I need a good 4 door sedan, and was considering (yet another) Accord - I've owned 2 others in the past and they've been excellent vehicles. However, looking on the 'Net, the Altima has really caught my eye. Plus, it's the same (or less) price as the Accord with a more powerful engine. Anyone have any personal observations on this? Also, being a new redesign and the recent awards, will dealers really try to stay close to sticker or is Invoice a possibility?
Thinking about getting 2002 Altima 2.5S - Anyone here own or driven one? ***Update: Just test drove***
- Thread starter IndyJaws
- Start date
N8Magic
Lifer
- Dec 12, 2000
- 11,624
- 1
- 81
No replies? Where are all the Nissan fanboys?
I haven't drove the Altima yet, but I did drive the Sentra SE-R Spec V (which has the same engine as the Altima) and came away very impressed. The 2.5L 4 banger was very smooth and quiet, and had usable power all the way through the power band.
This engine mated with the Altima won't win you many stoplight shoot outs, but it will fare much better than the Camry and Accord 4 cylinder models.
They are quite popular at the dealers, but then again Honda and Toyota dealers are notorious for budging very little from MSRP.
Go give one a test drive. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I haven't drove the Altima yet, but I did drive the Sentra SE-R Spec V (which has the same engine as the Altima) and came away very impressed. The 2.5L 4 banger was very smooth and quiet, and had usable power all the way through the power band.
This engine mated with the Altima won't win you many stoplight shoot outs, but it will fare much better than the Camry and Accord 4 cylinder models.
They are quite popular at the dealers, but then again Honda and Toyota dealers are notorious for budging very little from MSRP.
Go give one a test drive. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I believe BigJohnKC (sp?) has a 2002 Altima and has nothing but great things to say about it.
Try the altima forums for more first hand info.
Nissan ~ Driven
Try the altima forums for more first hand info.
Nissan ~ Driven
ok, let's get one thing straight here.....(hopefully i am not arrogantly being ignorant)...as far as i know guys:
the Altima = > 1.5 of A Civic
Sentra = > 0.75 of a Civic
Maxima => 1.25 of a Accord (could say they even equal actually)
and Q-XX = > 100000000X Accura(any of them)
so, the classifications need to be addressed..
pricewise, guys, if you cheap, Like i am, when i bought my accord, i made sure that i never be swindled... the Altima- should be selling a lot less in terms of straight msrp price from the accord.....reason, they are not in the same class....... i think they label the altima as a mid-size and the accord with the camry a full size sedan........just my .02 cents..
another note- Nissans- Notriously known for transmission problems....- i specifically avoided Nissans due to my obssession with Stick shift (any type of pblm with transmission on stick shift is dooming the car for a failure)- yep you got it right- i have a stick four Door accord....
another car with notorious transmission problems - JEEP......Oh my gosh...!! Don't even start me with that car!
the Altima = > 1.5 of A Civic
Sentra = > 0.75 of a Civic
Maxima => 1.25 of a Accord (could say they even equal actually)
and Q-XX = > 100000000X Accura(any of them)
so, the classifications need to be addressed..
pricewise, guys, if you cheap, Like i am, when i bought my accord, i made sure that i never be swindled... the Altima- should be selling a lot less in terms of straight msrp price from the accord.....reason, they are not in the same class....... i think they label the altima as a mid-size and the accord with the camry a full size sedan........just my .02 cents..
another note- Nissans- Notriously known for transmission problems....- i specifically avoided Nissans due to my obssession with Stick shift (any type of pblm with transmission on stick shift is dooming the car for a failure)- yep you got it right- i have a stick four Door accord....
another car with notorious transmission problems - JEEP......Oh my gosh...!! Don't even start me with that car!
<<
pricewise, guys, if you cheap, Like i am, when i bought my accord, i made sure that i never be swindled... the Altima- should be selling a lot less in terms of straight msrp price from the accord.....reason, they are not in the same class....... i think they label the altima as a mid-size and the accord with the camry a full size sedan........just my .02 cents..
>>
01 Altima - compact
02+ Altima - midsize
95 Camry - compact
96+ Camry - midsize
97 Accord - compact
98+ Accord - midsize
So in essence...all three are in the same class. The Maxima is currently a midsize (very close to the '02 Altima size), but will be moving upto full size for 2003.
I'm sure a lot of the car experts here will chime in. But from what I've read the new Altima is MUCH bigger inside than it used to be and is now actually larger than the Accord and Camry. My wife owns an Accord and my mom a Camry. I know (as do millions of others) that these cars are top notch in terms of reliability. I'd put most any Nissan car right up there with Toyota and Honda in terms of reliability and quality. Maybe not QUITE as good, but extremely close.
I too really like what I'm reading about the new Altima. 180hp for a 4 cylinder sounds like a dream to somebody driving a 110hp Sentra and a 130ish HP Accord. I'd love to get the 6 cylinder, but there's too many other things I could do with that extra $2,000 it would probably cost. I'm still a year or so off though. By then the new Accord and Mazda 6 series will be out. Honda always tends to add a premium to their price so I might still be looking at the Altima then. Good luck with whatever you get.
I too really like what I'm reading about the new Altima. 180hp for a 4 cylinder sounds like a dream to somebody driving a 110hp Sentra and a 130ish HP Accord. I'd love to get the 6 cylinder, but there's too many other things I could do with that extra $2,000 it would probably cost. I'm still a year or so off though. By then the new Accord and Mazda 6 series will be out. Honda always tends to add a premium to their price so I might still be looking at the Altima then. Good luck with whatever you get.
BigSmooth
Lifer
- Aug 18, 2000
- 10,484
- 12
- 81
Couple of points:
The Altima is now a much larger car than it used to be. It's actually larger than the current Maxima, and it has a cavernous interior for the midsize class. Nissan really wanted to make a change with this car because of the slow sales of the previous Altima, so they COMPLETELY redesigned it, basically from the ground up.
The Altima has also been among the top-rated sedans in its class by JD Power in both Initial Quality (#1) and Vehicle Dependability. It was voted the 2002 North American Car of the Year. The 3.5SE also has one of Ward's Auto's 10 Best engines for 2002, and the 4-banger in the 2.5's puts out a decent amount of HP and torque.
That said, there are a number of reasons for you to consider an Accord.
First, there is good ol' brand loyalty! As you know, the Accord is a great car.
Second, it is yet to be seen how the resale value of the new Altima will turn out, but historically the resale value of a Honda is usually much better than that of a Nissan. However, this is the last year of the current Accord design, which means resale values on 2002 Accords will be somewhat worse than usual.
Third, this is the first year of the new Altima, so there may be a few things they need to fix. I have heard a few complaints on Nissan boards about some fairly obvious cost-cutting in the interior.
If I were you, I would just go test-drive the heck out of both of them, and some of their competitors too. Go over them with a fine-toothed comb. I think there is a lot to be said for either car, but your opinion is the one that truly matters!
The Altima is now a much larger car than it used to be. It's actually larger than the current Maxima, and it has a cavernous interior for the midsize class. Nissan really wanted to make a change with this car because of the slow sales of the previous Altima, so they COMPLETELY redesigned it, basically from the ground up.
The Altima has also been among the top-rated sedans in its class by JD Power in both Initial Quality (#1) and Vehicle Dependability. It was voted the 2002 North American Car of the Year. The 3.5SE also has one of Ward's Auto's 10 Best engines for 2002, and the 4-banger in the 2.5's puts out a decent amount of HP and torque.
That said, there are a number of reasons for you to consider an Accord.
First, there is good ol' brand loyalty!
As you know, the Accord is a great car.Second, it is yet to be seen how the resale value of the new Altima will turn out, but historically the resale value of a Honda is usually much better than that of a Nissan. However, this is the last year of the current Accord design, which means resale values on 2002 Accords will be somewhat worse than usual.
Third, this is the first year of the new Altima, so there may be a few things they need to fix. I have heard a few complaints on Nissan boards about some fairly obvious cost-cutting in the interior.
If I were you, I would just go test-drive the heck out of both of them, and some of their competitors too. Go over them with a fine-toothed comb. I think there is a lot to be said for either car, but your opinion is the one that truly matters!
The Accord 4cyl is actually 150hp.
I have an 1998 Accord EXV6 (current body style). The way I see it, the Camry and Altima falls into separate spectrum of sport vs luxury. The Camry uses really nice material and and pampers the driver, especially when fully equipped. It drives very smoothly, but don't expect to take that turn going fast. The Camry is a floater kind of ride and relatively slow.
The Altima is a very good performance sedan. The performance in its 4cylinder matches or beat that of the v6 in the Accord or Camry. The Altima V6 is only beat by the higher HP Maxima. But the interior of the Altima feels very sparse. Look at the doors and the center console and you'll see what I mean.
The Accord is kind of a balance between the Altima and Camry. It's double wishbone natrually give the Accord good handling and absorbs bumps well. It's interior is much better than the Altima, but almost as good as the Camry. IMO, the new Camry's interior style mimics the Accord a bit. If you can wait, an all new Accord is coming out in October. I would wait to see what they have to raise the bar again. Car and Driver did a comparison of the three and a few domestic a couple of months ago. Here's the link: C&D v6 midsize comparison
I have an 1998 Accord EXV6 (current body style). The way I see it, the Camry and Altima falls into separate spectrum of sport vs luxury. The Camry uses really nice material and and pampers the driver, especially when fully equipped. It drives very smoothly, but don't expect to take that turn going fast. The Camry is a floater kind of ride and relatively slow.
The Altima is a very good performance sedan. The performance in its 4cylinder matches or beat that of the v6 in the Accord or Camry. The Altima V6 is only beat by the higher HP Maxima. But the interior of the Altima feels very sparse. Look at the doors and the center console and you'll see what I mean.
The Accord is kind of a balance between the Altima and Camry. It's double wishbone natrually give the Accord good handling and absorbs bumps well. It's interior is much better than the Altima, but almost as good as the Camry. IMO, the new Camry's interior style mimics the Accord a bit. If you can wait, an all new Accord is coming out in October. I would wait to see what they have to raise the bar again. Car and Driver did a comparison of the three and a few domestic a couple of months ago. Here's the link: C&D v6 midsize comparison
<< The Accord 4cyl is actually 150hp. >>
If you were referring to my comment, I was speaking about my wife's Accord, a '97 model which I believe is somewhere around 130-140 horsepower. I know the newer ones have a bit more gusto. Still, the idea that you could get 30 more horsepower for less (without hopefully sacrificing much on quality) is very appealing.
dont be a cheapo, get the 3.5, it'll burn any sedan out there under $35k
edit:
my friend has a 2.5s, and despite the smaller engine, the cars styling is fricken awesome, and it is HUGE inside, a lot like a camry. Tons of leg room and all, very very slick
edit:
my friend has a 2.5s, and despite the smaller engine, the cars styling is fricken awesome, and it is HUGE inside, a lot like a camry. Tons of leg room and all, very very slick
Sell your brother or something and get the 3.5. You would be so much happier. its a huge difference.
<< dont be a cheapo, get the 3.5, it'll burn any sedan out there under $35k >>
hehe...you forgot. 2002 255hp 3.5L 6spd Maxima SE will burn the Altima, and it is priced below $35k. Then there's the new Skyline-based 255hp Infinity G35. No numbers on that yet, but it starts out at just below $28k The 260hp Acura TL Type-S might give the automatic tranny Altima some competition. The BMW at around $35k barebone, and it'll burn the Altima with no problems.
But realistically, out of the Altima's direct competition (Accord, Camry, Passat, etc...), the only one close is its older brother, the Maxima.
i have a 2001 altima. its a lot smaller than the new one. the v6 costs a lot more than 2 grand though, i went to the dealer to buy a spare part for my car, and well the 2.5 S you can get for like $19k + tax , but the v6 usually ends up costing at least $24k because i think the most stripped down one is like $23k still but you will never get it without tons of options you have to buy.
If you arent a real racing freak the 2.5 S is fine. its 175 HP though, they had to take 5 HP off the original estimate.
If you arent a real racing freak the 2.5 S is fine. its 175 HP though, they had to take 5 HP off the original estimate.
I drove two of them in one day for a total of about 400 miles. The engine has more than enough power for everyday driving, but it's not quite as silky smooth as a Honda or Toyota 4 cylinder. It easily cruises at over 90 if you want it to. The car is quiet and it handles very nicely. Oh, and it's huge inside. Mileage was indicated at about 26-27 MPG on the highway at a fairly steady 80 MPH on a brand new engine, so it might loosen up and improve a bit, but I think it gives up a little economy to the 4 cyl Accord. Interior quality is kind of low compared to Honda and Toyota, but it's not like it's GM bad. I'd bet on Nissan making some improvements next year anyway. Nissan has been very good about updating it's interiors on most models on a yearly basis, and they should know by now, the Altima's needs a little work yet. I personally think the cloth interior is nicer than the leather, and the subtle light gray interior has a much nicer look than the plasticy shinyness of the black interior. A "blonde" tan interoir is also available, but I haven't personally seen that one yet.
The Altima is absolutely a must drive. It might be everything you're looking for.
The Altima is absolutely a must drive. It might be everything you're looking for.
I bought my 3.5 SE for $24728, plus tax and license it came out to about $26500. I got just about all the options except leather and xenons. All I can say is that I love my car. I test drove both the Accord and Camry before making my decision and I was left with such an uninspiring feeling. Don't get me wrong, Accords and Camrys are great cars, but damm everybody has one. You guys are absolutely correct about the interior, yeah its alittle dissapointing, but its not that bad and the interior is huge compared to the other cars. I did drive the 2.5S and it has alot of kick, but once I sat in a 3.5 SE and stomped on the accelerator I nearly cr@pped my pants. I've never felt that kinda rush in my life, alittle background info, I use to drive a 1990 Integra RS. Granted this isn't a sports car and I'm not about to compare it to one and before somebody says, "Well my WRX is faster!! or Have you seen the Audi A4? Now that car has a better interior." This is a FAMILY SEDAN, not a sports car, or an entry level luxury car. So please don't compare it to a different class of cars. This car was meant to give Honda Accord and Toyota Camry buyers something else to look at.
The 2.5 S and SL actually has 175 hp not 180. Indy if the 3.5SE is out of your pricerange why not try for the 2.5 SL. The 2.5SL is actually the more luxurious trim level since its has leather and the BOSE stereo standard. The 3.5 SE is geared towards the driving enthusiasts.
Oh by the way, Nissan will be discontinuing the Maxima for a few years while they redesign it, just like they did for the 350ZX. You can actually get a real good deal on a Maxima right now
The 2.5 S and SL actually has 175 hp not 180. Indy if the 3.5SE is out of your pricerange why not try for the 2.5 SL. The 2.5SL is actually the more luxurious trim level since its has leather and the BOSE stereo standard. The 3.5 SE is geared towards the driving enthusiasts.
Oh by the way, Nissan will be discontinuing the Maxima for a few years while they redesign it, just like they did for the 350ZX. You can actually get a real good deal on a Maxima right now
Thanks for all the input everyone! Can't wait until Monday to test drive the Altima (stupid Blue Laws in Indiana require all dealerships to be closed on Sunday). As much as I'd love the 3.5, the 2.5 will hit my price range much better.
Any more comments by anyone else are certainly appreciated!
Can't wait until Monday to test drive the Altima (stupid Blue Laws in Indiana require all dealerships to be closed on Sunday). As much as I'd love the 3.5, the 2.5 will hit my price range much better.Any more comments by anyone else are certainly appreciated!
BigSmooth
Lifer
- Aug 18, 2000
- 10,484
- 12
- 81
<< Oh by the way, Nissan will be discontinuing the Maxima for a few years while they redesign it, just like they did for the 350ZX. You can actually get a real good deal on a Maxima right now >>
No, they won't. They are redesigning it but it will NOT be discontinued, I am 100% certain of this.
I test drove a 3.5SE, and it was quite nice. Very large interior as well.
Never got behind the wheel of the 2.5S, though i hear it's pretty peppy
Never got behind the wheel of the 2.5S, though i hear it's pretty peppy
If I were to purchase now, I'd go witht the V6 Honda Accord. It's still brutally fast, but also a very nice ride. My dad has a '99 4cyl Accord, and it's a really great car. I have a '95 altima, lol, granted not a comparison to the new one, but the interior of the new altima is bleak at best. I just don't think the extra acceleration is worth sacrificing ride comfort. Plus, the Accord has already been established, you can't go wrong with it. If you plan on waiting, it should be very exciting what Honda will bring to the table next year with the Accord....can you say "iVtec" ?
StageLeft
No Lifer
- Sep 29, 2000
- 70,150
- 5
- 0
I wouldn't buy an accord. I'm not sure of the pricepoints but if you are interested in power at all the Altima is the no-brainer winner. The low-end engine option on Altima kills the accord, and the highend comparision (240 HP vs ~200? Plus the V6 accord is only an auto) decimates the Honda.
If power is not much of a concern the Honda is perhaps mildly higher in quality but not significantly so. Nissan is a solid name. Perhaps you like the looks of the accord more or the interior or whatever, but in terms of speed the Altima kills it.
If power is not much of a concern the Honda is perhaps mildly higher in quality but not significantly so. Nissan is a solid name. Perhaps you like the looks of the accord more or the interior or whatever, but in terms of speed the Altima kills it.
Just test drove a 2.5S. I have to say I was impressed. Very quick, especially for a 4 cyl. Seems to be well-made, nice layout of dash.
More importantly, I found a dealer that would sell for 2% over invoice. Other dealers in the area weren't very interested in negotiating. Of course, I'd rather pay invoice, but as popular as the vehicle is, 2% isn't too bad.
I just might have to get it...
More importantly, I found a dealer that would sell for 2% over invoice. Other dealers in the area weren't very interested in negotiating. Of course, I'd rather pay invoice, but as popular as the vehicle is, 2% isn't too bad.
I just might have to get it...
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