Very strong engine for a 4 cylinder. Good features for the price.

Too many to list here. See review. Hopefully, the newer models are more like a Nissan should be.

1993 model - Avoid this model. Period. Definitely not the quality I would expect from Nissan. No real problems during warranty period. Afterwards - all sorts of electrical problems - wipers, radio, ingition, shift lock, lights, etc. Occasionally will not start at all, sometimes cannot move shifter after starting engine, have to put it in neutral to start engine. Distributer, rotor, spark plugs and wires had to be replaced because of arcing in the distributor. Timing chain guide cracked ($800). Air bag did not deploy in minor front end collision even though air bag sensor was impacted. In doing research, the electrical and timing chain problems are common in this model. Never used a drop of oil until around 110,000 miles, suddenly started using about 2 quarts between 3,000 mile oil changes. My first and last Nissan.

Good looks, fun to drive. The SE is loaded with standard features.

Rear doors too small

I bought this Altima SE brand new from CarMax with a power sunroof for 16,898. I paid 17,900 on the road after tax, tags, etc... Where will you find a Toyota or a Honda with 16" alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, spoiler, 6 disc in-dash CD player, and a sport-tuned suspension for that kind of money? Nowhere, that's where. This car is quick, (5-speed) good looking, affordable, and did I mention feature laden?
I have 7,500 mile on the car and so far, I still love it.
I have one major beef with other posts on this site. Buyers are frustrated with service (which varies greatly from dealer to dealer) and as a result they trash the car and give it poor marks. So far I haven't needed service, but if I do I will find a dealer that is responsible and fair.
In closing, I would recommend this car to anyone who might be interested in a Camry or Accord.

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Holds it's own against Camry and Accord

IT HAS VERY GOOD HEATING SYSTEM, SEATS ARE
VERY COMFORTABLE, AND LOOKS GOOD

BRAKES SQUEAKS VERY BAD, PICK UP IS NOT GOOD AT
ALL, BUMPY RIDE, GAS MILIAGE IS BAD, PAINT
CHIPS VERY EASY, THE TRUNK LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS
THIS MODEL NEEDS A MAKEOVER

I AM NOT SATISFIED AT ALL

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THE MAXIMA THER IS NO COMPARISON

Has good pickup and handles well

Nissan Warranty. The car sustained some front end damage--bumper, hood and radiator--no engine damage. When engine problem arose 1500 miles later, Nissan blamed it on damage from accident--refused to honor warranty. Cost me $2,800 to repair engine

It is a half way decent car for the money. But Nissan is a terrible company to deal with. I hired an attorney to write them a letter asking them to honor the warranty and Nissan swore that we were responsible for the engine problem. I would never buy one again.

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Honda Civic --Nissan doesn't even come close

-Best bang for the buck by far! Got it during the $2000 rebate and 3.9% APR, ended up a little more than a 2001 Sentra SE
-Great handling, love the 16" wheels, 4-disc brakes help too
-pretty smooth transmission
-6cd changer standard can't be beat! read's CD-Rs too! (haven't tested CD-RW's)
-liquid filled engine mounts make a difference! (less vibration)
-love the rims, wish they came standard with WHEEL locks to deter theft!

-Road noise
-stiffer ride because it's 'sport-tuned' (it's actually a strength)
-horrible MPG! I get ~19mpg mixed on automatic! Driving pure freeway, I average about 28mpg! I expect more from a four-banger!
-the automatic 'fan' is annoying when you turn off the engine
-could use bigger cupholders
-could use better rear cupholders
-2nd lighter adapter could be placed better
-6 speaker stereo is weak (I'm going to have to replace it!)

Bought it on the 31 of March 2001. It rolled off the assembly line in February, and it's running great. Picked it up with 7 miles on it, so I'll be back to let you know how it fares. Racked up 500 miles so far, but it handles great! And good braking power and roomy too! Great car for a college student on a budget (Civics are just too underpowered! Roadtrips to Vegas are essential!!!). Gas mileage could be better, so could the sound, but a great buy! I wish I could've held out for the new 2002 Altima, I hear it's getting a new powerplant and redesign. But we'll see.

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1994 Nissan Altima GLE - Great car, swayed me to getting the 2001 Altima SE, no maintenance problems and runs great
2000 Toyota Camry- Excess body roll! Bland styling! Great gas mileage and lots of room!
1996 Honda Accord- Great Handling, but felt crammed in! Great gas mileage! Required a lot of maintenance!

Good looks. Good small family car. Good acceleration considering it's a 4-cylinder. Has fold down pedestal in back seat...keeps the kids occupied for miles! Good for local commuting but would be tough if you're a sales person.

A pain to change the oil. When you take it to the shop you're going to pay because the engine is crammed into place. Timing chain replacement will run at the very least $700.00. O2 sensors will run about $680.00. Thin metal body. Gets dings very easily. Ride can be rough and noisy.
If you're really into cup holders look elsewhere.

All in all things that I have had problems with are routine maintenance. Timing chain at 88,000 which is actually a tad overdue. O2 sensors before that at about 82,000. We also replaced the alternator at around 75,000 which I think is a bit weak but then I'm spoiled by the older American vehicles when it comes to alternators.
The Nissan is a good car for communting, college or small family. Just keep a little extra money at hand for routine maintenance.

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Chevy Corsica. Somewhat similar. Budget family transportation

Sporty looks, 16" premium wheels/tires, sport suspension, 6-disc CD changer, Nissan's quality reputation.

At this point in time, none that I can think of.

I bought my 2001 Altima SE just days ago, so maybe I'm still on the honeymoon, but something tells me I'll be on this honeymoon for many years. Went into the dealership interested in a Maxima, which is still a beautiful car, but the Altima being only a tiny step down, was a much better value for the money. The rear spoiler, as subtle as it is, adds so much more to the rear of the vehicle. The premium wheel package is very nice, and along with the bigger tires and tower-strut front suspension, handles extremely well. I've owned a 280Z and more recently, a Pathfinder, so I was no stranger to the quality of Nissan products, but this car tops them both. Yes, a 6-cylinder might be nice, but with gas prices the way they are these days, the 4-banger suits me just fine, thank you. I've owned two corvettes in the past, so I've had my fun and experience with supreme handling sportscars. But with a family in-tow and the need for a nice, reliable, yet sporty sedan, you can't go wrong with the Altima SE. And right now, Nissan's offering a $2,000 rebate, plus 3.9% financing...so what are you waiting for?

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'93 VW Passat: nice handling, terrible reliability!
'90 MBZ 190E: same as above, but more expensive.
'94 Saturn SL2 (wife's car): Good car and reliable, but no match for the Altima in handling, looks and overall craftsmanship.

150 hp, standard options

Dealership Service, Nissan Canada Lease program is the worst there is. End up paying much more at the end of lease than expected. Will never deal with Nissan again.

One of the nicest cars in its class, many options at a reasonable price. Lease program is unreasonable and deceiving. Will never deal with Nissan again.

Love the looks of the car. Always catch myself taking a second glance at it in the parking lot. Also willing to walk the extra mile in order to prevent dings. Rims are awesome. Suspension...Hell Yeah! Strut tower mounts....etc..etc..etc...!!!

Need just a little more leg room. Would love a stronger 4 banger. The six will devour gas. That is about it as far as I'm concerned!

As far as those who have dissed the Altima...TRY THE 2001..IT WON'T LET YOU DOWN. This car has taken me on a trip from SC to Chicago no-stop. Only for food and I drove through to get it! 779 miles in 12 hrs. And no saddle sore. In the next 3 months I will be travelling over 5500 miles with no problem at all. ****Only one complaint that I have is the "help" at the Nissan dealeships service center!!**** ATTITUDE GALORE!! My paint is peeling a little in the front and on the quarter panels...service dude says, "you must have been driving way to close to a cement truck or something!!" Whatever!

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nothing that I have driven!

The altima is a great car known for its reliableness,i feel lit lacks power , i have a nissan altima which is a 97 and automatic transmission and i have a pickup problem , if somebody knows what is the problem with the car i would apprecciate if they could get in touch with me

Power in the automatic transmission ????

I hope the altima is worth for its $$$ but due to the power problem i wouldn't recommend somebody to go for this instead i would recomment somebody to go ahead with a Camry or a Honda

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