1998-2001 Nissan Altima: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1998-2001 Nissan Altima and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger room
- Quietness
- Ride
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
Vehicle Highlights
Nissan's compact sedan got a major restyling for 1998, adopting a harder-edge appearance, in contrast to the rounded look of its predecessor. Slightly larger in size, though on the same wheelbase as before, Altima also got a mildly revised powertrain and suspension. Overall length grew by 2.6 inches, width and track by about 2 inches. Head and leg room also grew a bit. Four models were available: base XE, volume-selling GXE, sporty SE, and luxury GLE. A firmer suspension went into the SE, which also got standard alloy wheels, wider tires, rear disc brakes (instead of the usual drums), and a body-colored rear spoiler. The GLE included leather upholstery and a power driver's seat. All models used the same 2.4-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine, producing 150 horsepower and mated to a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Internal engine changes aimed to improve low-speed power delivery, and the automatic transmission was reprogrammed for smoother operation. Antilock brakes were an option. Nissan claimed a 20 percent increase in structural stiffness. Altima had been the company's best-selling U.S. model, fighting in the tight compact family sedan market. Rivals to the restyled edition included the Ford Contour, Mazda 626, and Mitsubishi Galant.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Altima XE/GXE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2001 Nissan Altima. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2001 Nissan Altima.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Nissan Altima:
Few changes were evident on Nissan's compact sedan. The SE and GXE gained variable-intermittent wipers, and the GLE got standard alloy wheels. A power antenna now was included in the GXE's optional Security and Convenience package.
2000 Nissan Altima:
Just two years after a major redesign, Altima earned a thorough makeover. That included availability of front side airbags, standard in the GLE and optional for SE and GXE. The 2.4-liter engine gained 5 horsepower. SE and GLE sedans gained standard 16-inch tires, replacing the prior 15-inch rubber. They also added a cross-car brace in the engine bay. All Altimas got revisions to steering and suspension, as well as fresh front and rear fascias, a new center console (with automatic transmission), and new rear cupholders. Antilock braking remained optional, except on the base model. A new Appearance & Convenience Package includes the GLE's suspension and 6-speaker audio system. Leather upholstery remained standard for the GLE, optional for SE.
2001 Nissan Altima:
No significant changes were made for 2001.
Our road test for the 1998-2001 Nissan Altima includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1998-2001 Nissan Altima and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1998-2001 Nissan Altima is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration is little-changed from the prior generation--in short, nothing to shout about. Our test GLE ran 0-60 mph in a so-so 10 seconds with automatic transmission. The 2000 models should be a bit swifter. There's also little change in the transmission's reluctance to downshift promptly, or in its abruptness when it does. Our test GXE returned a somewhat disappointing 20.3 mpg, while our GLE averaged 23.4 mpg, despite hard city driving and performance testing. Expect a smooth, absorbent ride except on washboard surfaces, where minor wheel pattering disturbs the calm. Alas, the ride exacts a tradeoff in mediocre body control over big humps and dips, plus more body lean in tight turns than we prefer. Even so, Altima handling is competently agile, aided by quick steering with good feedback. Braking with ABS proved to be safe and undramatic, if unexceptional by today's standards. Unlike previous Altimas, the current generation allows 6-footers to sit comfortably in tandem. The cabin still is not wide enough for three adults in back, but leg, knee, and foot space are all good, as is overall head room even with a power moonroof installed. Front bucket seats in the 2000 models are more supportive and better bolstered. The dashboard is nicely laid out, with clean gauges and convenient, guess-free controls that complement a comfortable driver's post. Commuters should welcome the new console-mounted dual cupholders--much more useful than the rickety pull-out contraption of old. Visibility is good except over-the-shoulder, due to high tail styling and wide rear roof posts. Trunk space is good, but not great. A wide rear-bumper shelf makes for some back-straining reaches, and the lid hinges intrude into the cargo area. The cabin has plenty of places for bric-a-brac, though not accessible to rear seaters.
Value for the Money
Acceptably solid and well-finished, Altima remains a must-see for value-minded buyers, due largely to its low noise levels and soft ride. Trunklids have felt tinny, however. Though unexceptional, Altima ranks as a nice family compact--less bland after the 2000 revamp.
Acceptably solid and well-finished, Altima remains a must-see for value-minded buyers, due largely to its low noise levels and soft ride. Trunklids have felt tinny, however. Though unexceptional, Altima ranks as a nice family compact--less bland after the 2000 revamp.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Altima XE/GXE Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 49 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Altima includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Altima .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Engine noise:
Noisy timing chain might be due to broken lower-chain guide. (1998)
Keyless entry:
The remote keyless-entry system is difficult to program. (1998)
Rough idle:
If the spark plug vent holes get clogged, the engine may run rough and/or the check engine light might illuminate. (1998)
Rough idle:
Rough idle and stalling could be due to weak springs between the coils and spark plugs in coil-over-plug assemblies. (2002)
Vehicle noise:
A broken BTV valve bracket causes a rattle under the hood. (1999-2000)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $610 |
| Alternator | $320 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $745 |
| Brakes | $205 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $430 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,235 |
| Exhaust System | $180 |
| Radiator | $330 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $525 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $775 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Altima details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| Altima SE, GLE | $4,500-5,300 | $3,700-4,400 | $1,600-1,900 |
| Altima XE, GXE | $3,900-4,700 | $3,200-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| 2000 | |||
| Altima SE, GLE | $3,900-4,700 | $3,200-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| Altima XE, GXE | $3,400-4,200 | $2,700-3,300 | $900-1,100 |
| 1999 | |||
| Altima SE, GLE | $3,400-4,100 | $2,700-3,200 | $900-1,100 |
| Altima XE, GXE | $3,000-3,800 | $2,300-2,900 | $700-900 |
| 1998 | |||
| Altima SE, GLE | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| Altima XE, GXE | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Altima include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 183.5 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.9 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2859 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.7 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.9 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Altimas had a 2.4-liter, dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine, making 150 horsepower. Either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission might be installed. The engine gained 5 horsepower in 2000.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 146 | 150-155 | 154-156 | 5-speed manual: 24/31 4-speed automatic: 22/30 |
5-speed manual: 23.4 4-speed automatic: 20.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Altima include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Altima |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
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