5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I'm looking at the '07 Camry LE and the '07 Altima 2.5S. After a test drive of each I can't decide (my current car is such an old POS that anything feels like a Rolls Royce in comparison).
If you looked at both cars, what made you pick the Camry? (Or the Altima, as the case may be.)
Well I dont think you should base your decision to buy a car on someone else's experience. Everyone has their own reason and they might vary greatly when compared to yours. But anyway:
1) Toyota is a much better product than Nissan ... hands down. There is no disputing
2) I have lost a lot of repect for Nissan because now all their products look the same (i.e. the Sentra and Altima now look like mini retarded versions of the current Maxima)
3) The new Altima is a wannabe 07 Camry based on the new specifications (although I do kinda like the new interior of the Altima but IMO the Camry still has the better interior)
You need to take into account: (1) overall cost of both vehicles, (2) options on both vehicles, (3) projected resale value of the vehicles, (4) warranty on the vehicles.
I have not seen the 2007 altima, so I am not sure if this is relevant, but when I was looking for a car in 2005, I drove the 2005 Altima SE and was unimpressed.
1. it only had a 4 speed auto, the camry had a 5 speed auto
2. the Altima let EVERY BIT of wind noise and road noise and engine noise into the passenger compartment, the camry did not
3. the altima was overall clunky feeling while the camry was smooth and refined
4. shifting was smoother on the camry
5. braking seemed weaker
I tried to imagine myself on an 8 hour trip in the Altima and the noise levels would have driven me insane. car noises irk me to no end.
I could have saved $3000 and bought an Altima. The Nissan dealer was giving it away at a loss, but in the end I paid more for the camry to have the level of refinement that I liked better.
I am sure the altima would be an ok car to get you from here to there, but I just couldn't stand how rough cut it was. Maybe this gives you some things to look for.
I agree with LunarMist but I must say, I have seen the new Altima and it does look pretty sweet with those dual exhausts. I'd still go with the Camry tho.
The fit/finish and interior materials of the Camry are head and shoulders better than the Nissan product. The gap tolerances inside and out are much closer as well and the coeffecient of drag for the Camry is .28 while the Altima's cD is .33...resulting in much less wind/road noise and better fuel economy.
Drive a 3 year old Altima and then drive a comparable mileage 3 year old Camry. The difference in wear at around 50k miles is astounding. Durability is one reason that Toyotas owners enjoy the resale value difference.
My previous car was a Nissan that I drove for 12 years. I had such a good experience with it that I really wanted another Nissan. I had planned to buy the 06 Altima but there was a problem with the engine burning through oil like crazy. Definately check that out if you are considering an Altima.
When my wife and I were shopping for a family car, we considered the Jetta, Maxima, Altima, Milan, and Camry. We visited a Nissan dealer to see the Altime and were simply not impressed by anything with the car, even the SE version. Same with the Maxima, we would have had to spend alot more money to get a Maxima that was worth anything to us. Seemed very generic in materials and finish. The Milan seened like we were sitting in a truck (high seats). And the Jetta finished number 2 because once we put the car seat in the Camry, quickly realized there's tons more room in the Camry. We did like the pinch protection and all the standard features on the Jetta but in the long end of it, it just wasn't big enough for our needs. The Camry took the prize and ended up in the driveway because the resale value, quality, and not to mention that we couldn't pass on an XLE for the same price as an SE with rear spoiler and 18's. Now the wife drives the Camry and I got the old Sentra.
When my wife and I were shopping for a family car, we considered the Jetta, Maxima, Altima, Milan, and Camry. We visited a Nissan dealer to see the Altime and were simply not impressed by anything with the car, even the SE version. Same with the Maxima, we would have had to spend alot more money to get a Maxima that was worth anything to us. Seemed very generic in materials and finish. The Milan seened like we were sitting in a truck (high seats). And the Jetta finished number 2 because once we put the car seat in the Camry, quickly realized there's tons more room in the Camry. We did like the pinch protection and all the standard features on the Jetta but in the long end of it, it just wasn't big enough for our needs. The Camry took the prize and ended up in the driveway because the resale value, quality, and not to mention that we couldn't pass on an XLE for the same price as an SE with rear spoiler and 18's. Now the wife drives the Camry and I got the old Sentra.
So you get to pick and drive the next car you guys purchase?
So you get to pick and drive the next car you guys purchase?
Hopefully but if not, that's okay with me, small sacrifice to know the family is safe. I still drive the Camry every chance I get, but I have the peace of mind that the wife shouldn't have any car troubles.
Maybe so, if they (Nissan) can't set up the website correctly to "sell" their cars, how well can the cars themselves be constructed. Makes one think a bit, doesn't it. I also found it intersting that Nissan can't quote the ground clearance on the Altima either.....it's being "researched"??
Do you have a source for your declaration that the info is incorrect?
Edit: Nissan still posts specs on their "2006" MY Altima on it's site!
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'07 Camry versus '07 Altima
Drove a 2006 and my son has a 2004. He likes my car better.
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