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Portland OL s e r v e r
2007 Nissan Altima 2.5 S
by
K ytiii . kkn C arr
"Altima the Next Generation:
Evolution Without Substitution"
Nissan takes up the gauntlet in
the family-sedan skirmishes with a
redesigned Altima that looks great
and offers some fancy new gadge
try. Nissan engineers proclaimed
the targeted goal is creating "the
best performing front-wheel-drive
sedan in the world." This target has
eluded many auto manufacturers
over the years. However. Nissan
seems to have stepped up to the
challenge. The Altima is definitely
the “workhorse" of the Nissan se
dan fleet. Ify ouareoneofthe many
fans o f the Altima, the 2007 Altima
should dazzle you.
Starting with an all-new "D" plat
form, Nissan lowered the engine,
upgraded the front suspension
geometry and improved the shock
absorbers for better steering re
sponse and handling. The new
engine location provides a reduc
tion in torque steer, while a new
upper cowl structure provides in
creased rigidity at the front-sus
pension mounting points.
Nissan has been pushing CVT
technology for a decade. It feels
that the im proved efficiency and
sm oothness offered by this trans
m ission design represents the
wave of the future. The CVT (con
tinuously variable transm ission)
has "adaptive logic”, which keeps
the vehicle from unnecessarily
changing gears w hile going up or
down hills. The transm ission has
n o rm a l, sp o rt and e c o n o m y
m odes. It’s also desig n ed to
"learn " the d riv e r’s particular
driving style, so as to match shift
points to that style. N issan's ex
pects to sell one m illion CVTs
globally every year by 2008. If
they all work as well as this one,
I will happily contribute to that
number. Other technology fea
tures include a new speed-sensi
tive pow er-steering system and
im proved braking system with
f^Jortlanb ® h serti er
A u f o R e v ie w
lanuary 17, 2007
News and reviews on new motor vehicles
our car was equipped with dual
zone climate controls and the tem
perature knob has a slick tempera
ture display inside of the knob. The
interior feels more like a luxury ve
hicle. The 2007 Altima’s interior
can clearly stand toe-to-toe with
Accord and Camry cabins. Other
options include a nine-speaker Bose
audio system and a Bluetooth
hands-free phone system. Interior
design has long been N issan’s
Achilles heel, in our opinion. We
are pleased to see so much im
provement in the new Altima.
Nissan recognized the need to
SPECIFICATIONS: 2.5-liter, 16 valve 4-cylinder engine: 175 horsepower and 180 lbs. torque: 5-
maintain a product line made up
speed automatic with Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT); City - 2 6 mpg. Highway -
of moving targets, and the Altima
34 mpg: $23.540 MSRP.
has moved a few steps ahead.
The 2007 Altima has morphed
jagged and stretch farther toward sports car.
four-w heel discs.
Inside, there is a world of differ from being an affordable family
Nissan redoubled its efforts with the C-pillarthan before. The lower
the 2007 Altima. a car that’s slightly bumper wraps cleanly around, and ence in the new Altima. Nissan did car into a near-luxury sedan.
smaller in length than its predeces dual exhaust pipes are standard. its homework, and for this redesign There is so much to like about the
sor but offers more luxury, extra Revisions are less apparent in the wanted to "build on the strengths new Altima, from style and per
power and refined styling. The ex front. The grille includes a subtle and address the weaknesses” of formance to safety and efficiency.
terior has been made more sleek notch in the center that Nissan calls last year's model. The rock-hard The 2007 A ltim a is the next gen
and aerodynamic. The most notice its “T " shape. The 2007 Altima's plastics have been replaced with eration in evolution, providing
able exterior sty ling change is in the flared fenders and sculpted head leather and the i nterior controls have N issan q u a lity w ith o u t s u b
rear, where jeweled taillights are lights resem ble N issan's 35OZ alsoclearly improved. Forinstance, stitution.
H O M E O W N E R SH IP
U P G R A D IN G
D O W N S IZIN G
FIRST T IM E BUYER
IN V E S T M E N T
John Paris, Real Estate Consultant
6VI3SS Mocadum. Suite M S » I ’o r ila iid .< >K »7219
(503)890-1181
O ffice 503-698-6988
ACHIEVE THE DREAM!
State Farm1*’
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
Home Office. Bloomington, Illinois 61710
Michael E Harper
Agent
9045 SW Barbur Blvd. Suite 109
Portland, OR 97219
503 221 3050 Fax 503 227 8757
michael harper cuik@statefarm.com
Let me help you purchase
your next vehicle (new or used).
Five Generations Celebrate
A birthday celebration for Mae Dawson Rose o f Portland (front, left) brings together five generations o f her family, including
daughter Francetta Cross (back row, from left), granddaughter Pamela Elaine Miles, great granddaughter Natasha Love, great
grandson Rasheen Hudson and great great granddaughter Apple-Madisyn Rose Hudson.
Sisters Await a Loving Home
Kendra and Tristen are learning to be part of a
family that values respect, love and kindness.
They are giving and generous sisters, especially
when each feels their needs arc being met. Kendra
and Tristen would both love to be the apple of
adoring parents’ eyes.
Kendra has discovered sports, cooking and
animals. She struggles with herfocus, but isdoing
relatively well in school. She enjoys spending time
with friends.
Tristen has a complex personality. She craves
acceptance, but needs considerable assistance
Homebuying
Fair in Lents
Attend a HomcBuying 101 8 -
hour workshop in the Lents neigh
borhood on Saturday, Jan. 20 from
9a.m. to5 p.m. at Kelly Elementary
School, 9O3OS.E. Cooper.
This workshop is hosted by the
Lents Homeownership Initiative,
ROSE Community Development,
Portland Housing Center and Kelly
SUN Community School.
Topics include information you
need when looking to buy your first
home, preparing for the purchase,
steps in the home buying process,
the importance of a home buying
team, shopping for your loan and
your home, understanding the role
ofcredit, determining w hat you can
afford and protecting yourself from
predatory loans
There will be a materials fee of
$50, and scholarships are available
on a first come, first serve basis.
Pre-register by calling5O3-282-7744.
extension 101.
with social skills and appropriate self-expression.
Bal let classis a healthy outlet for her. as is cooking.
Counseling has been critical for these girls in
facing past abuse, as has a very structured home.
They would thrive in a household where they had
positive teenage role models - and certainly no
younger children to compete with.
These sisters are among the approximately 3<X)
Oregon children available for adoption through
the state, generally because of abuse and neglect.
For more information call 503-542-2392 or the
Department of Human Services at 1 -800-331 -0503. Kendra and Tristen, ages 11 and 10.
Email: Ttm@wilsonsdeal.com
(503) 550-3841
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Pick up registration from the Portland Observer
Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, 4747 NE M L K Jr. Blvd, Portland OR