Some acts are impossible to follow, and so the redesigned 2007 Nissan Altima arrives with a bit of a thud, lacking the visionary design and thrilling performance of the outgoing version of the automaker’s midsize sedan.

Aiming to once again capture lightning in a bottle, the all-new 2007 Nissan Altima supplies added refinement, improved efficiency, and upgraded safety to family-car buyers looking for a little extra zing during the daily drive. But the new Altima isn’t nearly as groundbreaking as the one that came before it, and in some respects, it takes a few steps backward.