Are Nissan Altimas Good Cars? An In-Depth Look

As gas prices continue to fluctuate and the demand for fuel-efficient vehicles grows, many car buyers are turning their attention to mid-size sedans like the Nissan Altima. With its reputation for affordability, performance, and style, the Altima has been a popular choice for commuters and families alike. But the real question is, are Nissan Altimas good cars overall?

In short, yes – Nissan Altimas are generally reliable, practical, and well-rounded vehicles that offer a comfortable driving experience and excellent fuel economy. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well, such as interior quality issues and subpar driving dynamics compared to segment leaders.

This in-depth guide will examine every aspect of the Nissan Altima ownership experience, including performance, fuel efficiency, interior quality, safety ratings, reliability scores, common problems to watch out for, maintenance costs, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether the Altima is the right car for your needs and budget.

Table of Contents

A Closer Look at Altima Performance and Fuel Efficiency

One of the key selling points of the Nissan Altima is its impressive fuel economy ratings. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway when paired with front-wheel drive. These numbers place the Altima among the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the mid-size sedan segment.

While the base engine provides adequate performance for daily driving, some buyers may find it underpowered, especially when accelerating or passing on the highway. For those seeking a bit more punch, Nissan offers an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a noticeable boost in acceleration, though fuel economy takes a hit, dropping to an estimated 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

It’s important to note that both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can produce droning engine noise under hard acceleration. Additionally, while the Altima handles reasonably well, it lacks the precise steering and engaging driving dynamics of class leaders like the Honda Accord and Mazda6.

Impact of Wheel Size on Ride Quality

Nissan offers the Altima with 16-inch, 17-inch, and 19-inch wheel options, and the wheel size you choose can significantly impact ride quality. Generally speaking, the smaller 16-inch and 17-inch wheels provide a smoother, more comfortable ride by better absorbing road imperfections. The larger 19-inch wheels, while contributing to a sportier look and improved handling, can result in a firmer, less compliant ride quality, especially over rough surfaces.

Interior Quality: Highs and Lows

While the Nissan Altima’s interior space and front seat comfort earn praise from most reviewers, the overall interior quality is a bit of a mixed bag. On the positive side, the cabin is relatively quiet and well-insulated from road and wind noise. The front seats, which Nissan dubs “Zero Gravity” seats, are praised for their long-distance comfort and support.

However, some critics have taken issue with the liberal use of hard plastic materials throughout the cabin, particularly on lower trim levels. While the plastics seem durable and well-constructed, they can make the interior feel a bit cheap and lacking in refinement compared to rivals like the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata.

Higher trim levels of the Altima, such as the SV, SR, and SL, feature more soft-touch materials and attractive accents that help elevate the cabin’s premium feel. But even in these higher-end trims, some critics have noted that certain trim pieces and faux-wood accents still come across as a bit low-rent.

One area where the Altima shines is interior space and storage. With 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, the Altima offers slightly more cargo room than many of its competitors. The rear seats also fold down to accommodate longer items when needed. Rear seat legroom and headroom are generous as well, making the Altima a viable option for families or those who frequently transport passengers.

Comprehensive Safety Ratings and Features

When it comes to safety, the Nissan Altima performs admirably, earning top ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA awarded the 2023 Altima a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with specific headlights and optional front crash prevention technology.

Every 2023 Altima comes standard with a robust suite of driver assistance features, including:

Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Lane departure warning
Blind spot monitoring
Rear cross traffic alert
Rear automatic braking
High beam assist

Higher trim levels add even more advanced safety tech, such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system. The Altima’s strong safety scores and wealth of standard and available driver aids should provide peace of mind for families and commuters alike.

Predicted Reliability and Common Problems

According to J.D. Power, the 2023 Nissan Altima has a predicted reliability rating of 84 out of 100, which is considered about average for the mid-size sedan class. However, it’s worth noting that reliability can vary based on model year, individual driving conditions, and routine maintenance.

Generally speaking, more recent Altima models from 2017 onward tend to score better in reliability compared to earlier iterations. The 2013 Altima, in particular, was plagued by a large number of recalls (12 in total) and over 2,000 owner complaints related to issues such as faulty airbags, exterior lighting problems, and engine/transmission malfunctions.

Some of the most commonly reported problems with the Nissan Altima across multiple model years include:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) shuddering or failure (primarily 2010-2016 models)
Excessive oil consumption (mostly pre-2019 models)
Electrical issues such as failed batteries or starter motors
Infotainment system glitches or unresponsive touch screens

It’s worth noting that Nissan has made efforts to address some of these recurring issues in more recent Altima redesigns. For example, the automaker issued a warranty extension for certain CVT repairs on 2003-2010 Altimas and 2015-2017 models in an effort to bolster reliability and owner satisfaction.

Typical Maintenance Costs

When it comes to scheduled maintenance and repair costs, the Nissan Altima fares reasonably well compared to other mid-size sedans. According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost for an Altima is around $483, which is lower than the $652 average across all vehicle models.

Some of the more common maintenance items on the Altima include:

Oil changes (around $100-$150 depending on location)
Tire rotations ($35-$70)
Brake pad replacements ($150-$300 per axle)
Air filter replacements ($30-$70)

More expensive repairs that Altima owners may potentially face include:

Timing chain replacement ($700-$1,200)
Catalytic converter replacement ($1,000-$2,000)
Complete transmission overhaul ($3,000-$5,000 for CVT)

As with any vehicle, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and addressing issues proactively can go a long way in minimizing unexpected repair costs down the road.

Which Nissan Altima Model Years are Best?

Given the Altima’s decades-long production history, certain model years tend to stand out as being more reliable and problem-free than others. According to multiple expert sources and owner surveys, the best Nissan Altima years to target are:

2011 and 2012 – Lauded for their reliability, solid build quality, and relatively few complaints.
2017 to 2019 – Benefiting from Nissan’s efforts to address prevalent issues like CVT shudders. Fewer recalls compared to earlier models.
2020 to present – Representing the most recent and presumably most refined Altima generation.

On the flip side, the Nissan Altima model years that tend to receive the most criticism and should potentially be avoided, especially in the used market, include:

2002 and 2003 – Known for engine and transmission problems.
2005 – Plagued by excessive oil consumption issues.
2009 – Multiple complaints around interior quality, paint defects, and electrical woes.
2013 – By far one of the most problematic years for the Altima, with a staggering 12 recalls issued and over 2,000 owner complaints related to issues like faulty airbags, exterior lighting problems, engine stalling/stalling, and transmission failures. Reliability for this model year is considered well below average.
2014 and 2015 – These two model years continued to be plagued by transmission woes and questionable build quality based on owner reports and safety organization findings.

So if you’re shopping for a used Nissan Altima, paying close attention to the specific model year and doing your due diligence on that vehicle’s maintenance history is crucial to avoiding potential headaches down the road.

Are Altimas High Maintenance?

Contrasting viewpoints exist on whether the Nissan Altima should be considered a high-maintenance vehicle or not. On one hand, its lower-than-average scheduled maintenance and repair costs point to the Altima being relatively affordable to keep on the road. Additionally, its use of conventional machinery like naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines and stamped steel body construction implies fewer complex (and expensive) components to worry about.

However, the Altima’s checkered history with problematic CVT transmissions and other recurrent issues like excessive oil consumption suggests that high mileage examples in particular may require more attentive care and preemptive maintenance to avoid costly repairs. Owners who are diligent about following service intervals and using quality fluids/parts can mitigate some of these potential headaches.

Ultimately, much comes down to the specific Altima model year and how well the previous owner(s) documented maintenance activities. A well-maintained, newer Altima should prove relatively affordable to keep running. But a higher mileage example with an unknown service history could open the door for costly repairs, especially if the CVT transmission starts acting up.

The Tradeoff: Value vs. Top-of-the-Line Refinement

One of the key reasons the Nissan Altima remains such a popular mid-size sedan choice boils down to its combination of value, practicality, and all-around competence. While the Altima may not possess the latest tech features or level of interior luxury found in more premium offerings from Honda, Toyota, or Hyundai, it hits a sweet spot for buyers seeking hassle-free, fuel-efficient transportation without breaking the bank.

The base Altima S starts at around $25,000 brand new, making it one of the most affordable mid-size sedans on the market. Even upper trim levels like the SV, SR and SL top out in the low-to-mid $30,000 range when optioned up – still very reasonable given the level of equipment.

Used examples can provide even more savings, allowing cost-conscious buyers to step into a reliable commuter with plenty of highway mpg for a fraction of the original sticker price. The key is doing thorough research on specific model years, options, and maintenance history to find the right fit.

For buyers who prioritize value, practicality, and affordability above all else, the Nissan Altima delivers in spades. It may not be the most exhilarating mid-size sedan to drive or possess an interior quite as nice as the new Honda Accord. But for budget-minded commuters and families, the Altima presents a compelling package that checks all the essential boxes without excessive luxury pricing.

The Verdict: Are Nissan Altimas Good Cars Overall?

After thoroughly evaluating all aspects of Nissan Altima ownership, from performance and efficiency to safety ratings, interior quality, reliability data, and real-world ownership costs, one thing is clear: The Altima absolutely deserves consideration if you’re shopping for an affordable, practical family sedan or commuter vehicle.

Its combination of impressive fuel economy ratings, robust suite of safety technologies, comfortable cabin accommodations, and outstanding value proposition make it an attractive pick for buyers prioritizing those specific criteria. Potential downsides like subpar interior material quality on lower trims and lackadaisical driving dynamics are reasonable trade-offs given the Altima’s price point and target audience.

That said, the Altima isn’t perfect, and buyers should do their homework to avoid potential reliability pitfalls. Stay away from problematic models years like 2013, get a vehicle history report, and look for one with comprehensive maintenance records if buying used. Consider an extended warranty if keeping the car past 100,000 miles.

For the typical daily driving needs of most individuals or small families, the Nissan Altima stands out as a solid, well-rounded pick that makes an awful lot of sense, especially for value-conscious buyers. While it may not be the definitive mid-size sedan leader, the Altima does most things very well without any major failings or deal-breakers — making it one of the better all-around options available in its class today.