2017 Nissan Altima Pros and Cons
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Although less popular than the Honda and Toyota midsize sedan counterparts, the Nissan Altima competes with its satisfying balance of value, performance, and features. Its competitive pricing, diverse engine options, comfortable and feature-rich interior, and modern design check several boxes for many consumers.
If you want to buy an older Nissan Altima, the 2017 model year might be your next car. However, like all things, there are two sides to consider when buying a used 2017 Altima. So today, we rounded up the 2017 Nissan Altima pros and cons to help you make an informed purchasing decision.
What We Love: 2017 Nissan Altima Pros
Below are some of the good qualities you can expect from the 2017 Altima:
Peppy Base Engine
The 2017 Nissan Altima’s base engine is known for its lively performance, providing an enthusiastic driving experience despite its modest horsepower rating. This 2.5-liter engine can accelerate the vehicle to 60 mph in under 8 seconds. The reworked Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) does an excellent job of boosting responsiveness, particularly in sport-shift mode, making the car feel more eager than one might expect from its power figures.
Potent V-6 Engine
On the other hand, if you want a more spirited performance out of your Altima, the V-6 engine should do the trick. The optional 3.5-liter V6 engine in the 2017 Altima was praised for its potent performance, offering a more dynamic driving experience than the base engine. Rated at 270 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, this engine has a reported 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.4 seconds. It’s worth noting that despite the V6 model’s performance advantages, it represents a smaller portion of Altima sales, possibly due to buyers’ preferences or considerations regarding fuel economy.
Strong Fuel Economy
One of the main reasons people buy sedans and small cars is because they’re good on gas – and the 2017 Altima is no exception. The 2017 Nissan Altima shows competitive fuel efficiency with a city mileage of 27 mpg and highway mileage of 39 mpg, resulting in a combined 32 mpg. These numbers are comparable to the Toyota Camry of the same year, which also offers 28 mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the highway, and a combined 32 mpg. Obviously, the 2017 Altima is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an efficient daily driver.
Comfortable Interior
Based on critic and user reviews, comfort is another strong point of the 2017 Nissan Altima. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, making them ideal for longer trips and ranking among the best in their category. Moreover, the back seats are roomy enough for passengers to stretch out and are designed to boost visibility. Although the car has been updated to reduce noise, you might still hear some background sounds. However, these minor distractions do not take away from the Altima’s inviting and cozy interior.
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Attractive Styling
The 2017 Altima has a simple and elegant exterior design that doesn’t scream for attention but is still visually appealing. It features a unique V-Motion grille that sets it apart from other sedans in its class. The V-6 models come with twin exhaust tips that add a touch of sophistication, and the sporty SR version has a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels that make it stand out. The top-of-the-line 3.5 SL boasts advanced LED headlights and is undeniably a good-looking midsize sedan.
Great Value Proposition
The 2017 Nissan Altima is an excellent value car due to its standard features across different trims. The Altima 2.5 SR trim has essential amenities such as the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, RearView Monitor, Bluetooth Hands-free, Push Button Ignition, and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls. The 2.5 SV trim adds 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Nissan Intelligent Key, Remote Engine Start and Stop System, Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio to the list of features.
ARE NISSAN ALTIMAS GOOD CARS?
You’re probably asking: are Nissan Altimas good cars? We aim to evaluate the Nissan Altima as a potential purchase for interested buyers.
What We Don’t Love: 2017 Nissan Altima Cons
On the other side of this 2017 Altima pros and cons, here are the drawbacks of this midsize sedan:
Base Trim is Barebones
A common pain point of consumers regarding the base 2017 Altima is that it’s somewhat basic and barebones compared to its more equipped counterparts or rivals in the midsize sedan segment. While the base Altima provides essential features and the commendable performance of its 2.5-liter engine paired with a CVT, it lacks the more advanced amenities found in higher trims or competitor offerings. This could make it underwhelming for buyers expecting more technology or comfort features at entry-level prices. Manage your expectations if you’re planning to buy a base-level Altima.
Only CVT Transmission
Another common drawback of the 2017 Altima is that it’s only available on CVT. That in itself is not an issue, but Nissan’s CVT is quite known to be problematic in terms of reliability. Owners have reported problems such as lack of acceleration, jerking movements, and even complete transmission failure.
Delayed acceleration, where the vehicle fails to pick up speed promptly upon pressing the gas pedal, poses a risk, particularly in scenarios requiring quick response, like highway driving. Additionally, the experience of sudden jerking and uneven acceleration can lead to discomfort and concerns over safety.
HOW LONG DO NISSAN ALTIMAS LAST?
If you’re planning to purchase this midsize sedan, you’re likely wondering: how long do Nissan Altimas last? Nissan vehicles are known for their reliability, but does it translate to better longevity?
Dull Interior and Infotainment System
The 2017 Nissan Altima’s interior is practical but lacks its competitors’ excitement and premium feel. The cabin materials are mediocre and don’t match the higher quality in Honda and Toyota’s offerings. In addition, the infotainment system is also a weak point. The standard 5-inch display is small and cumbersome to read, and even the 7-inch option doesn’t match the intuitiveness of systems in comparable cars. Additionally, the screen’s low placement can distract drivers, impacting both safety and usability.
2017 Nissan Altima Pros and Cons: Is This Midsize Car for You?
That wraps up our roundup of the 2017 Nissan Altima pros and cons. In a vacuum, the 2017 Altima offers great value with a good engine selection, comfortable seats, and strong fuel efficiency. However, it’s let down by its dull interior and problematic CVT transmission.
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