Ask the Car People.SM


Midsize Sedans Comparison Thread - READ ONLY

12297 messages,  Last post on Apr 13, 2007 at 12:55 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda MAZDA6, Ford Fusion, Subaru Legacy, Saturn Aura, Sedan

Messages Page 1146 of 1231

#11442 of 12297 2007 Altima 2.5S driving impressions by 03accordman

Feb 05, 2007 (10:32 am)

Just got back from a business trip; the local Hertz had a 2007 2.5S Altima listed as a special ($10 extra); I took the opportunity to rent it. Below are my driving impressions. To put things in perspective, I am a proud and happy 2000 Altima GXE owner (137k trouble free miles, parts changed - 2 batteries, tires, power window regulator at 130k miles, water pump at 133k miles, a few bulbs, thats all) and an ex-2003 Accord owner (sold it at 85k miles, very happy with this car too, no issues):
 
Impressions (Disclaimer - All opinions are IMHO)
 
Exterior: Evolutionary styling, I preferred the 2006 looks but this one is quite similar, so no issues there. Paint quality was good, as was external plastics/lense quality. Trunk was very spacious, with a beautiful carpet on the trunk floor, well finished. Looks from the front nice, rear lights a bit too elongated for my tastes.
 
Interior: The interior layout is nice with good instrumentation as well as an ergonomic armrest. Seats are quite comfortable, interior feels quite large and roomy. My major gripe with the interior is the execution, especially the plastic parts as well as the cheap cloth material used on the seats. The plastics on the doors are epecially pathetic, there were mold lines as well as sharp un-intended edges, looks like interior fit and finish has fallen well below the midsize average. The car had keyless start and it worked pretty well, you can just have the keyring in your pocket and the car will start. Cupholder finish was another issue, just not upto Nissan standards.
 
Engine/ride/CVT: The engine sound was good, ride and handling fairly sporty, keeping tradition and in general handling was good without being exceptional (I think size has a lot to do with the handling). The CVT was a major concern and a definite deal breaker for me. Guys, if you haven't driven a CVT, please do so before you decide, it is a very very different feeling. The car felt really slow (I am sure its not, in fact in instrumented tests its right up there) as soon as you give it gas, all that happens is the engine noise increases and not much happpens with regards to motion (feel wise). Its like a clutch slipping till the CVT catches on, a very disconcerting feel for me. I drove the car about 250 miles in 2 days, could never warm up to the CVT, IMO Nissan has screwed up this otherwise nice car with this abomination.
 
Overall, a decent effort, however I think in today's competitive market, the Altima will lose a lot of sales to the other contenders; I would pick a Sonata or a Fusion in a blink over this, leave alone the Accord.

#11443 of 12297 Re: there is just something about... [akirby] by tallman1

Feb 05, 2007 (10:43 am)

Replying to: akirby (Feb 05, 2007 8:10 am)
But have you ever been stuck in stop-n-go traffic for an hour?
 
All the time... that was my point. However, I agree that it is simply preference.
 
And I can't imagine my left leg going to sleep since I would be using it all the time.

#11444 of 12297 Re: Fusion crash test ratings [scape2] by akirby

Feb 05, 2007 (11:07 am)

Replying to: scape2 (Feb 05, 2007 9:22 am)
Where did you see this? I wonder what Ford did differently in the past year?
 
LINK
 
It's buried in the Edge/MKX press release (both got top safety picks). I read somewhere else that they modified the floor pan.

#11445 of 12297 Re: there is just something about... [tallman1] by akirby

Feb 05, 2007 (11:11 am)

Replying to: tallman1 (Feb 05, 2007 10:43 am)
It was from holding the clutch in while stopped for several minutes at a time. After that I started putting it in neutral. That wasn't the only reason I opted for an automatic but it was a factor as it is for many people. I plan to get a manual mustang convertible for weekend driving.

#11446 of 12297 Re: there is just something about... [akirby] by tallman1

Feb 05, 2007 (11:14 am)

Replying to: akirby (Feb 05, 2007 11:11 am)
Ah.... well holding the pedal in for any length of time is hard on the clutch so I never do that.

#11447 of 12297 Re: Fusion crash test ratings [scape2] by goodegg

Feb 05, 2007 (11:15 am)

Replying to: scape2 (Feb 05, 2007 9:25 am)
Wow - the 'face the music' comeback.
 
You're probably the only one on the planet that thinks the Fusion outclasses an Accord.
 
Whatever.
 
Check out the new Altima's interior. Its pushing Accord quality. Leaves the Fusion looking very old.

#11448 of 12297 Re: there is just something about... [akirby] by m1miata

Feb 05, 2007 (11:39 am)

Replying to: akirby (Feb 05, 2007 11:11 am)
You do know the Mustang has a very stiff clutch.
-Loren

#11449 of 12297 Re: Fusion crash test ratings [leadfoot6] by m1miata

Feb 05, 2007 (11:47 am)

Replying to: goodegg (Feb 05, 2007 11:15 am)
Fusion looks OK. I may test drive one. I drove the V6 Accord, which is one perfect engine and very confident ride. In ten years time, I would imagine that the Accord will be tighter inside and out. Would like to see how the handling of the Fusion is when compared to Accord. Style wise the Fusion is fresh, as it is but two years of age, the butt is a bit high and the tail lights trim is a little strange. Overall it is nice. The Milan is nicer. Then there is the Accord, which is a classy and long lasting simple flowing lines design -- looks good. The Coupe looks great and comparable to a Z or G35. Before buying a Ford, I will have to convince myself that the company will be around after the borrowed money is spent at Ford. Also gotta test the Aura XR, Accord with a 4 cylinder, and a couple three other cars.
-Loren

#11450 of 12297 Re: there is just something about... [m1miata] by akirby

Feb 05, 2007 (11:53 am)

Replying to: m1miata (Feb 05, 2007 11:39 am)
I don't care because I won't be driving it in stop-n-go traffic every day. Weekends and fun days only.

#11451 of 12297 Re: there is just something about... [tallman1] by jlindh

Feb 05, 2007 (12:14 pm)

Replying to: tallman1 (Feb 05, 2007 11:14 am)
Actually, holding the clutch pedal in is hard on the clutch release (throw out) bearing. The clutch is disengaged at this point.

Messages Page 1146 of 1231

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement