Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Nissan Altima
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Also, does the 98 Altima have that ridiculously huge sickle-arm trunk hinge? How about the 99?
Link: http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020206/62035_1.html
-juice
I had a camry with a 17 gallon tank that i used to put 17.9 gallons in. But if i went to 19 gallons i'd be questioning the pump, or looking for a puddle of gas under the car (or splased all over my pants....)
If you are dropping the hammer and racing (beating) the Camry or Accord that pulled up next to you, you probably are ready for it and compensate naturally... I never have a problem with it, and don't notice it all that much...
Any comments>?
Nissan should be sued for their deceptive model strategy. They've been doing that since the Altima first came out in 1993 (used to be the "XE" model, now the "2.5"). I would bet that they haven't actually produced a single 2.5 model; they just made it up so they can advertise a low base price and be ensured that nobody will actually order one.
-Andrew L
Some quotes:
"Ghosn rode in as the new sheriff at Nissan and quickly reupped his claim to the nickname earned at Renault: Le Cost Killer."
"No doubt, Nissan, its supplier base and its corporate welfare culture needed attitude readjustment. But, as most of the world's automobile manufacturers forget with alarming regularity, there's a risk in killing le cost; often, you blow right past waste and kill le quality in the process. Not to mention le morale, le innovation, and, in the worst cases, le brand. Take a drive in the new Nissan Altima, an estimable machine in many respects, and experience the risk - and disappointment - first-hand."
"...here is where the Altima falls down, with plastic execrable enough to shame a Datsun B210 Honey Bee, circa 1979."
"For some reason, car makers fail to realize that spending $800 more on the inside might mean more to prospective buyers than $800 in MSRP. Like maybe $8000."
"Crazed cost cutters make a pact with the devil, and they rarely get second acts. Nissan cars are hurting for it already. Ghosn must ask himself now, how much cost cutting is enough?"
If the interior is so bad the why is Nissan selling 14000 of them a month! nuff said
Pat, you are a really "gutbuster"....doesn't sound quite right.
Hope to hear from you before Feb 22 via the Talk to the Press discussion or at jfallon@edmunds.com with your thoughts and contact information.
Thanks as always,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director, Edmunds.com
For me to more seriously consider the Altima, here's what I'd like to see in future model years: 1) a V6 without the harsh sport suspension; 2)the same options available for the 4 cyl that they have for the V6 (especially traction control); 3) better quality leather interior; 4) hydraulic supports for the hood (I'm not sure what the exact term for this is).
I guess what I'd really be interested in is the equivalent of the GLE trim on the Altima, with V6 power, good handling as well as a smooth ride, and high quality luxury type features. All the the perks of the Maxima GLE in the body of the Altima. As I stated before, this may already be the plan once the new Maxima is unveiled and has additional features to make it more competitive, pehaps in a different segment.
What does everyone think? What changes do you guys foresee for future Altima models?
Perhaps the best answer would be to combine the two into a single model line. I'm told that Mazda will be doing this with the 2003 6, which will replace both the 626 and the Millenia. That scheme seems to make some sense, but then you have to wonder whether a single body style can successfully fill the whole $17K-$30K range solely by differences in feature content. Time will tell, I guess.
-Andrew L
1. The model we are looking at does not have ABS. It does have a "brake balancing" system, although I can't recall the actual name. Does the ABS provide any significant safety advantages over the "base" braking system? (I'm aware of how ABS works, I'm just curious how effective the base "brake balancing" system works.)
2. Have any 2002 owners detected any cabin noise, squeaks or rattles after owning the car?
3. How does the V6 model handle in the snow? I'm focusing on the weight factor here, as not all front wheel drives do well in the snow.
Any other problem areas would be appreciated too. I recall reading earlier on this board about paint problems. Otherwise, we are impressed with the V6, exterior styling, but it's hard to get excited about the interior.
Thanks for the info.
Women said they wanted Respect from dealers and manufacturers and convenient hours for service and even pickup and delivery. They also felt comfortable buying cars on their own, used the Internet for research, but not for buying and don't feel intimated by the car buying process.
According to the Globe "Women ranked safety, comfort, design and then price as their highest priorities. However, many did talk about image, as in how they look and feel in a vehicle, when it came to specific models."
I was in a 2.5 S and I wanted to get right back out. My 02 Maxima is much nicer on the inside. But, then again, I guess that would make sense.
The Altima looks great (exterior) and drives great as well (at least the 2.5), but they need to make the interior a little more upscale.
overall look both inside and out. It reminds me of the Lexus GS series for much less dinero. Power was very impressive. The ride was firm, which I dIdn't care for. The automatic shift lever was more confusing than necessary. The rear bumper looks like it won't give enough slow speed protection as it seems to hardly protrude beyond the sheet metal.
There are several other so-called luxury brands I have driven, (i.e., Volvo S60, Lexus IS) which
do not look very impressive on the inside, however.
Where did you get THAT info from?!?
I am questioning:
-Fit & finish
-Road noise
-Interior squeeks, rattles, etc.
-How the 2.5L holds up when loaded with people/cargo
-Other constructive comments
Thanks in advance
Less than perfect is the interior (no surprise). I can forgive the "cheap" plastic and the occasional squeak or rattle. However, the cup holder door is just plain cheap. I also want a "real" coin holder. I don't have a problem with the little console under the HVAC controls. I use it for a tissue box, my business cards, and spare change.
Absolutely wonderful are the exterior lines and comments that people think it's a more expensive automobile. The engine/transmission are great. Excellent gas mileage (normally 31-33 on mostly highway driving), even with a full load of 5-adults and luggage over a 200-mile trip (still got 29+mpg). The engine response, the ride comfort, the noise control, the overall "feel" of driving are all great!
Overall it's a 9.7 on a scale of 10. That's my opinion and experience.
I have to agree about the posts relative to the lack of interior styling. The dash board in front of the passenger is plain....the storage areas seem to be covered with flimsy plastic.
I did like the the armrest that extended for taller drivers that need the seat pulled back.
It is most disappointing that the car got a major makeover, but they skimped on interior styling. I read a couple of reviews that stated the telescope gages & radio buttons suffer from sun glare at times & are hard to read.
The other worry that I have is 2002 being the first model year of a major makeover....may be the usual new model kinks to be worked out.
Never mind that the Altima is roomier than a 5 series. You're not even comparing apples to oranges. You're comparing a candy apples (loaded Altimas) to grapes (much smaller, less equipment). OK, they're European grapes, so what?
True, an Altima can hit $30k, but only if you put the fake wood that noone likes, and pay full retail price, which noone pays. Realistically it would be hard to reach $27k, and even $23-25k will get you the V6.
Now, load up the BMW 330i (apples to apples, it's still a few horses shy) or an Audi A4 3.0 (also short on power) and the prices reach about $40 grand.
Look at it another way - what would the interior of a 330i look like after TEN GRAND of cost cutting? Still beautiful? I doubt it.
-juice
It's just that you cannot dismiss the appeal of owning a lower end BMW or Audi as an option. The German cars come with a healthy amount of standard equipment and offer a different ownership/driver experience.
For example a BMW 325i standard equipment:
remote keyless entry
audio/cruise control on steering wheel
full size alloy spare tire
climate control w/micron filtration
ABS
traction control
stability control
side airbags
seatbelt pretensioners
fog lights
10 speaker stereo
Invoice price is $25,500. Add $1500 profit and you're looking at $27,000 for a well equipped BMW.
Add moonroof, heated seats, 2 driver memory seats, and onboard computer and you're still under $30,000.
Not a better choice, just a competitive alternative.
I guess if you set a price target of $30 grand, then a Bimmer may appeal to you more than an Altima. But at that price tag, I'd be shopping for an Infinit G35, with 260hp and RWD. Not an Altima.
-juice
No thanks...for that I'll head over to Audi
Do yourself a favour, go out - and test drive a 325i. And then decide if 184HP is wimpy!
I doubt you'd have to order and wait 6 weeks (on average, not 3 months like some people claim) to get a base car with no options. And is a little wait that bad for a car that feels SO good to drive?
It would be a pity if other car makers (read BMW or Audi) do get sucked into the (thoroughly pointless) HP wars (currently led by get-a-clue Nissan)!
Until I can slap down for an M, I'd rather choose a "lesser" car with enough power on tap that I don't sweat if I can fire through a hole in traffic and hit 90 in a blink from 65.
You can't do that with a 325. I've tried. Its power, while adequate for most drivers, doesn't sate me.
The Altima has its own set of issues (torque steer, too light steering, and notchy shifter), of course. But that engine is a gem, no question about it.
-juice
Geez, don't people listen to my posts anymore?
Anyways, everyone satisfied with the stick on the 2.5s?
Thanks
CSM
for others -
altima's interior is cheap plastic... if you just do yourself a favor and sit in a Sentra or a Maxima in the dealer's lot.
The Altima's 4 banger is closer to the 325i than the 3.5l engine, by a wide margin.
-juice
The 325i has 175 lb-ft, while the 330i has 214 lb-ft. The 2.5l Altima offers up 181 lb-ft (more than the 325i), while the 3.5l has a stump-pulling 246 lb-ft.
It's arguably TOO much torque for a FWD.
-juice