2007 Nissan Altima: Going Extra-Legal Is Extra Easy

I don't think I've ever heard the 3.5's suspension described as "plush".

Somehow I don't think that explanation would fly with Mr. Policeman.

"Plush" "cloud" ? You sure you're talking about a 3.5 SE? I've heard more criticism about the suspension on that model being TOO firm. A car with a soft, floaty suspension will generally get very scary very quickly as speed rises. That is NOT the type of car that you suddenly glance down at the speedo and see the needle buried deep in "hello officer" territory.
  
Now if you're talking about a non-SE Camry - there you've got soft and floaty. The Accord - slightly less so.
  
Jaeger

Would a head-up display alleviate this speeding problem? Just another techno-gadget to add to a long list already in this car.

OK, I talked to the editor who's doing the comparison test involving our Altima and he confirmed what you guys have said about its suspension being the firmest in its class but that my driving on the 405 isn't exactly a bumpy ride.
 
With the quiet engine and the easy shifting CVT, it was a smooth quiet ride and because of that I really didn't get a sense of my speed. It didn't feel or sound like I was going fast. Ya know?

Yeah, I know what you mean, Caroline.

I've experienced that in a number of newer cars I've had as rentals. Stable yet smooth suspension, plenty of power, and a relatively quiet ride. I once found myself breaking 100 mph while passing trucks on 2-lane highways. And it felt as safe and effortless as 60. Actually going 60 through small towns where I expected to see cops felt like 30, it was almost painful to have such capability and not be using it. I get the same sensation in my new Mazda3. It's just the i with the smaller engine, but it sure likes to rev and the ride and handling are really awesome. Firm yet not harsh, not a lot of road noise, you can easily get going too fast. I'm mostly driving like a granny during the break-in period, obeying all speed limits, shifting below 3000 rpm. Playing the gas mileage game is kinda fun, but once in a while I accelerate through a cloverleaf in 2nd gear and let it live for a moment.

I think that since (most) cars can know cope with 100mph plus, they should raise the speed limits. I know that in texas there is a strech of highway that has an 80mph speed limit. Still, it could be higher.
 
The roads in texas are so straight, that if you took a 30 min. nap and then woke up, you would still be in the ame lane, provided that your steering alingment was set right.

I always find myself speeding in mine...and mine's a Hybrid! I completely agree with you, Caroline.

ahightower,
   I know what you mean about the Mazda3, and I'll confirm that it is very competent at 100+. Not that I'd know or anything...
 
redliner,
  YES!! Speed limits are way to low for the capability of today's cars. Drive how fast you and your car are capable of safely driving, not how fast your state legislature arbitrarily decrees.

The cars are certainly capable of safely driving at speeds much higher than the speed limits. Unfortunately, a large percentage of drivers are unsafe at any speed. Instead of preventing these people from driving, the government just posts a speed limit that seems sensible to the masses. For the most part, everyone gives lip service to how proper, logical, and responsible these limits are, while breaking them all the time themselves. It doesn't make sense, but that's just how life works.