1994 Nissan Altima GXE 2.4L 4-Cylinder

Summary:

Excellent, reliable car

Faults:

2 new starters at 85,000 and 87,000 miles (The first replacement was a defective rebuilt one.)

Muffler hits the frame of the car because of corroded exhaust hangers.

Heat/AC only works on high.

Timing chain rattles and makes a clanking sound because the guide is worn out.

General Comments:

This is probably one of the best cars ever made.

This is a very reliable car. No major engine, transmission, or electronics problems since we bought the car ten years ago. I live in an area that has harsh winters too and so far there's been only one small rust spot on the whole car.

The engine is a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder with 150 horsepower. For an early 90's subcompact it's actually decently fast. Faster if paired with the manual transmission.

I would recommend more frequent tune-ups after 90,000 miles or if the car isn't driven a lot. I also recommend 89 octane fuel in really cold weather.

If you're looking for a cheap, reliable, well-built car, I would highly recommend picking one of these up. I think these are even better than the new Altima's in certain aspects.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd December, 2004

1994 Nissan Altima LX

Summary:

I cannot say what I would really like to say in order to get my review published

Faults:

New Transmission after first year of owning. ($3500 Cdn)

New Air Conditioning unit after second year of owning it. ($950 Cdn)

New fuel pump after third year of owning it. ($550)

New Transmission after 5 years of owning it ($3500 Cdn)

Now the ABS light stays on.

Now A/C works intermittently.

Now tail lights don't work properly.

Now when I press the brakes, the clock dims to the point where it's unreadable.

Now car runs rough at idle and then stalls.

I've been begging my wife to sell the car for the past 3 to 4 years, but she's too stubborn.

I think she has now FINALLY come to the realization that half our debt comes from this car.

General Comments:

This car is a LEMON!

If you're thinking of buying one, RUN the other way and don't look back.

I will NEVER buy a Nissan vehicle ever again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th October, 2004

22nd Jan 2005, 17:50

That is an awful lot to go wrong with the car. While I completely believe you, people should not be made to believe that it's consistent with all of these cars. I've owned my '94 GXE for 2 years (107k->120k) and next to nothing has gone wrong. Replaced the starter and spark plugs, aside from oil changes.

Good luck on future cars.

27th Apr 2005, 12:02

I unfortunately have had the same sort of problems with my 94 GXE.

2 New Starters

2 New Alternators

1 New Transmission

1 Radiator

5 Different Trip to the Shop To Fix Electrical Short with Breaks.

I have maintained the car very regularly, more frequently than even recommended. I have taken remarkably good care of the car and yet - it continues to be a problem.

Best of Luck - If you should make this purchase. I won't be doing it a second time.

14th Nov 2005, 11:17

I too find this weird, I've had my 94 Altima for 3 years and had no repairs beyond the starter and regular oil changes. It seems really odd to me that you'd have this many problems without being able to fall back on a lemon law sort of thing.

J.

12th Jun 2006, 22:10

Wow. 150,000 miles on mine with nothing more than regular maintenance. If you do not take care of them you will have problems.

1994 Nissan Altima GXE 2.4L

Summary:

In general, this is a great car that has done well for me in the last 10 years

Faults:

The front axles had to be replaced at 110K.

The exhaust pipe needed welded back together at 110K.

The driver's side seatbelt retractor no longer works.

The dome light only turns on occasionally. Hitting it will make it come on.

The alternator went at 120K.

The distributor went at about 150K.

The timing chain makes noise because the guide is gone.

General Comments:

I inherited the car, and haven't thought about buying another since.

The ride is smooth, and the engine has some kick.

I wish that the turning radius were not quite so huge.

Also, I agree that the hubcaps are so easy to lose. I think I have lost about 5 or 6 in the time that I have owned this car.

I wish that the rear seats folded down. This makes for a lot of trouble when trying to transport anything wider or longer than the trunk.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th September, 2004