I hate to get involved in another oil filter discussion -- we all know how badly the last one ended when the boners showed up -- but javentre's right about the clearance issue. There's plenty of room for a slightly longer, wider filter than the baby-sized Nissan OEM unit. I've seen the Delco #1127 listed in several parts guides for our cars, and it has both a larger circumference and a longer body than the factory unit. (The gasket diameter is the same, but the filter body is wider.)
The Fram 6607 is sized exactly as the OEM unit, but the 7317 used in previous Altimas as well as the VQ in the Pathfinder is the same circumference and thread pitch but about a half-inch longer, providing (presumably) more filter area.
I went with a Bosch baby-sized filter the last time around (I can't remember the part number), but I'll probably go with the Delco 1127 at next change. It'll fit fine. And frankly, the Moped-sized OEM filter concerns me.
And Ratwayne, not to throw fuel into the fire here, but while Nissan filters are fine and obviously recommended by the manufacturer, there's no reason to stick with them if you'd prefer to go with an aftermarket unit. You're free to make your own choices with the full force of the factory warranty still in effect, a right long ago hashed out in the courts to prevent monopolistic parts practices by automobile manufacturers.
Jarrod K. Wright
'02 3.5 SE 5-speed
'02 G20 Sport 5-speed