If you’re asking “is nissan altima a good car,” you’re not alone. Evaluating the Nissan Altima requires a look at its comfortable ride, strong standard safety features, and how it stacks up against other midsize sedans. This article will give you a clear, detailed breakdown to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs and budget.
We’ll cover everything from performance and safety to common problems and ownership costs. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of where the Altima excels and where it might fall short compared to rivals like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
Is Nissan Altima A Good Car
Overall, the Nissan Altima is a good car, particularly for buyers who prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, and value. It stands out with its available all-wheel drive and one of the best standard safety suites in its class. However, it faces tough competition in areas like interior material quality and resale value.
Its strengths are significant for daily commuting and long trips. The cabin is quiet, the seats are supportive, and the technology is user-friendly. For many drivers, these attributes make it a compelling option in a segment filled with excellent choices.
Key Strengths Of The Nissan Altima
The Altima has several advantages that consistently earn it positive reviews from owners and critics alike.
- ProPILOT Assist: This available system combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering for a less stressful highway drive.
- Standard Safety Suite: Every Altima comes with automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
- Available All-Wheel Drive: A rare feature in midsize sedans, providing extra confidence in slippery conditions.
- Excellent Fuel Economy: The base engine delivers impressive MPG figures, saving you money at the pump.
- Comfortable Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned to soak up bumps, making it great for long journeys.
Potential Drawbacks To Consider
No car is perfect, and the Altima has some areas where it doesn’t quite match the segment leaders.
- CVT Transmission: The continuously variable transmission can feel unresponsive and has been a source of reliability concerns in past models.
- Interior Materials: Some surfaces feel less premium than those in a Honda Accord or Mazda6.
- Driving Dynamics: While comfortable, it isn’t as engaging or sporty to drive as some competitors.
- Resale Value: Historically, the Altima’s value depreciates faster than a Toyota Camry’s.
Nissan Altima Performance And Engine Options
The Altima offers two engine choices, catering to different priorities between efficiency and power.
2.5-Liter Four-Cylinder Engine
This is the standard engine in most trims. It produces around 188 horsepower. The focus here is squarely on fuel economy, with EPA estimates often reaching up to 39 mpg on the highway. It provides adequate power for daily commuting, though acceleration can feel gradual, especially when paired with the CVT.
2.0-Liter Variable Compression Turbo Engine
Available in higher trims like the SR and Platinum, this turbocharged engine is the performance option. It delivers roughly 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It provides much stronger acceleration and passing power. The fuel economy is still respectable but lower than the base engine.
The CVT Transmission
Every Altima uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Instead of fixed gears, it uses a pulley system for seamless acceleration. The benifit is optimal engine efficiency for better gas mileage. The downside is a droning engine sound under hard acceleration and a lack of the connected feel a traditional automatic provides. Nissan has made improvements to reliability in recent years.
Interior Comfort, Space, And Technology
Step inside the Altima, and you’ll find a spacious, thoughtfully designed cabin focused on comfort.
Seating And Roominess
The Nissan Altima’s “Zero Gravity” front seats are a highlight, designed with NASA research to reduce fatigue on long drives. Both front and rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable car for four adults. The trunk space is also ample for a sedan, offering over 15 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Infotainment And Connectivity
The standard infotainment system features an 8-inch touchscreen. It’s generally responsive and includes:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration.
- A standard six-speaker audio system, with a premium Bose system available.
- Available built-in navigation on higher trims.
- Multiple USB ports for front and rear passengers.
The physical knobs for volume and tuning are a welcome, user-friendly touch.
Material Quality And Design
This is an area where the Altima can feel a step behind. Lower trims use more hard plastics, while higher trims add soft-touch materials and leather. The overall design is clean and modern, but it may not feel as upscale as some rivals. The layout of controls, however, is logical and easy to use.
Safety Features And Ratings
Safety is a major strongsuit for the Nissan Altima. It comes loaded with standard driver-assistance technology and has earned top marks from safety institutes.
Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360
Every single Altima includes this comprehensive suite of features at no extra cost:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- High Beam Assist
This gives it a significant advantage over competitors who often charge extra for these systems.
ProPILOT Assist
This available system is a hands-on driver assistance feature for highways. It intelligently adjusts your speed to maintain a set distance from the car ahead and can help steer the car to stay centered in its lane. It’s designed to reduce driver fatigue on long, monotonous highway drives.
Crash Test Scores
The Nissan Altima has performed very well in crash testing:
- It earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA.
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Top Safety Pick award when equipped with specific headlights.
These scores provide strong peace of mind for potential buyers.
Reliability, Ownership Costs, And Common Issues
Understanding long-term costs is crucial when deciding if a car is good for you.
Predicted Reliability And Warranty
Recent model years of the Altima have shown average to above-average reliability ratings from sources like J.D. Power. Nissan provides a standard warranty:
- Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance: 3 years/36,000 miles
This is competitive with, but not class-leading, compared to warranties from Hyundai or Kia.
Fuel And Maintenance Costs
The four-cylinder Altima is very inexpensive to fuel. Maintenance costs are generally in line with other Japanese sedans. Using Nissan’s recommended service schedule is key to avoiding problems, especially with the CVT transmission.
Common Problems To Watch For
While newer models have improved, being aware of historical issues is wise:
- CVT Transmission Failure: Earlier generations had significant issues. Ensure any used model has a full service history and consider an extended warranty.
- Steering Wheel Peeling: Some owners report the leather on the steering wheel wearing prematurely.
- Infotainment Glitches: Occasional screen freezes or connectivity drops, often fixed with software updates.
- Brake Rotor Warping: Some drivers experience premature warping or vibration during braking.
How It Compares To Key Competitors
To truly answer “is the Altima a good car,” you must see how it stacks up.
Nissan Altima Vs. Toyota Camry
The Camry is the benchmark for reliability and resale value. It offers sharper handling and a more powerful base engine. The Altima fights back with a more comfortable ride, standard AWD availability, and often a lower purchase price. The Camry’s interior also feels more solidly built.
Nissan Altima Vs. Honda Accord
The Accord is often praised as the best all-around midsize sedan. It has a more spacious, higher-quality interior, a more engaging drive, and a superior hybrid option. The Altima’s advantages are its plush ride quality, the ProPILOT Assist system, and the available turbo engine’s torque.
Nissan Altima Vs. Hyundai Sonata
The Sonata offers stunning exterior design, a longer warranty (10-year/100,000-mile powertrain), and more standard tech features. The Altima counters with better standard safety features, available AWD, and generally higher perceived reliability from its brand.
Who Is The Nissan Altima Best For?
The Altima is an excellent fit for specific types of drivers.
- Commuter: If you spend hours on the highway, its comfort, safety tech, and fuel economy are ideal.
- Value-Focused Buyer: You get a lot of standard safety equipment for the money, especially with incentives.
- Those in Snowy Climates: The available all-wheel drive is a major differentiator in this segment.
- Families Needing Space: The roomy rear seat and large trunk accommodate family gear comfortably.
It might not be the best choice for driving enthusiasts or those who plan to sell the car after just a few years due to depreciation.
Final Verdict: Is The Nissan Altima A Good Car
Yes, the Nissan Altima is a good car. It delivers on the core promises of a midsize sedan: comfort, space, efficiency, and safety. Its standout features—available AWD, ProPILOT Assist, and a comprehensive standard safety package—give it unique appeal in a crowded market.
Your decision ultimately depends on your priorities. If you want the absolute best resale value and a bulletproof reputation, a Toyota Camry may be better. If you desire the most engaging driving experience, look at the Mazda6 or Honda Accord. But if you want a comfortable, tech-savvy, and safe sedan that often comes with a attractive price tag, the Nissan Altima deserves a top spot on your test-drive list. Be sure to throughly test the CVT transmission to ensure its driving character suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nissan Altima reliable?
Recent model years (2020 and newer) have shown improved reliability ratings. Earlier models, particularly those from the early 2010s, had known issues with the CVT transmission. Always check the specific vehicle history and consider a warranty for peace of mind.
What are the main problems with Nissan Altima?
The most common historical problems involve the CVT transmission, which could fail prematurely. Other issues include peeling interior materials, minor electrical glitches in the infotainment system, and premature brake wear. Many of these have been addressed in newer models.
Is Nissan Altima good on gas?
Yes, the Nissan Altima is very fuel-efficient. The standard 2.5L four-cylinder engine achieves EPA estimates as high as 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The more powerful 2.0L turbo engine is still efficient, with ratings around 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
How does the Altima compare to a Camry?
The Toyota Camry generally has better resale value, a slightly more refined interior, and a stronger reputation for long-term reliability. The Altima offers a more comfortable ride, available all-wheel drive, and often more standard safety features for a similar price.
Is the Nissan Altima being discontinued?
As of now, Nissan has not announced plans to discontinue the Altima sedan. It remains a core model in their lineup, though the automotive industry’s shift toward SUVs means all sedans face increased scrutiny. It is advisable to check for the latest model year information from Nissan.