Nissan has re-invented the Altima for the second time in its four generations. The Nissan Altima has been totally redesigned for 2007. It offers more performance, comfort, safety, economy, and better looks than last year's model. It looks more like the Maxima now. It's a couple of inches shorter on the outside, but has more room on the inside, including a spacious trunk. Fold-down rear seats allow the trunk to expand into the cabin for carrying big long things.

The object of the redesign was to bring the feel and power of a luxury car to this everyman's midsize sedan, and Nissan has succeeded, at least with the Altima model that has the V6 engine and all the options, including plush leather. There are still models with a four-cylinder engine, which offer good power and get 26 city and 34 highway miles per gallon.

The 3.5-liter V6 is a new engine generation. It makes 270 horsepower, more than what's available in other midsize cars (excluding turbocharged or expensive sports sedans), along with 258 pound-feet of torque. The price for that power: The V6 requires premium fuel and gets 22/28 mpg.

Another thing that makes the Altima stand out is its new optional CVT, or continuously variable transmission. It's the only automatic transmission available in this car, and it's a winner with its manual mode, which allows six speeds or ranges. A CVT improves gas mileage because there's less internal friction.

The handling is true, and the suspension is quite firm without ever being harsh. It inspires confidence. It's a match for rough pavement and is steady and predictable in extreme situations. The Altima also comes loaded with safety features.

An intelligent key comes standard in the Altima. This system enables the car to be started with the keys in your purse or pocket. This might be convenient for some, but it leads to new problems, having to do with the memory of the human brain and confusion of the car's electronic brain.