negative articles and speak of GM and promotion of Nissan as the holy grail, one can come to a "logical" conclusion with a majority of members here being enthusiasts of the Camaro and other GM products, thus a predominately GM site, are not going to agree with your pro Nissan stance, thoughts, or perceived logic.

Flip the coin. For a GM fan go into a predominately Nissan site, posting thoughts and criticisms of Nissan, and promoting GM brands, models, features benefits, do you really think this scenario would be welcome and supported in open arms? There's some simple logic there and it should be a clear indicator of the expected acceptance to such.

Respectfully….

Robert you know ill agree with you when your right and tell ya when your wrong. but this is a pro gm site and that cant be confused. we all have no problem about you posting something new and innovative going on at Nissan its interesting to hear whats new and innovative in the automotive world but we don’t want to hear about ever single time nissan does something like update a car. if i wanted to hear about up and coming Nissan i would go join a Nissan forum.

i have told you in the past that you shouldn’t be so shocked at the response to your pro Nissan stance and while i respect you liking them suggested you tone it down a bit for this site. sometimes i wonder if you just post these things to rile up the crowed.

Robert I mean no disrespect by what I said you’re a good guy and stick to the facts in a conversation. Im just saying I wouldn’t keep siting there poking a sleeping lion with a stick.

Derek/GRN,

I appreciate your comments.

Frankly, I’m not asking or seeking anyone to “agree” with me…if they do that’s fine, if they don’t, that’s fine too. Honest debate does not require agreement. I don’t know that I post things to "rile up the crowd" – I do often post things in hopes of generating real discussion and debate; maybe that’s just an unrealistic expectation???

For the record, I don’t have a problem with people posting thoughts and criticisms of Nissan whether made here or on a “Nissan site” but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect that there be some thought underlying the posts. What I do have a problem with (on a “Nissan site” or this one), are inane or puerile comments based on hatred, bigotry or just plain childish thought processes (or sometimes, lack of any thought process). Such comments deserve to be taken to task.

I’m not sure what “negative articles” you are referring to unless you mean the financially based ones. I post what’s being reported. Finances are what they are; I can’t help it if they aren’t good news for GM right now but people should not ignore them just because they don’t paint a rosy picture.

As has already been said in earlier posts in this thread, this is the Automotive News/Future Vehicle Forum; and it is not just for GM vehicles only; if that isn’t the case then one of the admins need to jump in here and say otherwise. Until then, if people don’t want to read about information on vehicles other than GM vehicles then perhaps they should simply not read them or stick to other sections that are, obviously, intended for only Camaro/GM.

Before we get completely off topic, I posted this article about the new Altima because 1) It is in the “top ten” of vehicles sold in the US, and 2) The next generation will play a significant role in Nissan’s success or failure in the US over the next few years (just as did the generation it’s replacing did).

Given that, some people might like to know about the Altima…certainly people who care about the automotive industry as a whole ought to have at least some interest even if they would never buy one for themselves (as I never will); those who aren’t interested can remain uninterested.

Robert you know ill agree with you when your right and tell ya when your wrong. but this is a pro gm site and that cant be confused. we all have no problem about you posting something new and innovative going on at Nissan its interesting to hear whats new and innovative in the automotive world but we don’t want to hear about ever single time nissan does something like update a car. if i wanted to hear about up and coming Nissan i would go join a Nissan forum.

i have told you in the past that you shouldn’t be so shocked at the response to your pro Nissan stance and while i respect you liking them suggested you tone it down a bit for this site. sometimes i wonder if you just post these things to rile up the crowed.

Robert I mean no disrespect by what I said you’re a good guy and stick to the facts in a conversation. Im just saying I wouldn’t keep siting there poking a sleeping lion with a stick.

This thread was started to show the new generation of Altima. Not just some update. If you dont want to read about it dont click. And according to that why is there even a forum for GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE NEWS if what is posted about other Manufacturers isnt liked? That is why this part of the board is here.

This thread was started to show the new generation of Altima. Not just some update. If you dont want to read about it dont click. And according to that why is there even a forum for GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE NEWS if what is posted about other Manufacturers isnt liked? That is why this part of the board is here.

listen i have no problem about hearing about new and up coming nissans but you know what there have been more posts on here lattly about nissan then there is gm. like i said if i wanted to hear about nissan i would go to a nissan forum. i have no problem hearing about new nissans hear and there thats great. i wouldnt dare go to a nissan forum and post up gm stuff non stop or every little time gm did something.

by the way it does not say general automotive news it says AUTOMOTIVE NEWS not general.

I don’t know, GRN…maybe this is where you and I differ but in the dark ages (before the internet was used outside of academia and the military) I read just about anything I could get my hands on when it came to the industry; I “concentrated” on makes like Pontiac and GM in general but I read a lot..all that I could…because I love cars and I love the industry and what’s happening in the industry no matter who’s nameplate is on a particular vehicle.

I guess it’s partly out of that background that I tend to post a lot about non-GM stuff in this forum; I guess I assume, perhaps incorrectly, that people who care about cars and the industry can see beyond the “GM” logo and want to know what’s happening even if it isn’t a GM vehicle.

Yes I do get drawn into some very long and sometimes very heated discussions defending Nissan’s at times but that has more to do, as I said above, with responding to inane and asinine comments made by some and it's difficult to sit on the sidelines and let truly stupid comments go unchallenged. :) However, that doesn’t mean I so one-sided as to think that Nissan is perfect or that every Nissan vehicle is perfect.

I don’t know, GRN…maybe this is where you and I differ but in the dark ages (before the internet was used outside of academia and the military) I read just about anything I could get my hands on when it came to the industry; I “concentrated” on makes like Pontiac and GM in general but I read a lot..all that I could…because I love cars and I love the industry and what’s happening in the industry no matter who’s nameplate is on a particular vehicle.

I guess it’s partly out of that background that I tend to post a lot about non-GM stuff in this forum; I guess I assume, perhaps incorrectly, that people who care about cars and the industry can see beyond the “GM” logo and want to know what’s happening even if it isn’t a GM vehicle.

Yes I do get drawn into some very long and sometimes very heated discussions defending Nissan’s at times but that has more to do, as I said above, with responding to inane and asinine comments made by some and it's difficult to sit on the sidelines and let truly stupid comments go unchallenged. :) However, that doesn’t mean I so one-sided as to think that Nissan is perfect or that every Nissan vehicle is perfect.


oh its not big deal i find my self some what biased and i love to hear about new performance vehicles out there weather there gm or not but i dont want to hear about camarys, sentras, focuses. i though the skyline thread was great so maybe my problem is so much nissan its non performance orientated.

and i do read about other cars non gm although i haven’t been doing my home work lately

and as people bashing my car well i dont think i would keep my mouth shut to and i understand that and i have no problem with you thinking nissan is perfect or not to each his owe.

If that is the case why are you in here reading about the littlle ole' non performance Altima? Personally my beef isn't with you. You have been defending your side and opinois with rational thought basically just for our little discusive argument we have goin on here. Mine was with Pacer X's childish picture posting. I still havnt heard WHY people dislike Nissan so much. That was my question from the beginning.

i personally dislike there styling except with the 350z the altima isnt bad either. and i dont think the rest of there cars are bad but my freind has a ton of problems with his sentra

Yeah I can see what ya saying about the styling. I didnt like at first either. I really like the new Altima rear and I am not sure about the front since it looks like the Maxima used to. I am waiting to see it in person. January is to see a 350Z refresh at Detroit I believe. What type of problems with the Sentra? Some of those can be great and others a pain.

Yeah I can see what ya saying about the styling. I didnt like at first either. I really like the new Altima rear and I am not sure about the front since it looks like the Maxima used to. I am waiting to see it in person. January is to see a 350Z refresh at Detroit I believe. What type of problems with the Sentra? Some of those can be great and others a pain.

2 radios, wheel bearing, its spits gas at him when he is filling up and has a code for the evap system, he has a few other minor probs with it.

This isn’t a baseball game we are talking about; this is a discussion forum…a place for the exchange of ideas and opinions and that’s especially true of the “Automotive News/Future Vehicle Discussion” section.



yea ideas an opinions..the idea was to use the analogy of a baseball team for the opinion you have of waving the Nissan Flag in a GM site...reguardless of what forum its in..

Historically, Nissan has always put performance ahead of gas mileage; whether you consider any of their cars "sporty" or not isn't the point.

As for the Altima, I wonder how many you've actually driven? That aside, since I know you haven't driven an '07 yet, just what is the basis for your opinion??? :confused:

As I said to someone else a few posts ago, if you've got such a problem with the article why don't you take it up with the author; the direct link to the article has the guy's email address...have fun!

That's my bad on the Altima, I've driven the 07 Maxima about 50 times and the two somehow slipped together in my mind. Lack of sleep on that one. Is it the same CVT as they use in the Titan? If so, then my statements still stand.

That's my bad on the Altima, I've driven the 07 Maxima about 50 times and the two somehow slipped together in my mind. Lack of sleep on that one. Is it the same CVT as they use in the Titan? If so, then my statements still stand.
The Titan??? No CVT in the Titan; the only transmission that's ever been available in the Titan is a five speed auto.

For that matter, no CVT in any of the trucks or SUVs (except the Murano).

The CVT has been making it through the Nissan/Infiniti line for a few years now and at this point, is available (sometimes standard/sometimes optional) on all the cars except the Z. I believe it's also at least available on most of the Infiniti line.

yea ideas an opinions..the idea was to use the analogy of a baseball team for the opinion you have of waving the Nissan Flag in a GM site...reguardless of what forum its in..
The point I was trying to make about the analogy and why I didn't feel it worked was that at a baseball game is all about one thing; beating the other team...there is no place for discussion or reason or an exchange of ideas nor is there suppose to bt; it's strictly a competition; nothing more and nothing less.

A forum, on the other hand is supposed to be exactly that; a place to discuss and exchange information; even argue; even to agrue with passion. However, all that can be done without personally attacking someone just because some one doesn't like someone elses opinion. In fact, keeping it above the personal attacks is the only way you will have a real exchange of meaningful ideas and opinions.

The point I was trying to make about the analogy and why I didn't feel it worked was that at a baseball game is all about one thing; beating the other team...there is no place for discussion or reason or an exchange of ideas nor is there suppose to bt; it's strictly a competition; nothing more and nothing less.
.
same could be said about the auto industry..beating the comeptition..and the
"strictly a competition; nothing more and nothing less." many could say the same thing about cars..and its just something to get you to point A to point B..and they dont care if its made by Caddy or Chery...there is more to any buisness..and Baseball is more than just a competition..just like the car biz.


A forum, on the other hand is supposed to be exactly that; a place to discuss and exchange information; even argue; even to agrue with passion. However, all that can be done without personally attacking someone just because some one doesn't like someone elses opinion. In fact, keeping it above the personal attacks is the only way you will have a real exchange of meaningful ideas and opinions.
and again this is the internet..GM board and you work for the so called "enemy"...and yes the easy way to say it is "you suck" but the thing is some people are just that simple...and thats the level your going to get from them..and seeing it on your level they will never do..but Ican tell you one thing this may be a GM foavored board..but you cannot tell me there is not better automotive news on this forum than any other board..

and again this is the internet..GM board and you work for the so called "enemy"...and yes the easy way to say it is "you suck" but the thing is some people are just that simple...and thats the level your going to get from them
You can assume whatever you wish but assuming doesn't make it so - as I've told others in this thread, who I have worked for, do work for or ever will work for is not anyone's business but my own.

Yes, this is the internet but the anonymity of the internet doesn’t give license to people to be rude, idiotic a--holes as some have been - just because some are on “that level’ doesn’t mean their ridiculous or insulting comments should be allowed to stand unchallenged.

The article that started this thread was over 6 months old.

I guess we could go back and post all the first drive articles that Edmunds has written over the past year . . . .

The Titan??? No CVT in the Titan; the only transmission that's ever been available in the Titan is a five speed auto.

For that matter, no CVT in any of the trucks or SUVs (except the Murano).

The CVT has been making it through the Nissan/Infiniti line for a few years now and at this point, is available (sometimes standard/sometimes optional) on all the cars except the Z. I believe it's also at least available on most of the Infiniti line.

Gal darn it, I'm just worn out. I meant Murano....jeez. The CVT is the same deal though between models, in other words the Murano and Altima share identical transmissions?

by the way it does not say general automotive news it says AUTOMOTIVE NEWS not general.

Since you guys wanna be so technical about it, I think the admin should make 2 separate threads. One for Non-GM Automotive News and another for GM Automotive news so that there would be no more confusion...unless you guys just totally wanna ban non-GM cars from this site....

Since you guys wanna be so technical about it, I think the admin should make 2 separate threads. One for Non-GM Automotive News and another for GM Automotive news so that there would be no more confusion...unless you guys just totally wanna ban non-GM cars from this site....

Automotive news about anything should be fine here. But when someone posts a really old article... well, I think the question about whether he works for Nissan is fair. He doesn't have to answer. But there's no need to get defensive.

After all, people who don't want to read about Altimas can skip the tread easily enough.

When I first clicked on this thread, I thought that it was maybe a new test.

You can assume whatever you wish but assuming doesn't make it so - as I've told others in this thread, who I have worked for, do work for or ever will work for is not anyone's business but my own.

Yes, this is the internet but the anonymity of the internet doesn’t give license to people to be rude, idiotic a--holes as some have been - just because some are on “that level’ doesn’t mean their ridiculous or insulting comments should be allowed to stand unchallenged.

and I stand corrected and if thats how you feel about your work and who knows about it. Thats fine with me but like said about the internet on the other side of the monitor you get someone that says "hey that guys working for Nissan but wont admit it..he suckes anyways";) know what Im saying..

and the license to be a tool..ehhh you get that with everythign you deal with..internet, work, friends, family...basically life..and thats how people deal with arguments..and you gotta ignore them..and the thing that got me is you repeated in diffrent ways the " If you have a problem with me than I suggest you take it up with Jason or Chris."
me personally thats like the guy (!! NOT YOU!!) whos the little dweeb in the office that stands there with his hands on his side and does somethign his co owrkers dont like and he redirects it to the management..to me man I was like wow..your free to write whatever you want here..thats the beauty of this forum..but you get the good bad and ugly on here also..and thats just my observation..like I said no one know the person on the other side of the screen..its just going by what they type and that can be misread by many diffrent people..especially if they have blind loyalty..to anything..

Caps94ZODG,

I hear you. :)

The reason I've said "take it up with Jason or Chris" is simply that the question of who I work for is irrelevant; it’s also become a VERY tired and old issue.

It’s also obvious that the only reason it’s important to some is because they are either intellectually incapable of carrying on a true dialogue or too lazy to do so and are looking for an easy and very shallow way to dismiss anything I say that they don’t agree with rather than actually support their points and opinions.

I’ve also started to refer such people to the admins because the question simply isn’t an appropriate question unless the TOS is going to be changed. I’m as qualified and have as much right to be a member and a contributor to this board as anyone here…to the best of my knowledge, no one here is required to publicly reveal their name, address, employer or any other personal detail…nor is it required that members be old enough to hold a DL let alone own or have ever owned an F-body or any other GM vehicle.

Hundreds of sub-industries touch if not outright depend on the automotive industry but an individual is an individual and unless he is a formal spokesperson for his/her company, then who that individual works for is simply not information that anybody should be required to give nor should what they have to say be slammed simply cecause the information or opinion isn't liked.

Automotive news about anything should be fine here. But when someone posts a really old article... well, I think the question about whether he works for Nissan is fair. He doesn't have to answer. But there's no need to get defensive.

After all, people who don't want to read about Altimas can skip the tread easily enough.

When I first clicked on this thread, I thought that it was maybe a new test.
I'm sorry if there was any confusion; I realized the article wasn't “brand new” and I wasn’t trying to deceive anybody – I thought the subject was pertinent now both for the reasons I cited a few posts ago and because the subject of the article is just now going on sale.

Gal darn it, I'm just worn out. I meant Murano....jeez. The CVT is the same deal though between models, in other words the Murano and Altima share identical transmissions?
:)

I honestly don’t know if they are identical; they may be. Safe to say the basic technology is at least very similar. CVT technology seems to be something Nissan engineers have latched onto and really believe in; and that they keep working on and improving.

How widely CVTs will be accepted by the public or how sturdy they’ll be in the long term is pretty hard to say. As I said in an earlier, it’s somewhat like the transition that happened when automatic transmissions were “new” and just making inroads into more and more models until we’ve reached the point where only a small percentage (something like only 3% or 4% if memory serves) of all new cars sold have standard/manual transmissions today.

As far as weather or not the CVT's between models are the same, yes and no. The CVT in the Murano is just a standard CVT built to fit that vehicle. Same goes for the Sentra and Versa, just a standard CVT. Now the new Altima and Maxima and this may be optional on the Sentra get the Xtronic CVT which is a sport version of the CVT. It has an optional auto stick feature like the previous Altima but is programed with sportier gear ratio points.

Now your probably wondering, Gear ratios? In a CVT?. Yes the CVT's still have "gear ratios". Each can be programed with any amount of ratios for the belt and pulley system to go to. Such as with the auto stick feature if you down shift you will down shift to that gear ratio say from "4th" to "3rd". I believe ours have 4 or 5 forward speed ratios and then the reverse ratio. Now the transition between these is where the Continously Variable comes in.

The belt is actually a chain that pushes the pulleys not pull them. I thought that was rather interesting.

I also got some time with our new Altima today! I didn't get the chance to drive it but I did play with it. The interior quality is far beyond the previous car. Its all new. Everything. The push button start is really nice and gives it a real cool factor. The Altima also has a monitor to monitor the battery life in the I-Key. The I-Key, for those that dont know, is the key fob that allows you to enter and start the car without having to take your keys out of your pocket or purse. It will put up a warning on the screen and there is an I-Key Port that you can put the I-Key in and it will alow you to start the car if the battery dies in the fob. Now in the Altima you can NOT start the car with out actually having the key fob present. In the Murano, Maxima, and the Versa you can insert a key into the ignition to start it. Those cars also do not have the battery life monitor. Back to the Altima, the trunk is huge! I also noticed the changed the headlights so they are not so much like the old Maxima. Now the headlamps with the HID Projectors may look different. And the taillights are really cool.

Sorry for the long post but I wanted to explain the CVT and give my impressions on the new car since this is the first we got them in.