Faults:

Starter Replaced at 65314.

Rear seal around window coming out - Due to excessive Texas summer heat for the past 10 years.

Car loses hubcaps.

General Comments:

The car has seen all kinds of driving conditions, from the family cross-country hauler to the 1/4 mile drag strip.

The car has never been "tuned" or modified as I use it for my daily commuter, but it has performed it's duties flawlessly. I've only had a starter replacement from the factory, but other than that it's been a great vehicle.

The car has run an average (over 15 time slips) on the drag strip of 16.36.

Not exactly a rocket, but it can certainly get out of a jam if need be. Most people were surprised at how agile and responsive the "little shoebox" is.

The AC has always been cold, the drivetrain tight and the interior comfortable.

The only downside to the Altima is the rather dull look. With the performance characteristics of the 2.4L, matched with a well balanced suspension, this car is like a wolf in sheep's clothing. It reminds me a little of the old muscle car era "sleepers".

The Altima would make a great first car for anyone going to school or needing reliability for their jobs (like delivery, transportation, etc...).

Faults:

Had to replace a fuel injector at 130K. At the same time also did a tune up and brake pads.

The seat belts were not retracting properly. Took the car back (10yrs old and 140K) to the dealer, and the belts were replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

I was originally looking for a 90-93 Accord EX. While searching for one I ran across this Altima, it had all the same options that you would find in the EX Accord. I had test drove many of those, and thought I might as well see what the "Alty" had to offer. After driving the vehicle for five miles, and doing some research I realized that this was to be my next car. This is a fun car to drive; it has power, and the ability to control it. I enjoy the way this car handles just as much as my uncles SAAB.

With the KA24DE under the hood, a 2.4L DOHC engine, this car has great pickup and go, while keeping good gas mileage. With a gallon of petro, I average around 32 miles on the highway and 26ish in the city. The best I have got out of her was 37 MPG and the worst was around 20, which was immediately before I replaced the injector.

Having grown up in Minneapolis, I have seen plenty of rusty cars. One thing that I have not seen however is a rusty Altima. My car being ten years old and having so many miles on her, I am constantly in awe of the lack of rust on the car, or tarnish on the alloy wheels. The choice to use higher quality steel is evident, and very worth while for a mid-western car.

The car seems to fog up easily, I need to try some Fog-X to see if that will help. My current way of dealing with the fog, is to crack the back edge of the moon roof.

I would definitely buy an Altima (or any Nissan) again. However, if I had my choice again, I would get a '94, they have manual instead of auto belts.

Despite 142k, in a month I will be driving from Minneapolis, to southern Florida. I have faith in this well built car.