Comprehensive Guide to the Nissan Altima: Features, Performance, and Pricing Insights
Explore the Nissan Altima in this comprehensive guide covering its evolution, key features, performance specs, safety ratings, and pricing details. Discover why it remains a top choice among midsize sedans, blending affordability with reliability and modern technology. Perfect for families and commuters alike, the Altima offers impressive fuel economy, spacious interiors, and advanced safety features, making it a versatile vehicle in today's competitive market.
Comprehensive Guide to the Nissan Altima: Features, Performance, and Pricing Insights
The Nissan Altima, a standout player in the midsize sedan segment, has been captivating drivers since its debut in 1992. Its lineage can be traced back to the legendary Nissan Bluebird models introduced in 1957, symbolizing decades of evolution in comfort, efficiency, and technology. Over the years, the Altima has established itself as a reliable choice for families, commuters, and enthusiasts seeking a harmonious balance of performance, affordability, and style.
How Does the Nissan Altima Compare in the Midsize Sedan Market?
In the competitive landscape of midsize sedans, the Nissan Altima faces stiff rivalry from renowned models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. These vehicles set the benchmark for comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency. When placed side-by-side, the Altima exhibits distinctive features that appeal to a broad spectrum of drivers. It is generally considered less luxurious compared to Nissan’s own Maxima but offers a more practical alternative to the Sentra, with increased space and power.
The Altima has undergone five generations, with its first launching in 1992. The latest models, introduced from 2012 onward, have incorporated modern design elements, advanced safety features, and improved drivetrain options. Each iteration strives to enhance driving experience, fuel economy, and technological integration, maintaining its competitive edge in the market.
Initially, the first four generations of the Nissan Altima were manufactured exclusively in the United States, targeting primarily the North and South American markets, along with Australia and the Middle East. This strategic manufacturing approach allowed Nissan to customize vehicles to meet regional preferences and standards. The Nissan Teana, a model positioned between the Altima and Maxima in size, was sold in markets outside the Americas, Australia, and the Middle East. By 2013, Nissan had rebranded the fifth-generation Altima as the Teana in select regions, reflecting the company's global branding strategy. Interestingly, the Altima nameplate has roots in earlier Nissan models; it was initially used as a top trim level for the Nissan Leopard in Japan in 1986 and later adapted for the Nissan Laurel before the 1992 model launch.
The American debut of the Nissan Altima in 1992 marked a significant milestone, coming shortly after the model's replacement of the Nissan Stanza. This transition underscored Nissan’s commitment to innovation and market adaptation, positioning the Altima as a key player in the competitive midsize sedan segment.
Features and Pricing Overview
The 2017 Nissan Altima, a popular choice among midsize sedans, has a starting price of approximately $22,500. Despite its affordability, it packs a commendable list of features tailored for comfort, safety, and convenience. Notable amenities include a child safety seat latch system, which enhances safety for younger passengers, and excellent sound insulation that delivers a quiet, serene ride—an essential feature for commuter comfort and long-distance travel.
The trunk space stands at a generous 15.4 cubic feet, providing ample room for groceries, luggage, or other cargo needs. Powering the vehicle is a 179-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which strikes a balance between performance and efficiency. For those seeking enhanced highway performance, an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower is available, delivering faster acceleration and a more engaging driving experience.
Fuel economy remains a standout feature of the Altima. The four-cylinder variant boasts impressive ratings of around 27 miles per gallon in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, making it highly economical for daily commuting and long trips. The V6 model, while slightly less efficient, still offers respectable figures with approximately 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. These statistics make the Altima an attractive choice for budget-conscious drivers who do not want to compromise on power.
The 2017 model also ranks highly among its peers, holding 12th place among 19 midsize sedans. Reviewers appreciate its comfortable cabin, reliable performance, and fuel-efficient operation. Although the model has seen minimal redesign since its 2013 update, Nissan has maintained strong safety ratings, earning the 2010 NHTSA Top Safety Pick and the IIHS Top Safety Pick awards in 2017. These accolades underscore the Altima’s dedication to safety and quality, further boosting its appeal among consumers seeking a dependable vehicle.
In conclusion, the Nissan Altima remains a well-rounded midsize sedan that offers an exceptional combination of affordability, safety, comfort, and performance. Its robust feature set, proven reliability, and fuel efficiency continue to make it a favorite choice for a wide demographic of drivers worldwide.
