Are Nissan Altimas Good Cars?
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The Nissan Altima is one of the, if not the best-selling models from the Japanese brand. Along with the Rogue, both models easily outsold the rest of Nissan’s lineup combined by a long shot – and for good reasons. When it comes to a steadfast daily driver, it’s hard to go wrong with the Nissan Altima.
The Nissan Altima, a midsize sedan that has been a staple in Nissan’s lineup for years, offers an excellent combination of dependability, fuel efficiency, and safety scores. Known for its sleek design and smooth ride, the Altima has become popular among families, commuters, and those looking for a reliable yet stylish vehicle. All-wheel-drive availability also gives the Altima a definitive edge over its longtime rival, the Honda Accord.
Since you’re here, you’re probably asking: are Nissan Altimas good cars?
For today’s post, we aim to evaluate the Nissan Altima as a potential purchase for interested buyers. By analyzing various key aspects, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Nissan Altima’s overall quality to help potential buyers like you make an informed decision.
Engine, Performance, and Fuel Economy
One of the best qualities of the Nissan Altima is its engine selection. Buyers will choose between a turbo engine with a more spirited performance and AWD for tackling more challenging terrains and road conditions. For example, the 2023 Nissan Altima offers the following engine and drivetrain options:
- 2.5L DIG 4-cylinder engine: This engine combines performance and fuel efficiency, suitable for various driving needs. With available AWD, the base engine doesn’t exactly scream speed with 188 hp.
- 2.0L VC-turbo engine: Interestingly, the Altima offers the world’s first available variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engine, producing 236 hp for more fun behind the wheel. However, there’s no option for AWD with a turbo engine.
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): The Altima utilizes CVT technology, ensuring smooth shifting and contributing to overall fuel efficiency.
Unfortunately, for some baffling reason, you can’t combine the more exhilarating performance of the turbo engine with all-wheel capability.
In terms of performance, the Altima is known for its good handling and quiet ride quality. Moreover, the suspension system in the Altima is finely tuned to absorb road blemishes, delivering a smooth and comfortable ride. Lastly, many Altima models often feature sound insulation measures to minimize road and wind noise, enhancing ride comfort.
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The Nissan Altima’s fuel economy is one of its strong suits, offering a good balance between performance and efficiency. While specific figures may vary by model year and driving conditions, the 2.5L engine of the 2023 Altima generally offers competitive miles-per-gallon (MPG) ratings for both city and highway driving – about an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Interior and Tech Features
The Nissan Altima’s interior and tech features are designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity. From the sensible and straightforward cabin that prioritizes passenger comfort to the advanced technology that keeps you connected and safe, the Altima offers a modern and enjoyable driving experience. The Altima’s interior isn’t such a bad place to get stuck in traffic, thanks to the soft-touch materials and well-isolated engine noises.
Most Nissan Altima models feature a soft-touch material on the instrument binnacle and tops of the doors, while other surfaces are made of rigid plastics. One notable flaw is the faux wood plastic found in the upper trims. The SR trim enhances the interior with contrasting stitching, adding a sporty touch. However, despite the Altima’s nice interior, rival models like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry offer better-quality interiors.
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Meanwhile, the 2023 Nissan Altima’s center console features easily accessible USB-A, USB-C, AUX, and 12V ports, along with a standard infotainment package that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen looks appealing, but the lack of physical buttons may turn off some drivers. Despite this, the infotainment system is well-regarded for being intuitive and user-friendly. There’s an available nine-speaker Bose audio system as a premium option, but it’s nothing to write home about.
Safety Features and Ratings
One of the best things about the Altima sedan is its wealth of standard safety features. For instance, the current latest 2023 Altima boasts the following standard safety features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Both front and rear, with pedestrian detection for front automatic braking.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: Helps in detecting vehicles in blind spots.
- Rear-Cross Traffic Alert: Assists in detecting traffic while reversing.
- Lane-Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the car starts to drift out of its lane.
- Driver Inattention Monitoring: Monitors the driver’s attention and provides alerts if inattention is detected.
- Automatic High-Beam Headlights: Automatically switches between high and low beams depending on traffic conditions.
Optional features such as the ProPilot adaptive cruise control, lane-centering steering assist system, and traffic sign detection are also available. Due to the comprehensive standard safety features of the Altima, it received high safety scores from reputable organizations. For instance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Nissan Altima a 5-star rating out of five.
Long-Term Reliability and Best/Worst Years
RepairPal says the Nissan Altima has a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, making it the 11th most reliable out of 24 midsize cars. Meanwhile, according to iSeeCars.com, the Nissan Altima has a 42.5% 3-year depreciation rate, putting it above the Sonata, Trax, and Elantra.
As for the Altima years to avoid, below are the models you should avoid due to serious reliability woes and a high number of consumer complaints, if possible:
- 2001-2003 Nissan Altima
- 2005-2009 Nissan Altima
- 2013-2015 Nissan Altima
We highly recommend the 2011 and 2020 models for the best years of the Altima due to fewer complaints and much less severe issues.
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Final Verdict: Are Nissan Altimas Good Cars?
Are Nissan Altimas good cars? Absolutely. Despite the declining popularity of sedans, there’s a reason or two why the Altima remains a best-seller for Nissan. It offers performance, efficiency, comfort, technology, and safety, so it ticks many boxes for buyers looking for an excellent all-around midsize sedan. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a family looking for a dependable car, the Altima’s well-rounded offerings make it worth considering.
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