1998-2001 Nissan Altima: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Nissan Altima
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Pros
- Ride
- Passenger room
- Quietness
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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| 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 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2001 | |||
| Altima SE, GLE | $4,800-5,600 | $4,000-4,700 | $1,800-2,100 |
| Altima XE, GXE | $4,300-5,100 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 2000 | |||
| Altima SE, GLE | $4,100-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,600 |
| Altima XE, GXE | $3,700-4,500 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1999 | |||
| Altima SE, GLE | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| Altima XE, GXE | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1998 | |||
| Altima SE, GLE | $3,200-3,800 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| Altima XE, GXE | $2,900-3,500 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
|
|
|||
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
| 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. |
|||||
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%.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
