Comprehensive Guide to the Nissan Altima: Features, Pricing, and Comparative Analysis
Explore the Nissan Altima in detail, covering its key features, pricing, comparison with competitors, and recent upgrades. Learn how this mid-size sedan balances performance, safety, and comfort while offering great value for families and daily drivers. Discover its engine options, cargo capacity, and safety awards, making it a top choice in the competitive midsize sedan segment with over 1500 words of comprehensive insights.
In-Depth Overview of the Nissan Altima: Key Features, Pricing Strategies, and Market Comparisons
The Nissan Altima stands out as a leading mid-size sedan within Nissan's extensive lineup, renowned for its blend of performance, comfort, and affordability. Since its inception in 1992, the Altima has established itself as a staple in the midsize sedan segment, appealing to a broad range of drivers seeking a reliable daily vehicle with modern features. Its lineage traces back to Nissan's Bluebird heritage, which dates to the late 1950s, highlighting a long-standing tradition of innovation and quality in Nissan's vehicle portfolio.
Positioning and Competitive Landscape
The midsize sedan market is highly competitive, with key rivals including the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, both renowned for their dependability and value. Compared to Nissan's other offerings, the Altima is larger and more powerful than the Nissan Sentra, making it suitable for drivers needing more space and performance. Conversely, it is less luxurious and smaller than the Nissan Maxima, positioned as a more premium sedan within Nissan's lineup.
Over the years, the Altima has undergone five generations, each refining its design, technology, and performance. The model has been produced continuously since its launch in 1992, with significant updates in styling, features, and engineering, culminating in the current 2012-present version. This evolution demonstrates Nissan's commitment to keeping the Altima competitive and aligned with market demands.
The initial four generations of the Altima were exclusively assembled in the United States, allowing Nissan to cater effectively to North American consumers. Nonetheless, the vehicle has enjoyed global reach, with sales extending across South America, Australia, and the Middle East. Interestingly, the Nissan Teana served as a comparable model to the Altima and Maxima in size, marketed outside the Americas, particularly in Asia, Australia, and Middle Eastern markets. It is noteworthy that by 2013, the Teana was rebranded as the fifth-generation Nissan Altima, reflecting Nissan's strategic unification of its sedan offerings. Before 1992, the "Altima" nomenclature was initially utilized for higher trim versions of the Nissan Leopard in Japan and later for the Nissan Laurel in Central America, indicating a history of the name associated with performance and luxury within Nissan's global lineup.
When Nissan discontinued the Stanza model in 1992, it introduced the North American version of the Altima, marking a significant shift in Nissan's mid-size sedan strategy. This move aimed to better compete with other major players in the segment by offering improved styling, performance, and features tailored to North American tastes.
Detailed Features and Pricing of the 2017 Nissan Altima
Pricing remains a critical factor for consumers, and the 2017 Nissan Altima was introduced at a starting price of approximately $22,500. This competitive price point includes several safety and convenience features designed to enhance the driving experience. For example, the vehicle comes equipped with a child safety latch system, ensuring secure installation of car seats, which appeals to family-oriented buyers. Its interior design emphasizes comfort and quietness, thanks to advanced sound insulation materials that minimize road and engine noise, creating a peaceful cabin environment.
The trunk offers a solid 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space, providing ample room for shopping, travel luggage, or everyday storage needs. Practicality is also reflected in features like multiple cup holders strategically placed for easy access, as well as a user-friendly infotainment system that supports smartphone connectivity.
The engine lineup for the 2017 Altima includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of delivering 179 horsepower. This powertrain strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it ideal for typical daily commuting. For drivers seeking more oomph, the V6 variant employs a robust 3.5-liter engine producing 270 horsepower, ensuring excellent performance on highways and overtaking situations. Fuel efficiency varies depending on engine choice and driving conditions, with the four-cylinder models achieving approximately 27 mpg in city driving and up to 39 mpg on highways. The V6 models typically provide about 22 mpg in city settings and 32 mpg when cruising on highways, emphasizing Nissan's efforts to optimize both power and efficiency.
It is essential to note that the 2017 Altima ranked 12th among 19 midsize sedans in its class based on various metrics. It excels particularly in comfort, seating capacity, and fuel economy, although it slightly lags behind competitors in the areas of technology and driving dynamics. Nonetheless, it maintains a reputation for safety, having received recognition such as the 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Top Safety Pick and the 2017 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick awards, affirming its commitment to occupant protection and crashworthiness.
