Faults:

The power steering pump went out about 280,000 miles. Very cheap to replace. About 50 for the pump and 150 for labor. Can easily be replaced by just about any "shade tree" mechanic for cheaper labor.

Unfortunately, the transmission went out at 287,000 miles. If I could find another transmission for a descent price, I would fix it in a heartbeat.

General Comments:

This is the best car I have ever had. It only took about 25 bucks to fill it up, and it got about 400 miles out of one tank of gas.

I never had one single problem with this car except for the power steering pump, and now the transmission.

Faults:

Radiator formed a crack in the top (plastic) tank near the cap. $181 for the radiator and $70 for labor.

Trunk lock hasn't worked since I've owned the car. I just use the latch inside.

Ignition switch locked up one morning, but after wresting with the steering wheel and the key, it finally unlocked. Hasn't happened since.

There's possibly a sticking valve lifter because the car has a bit of valve noise on cold mornings... Nothing major.

Driver's master window switch worked intermittently, a new one on eBay for ~$30 fixed the problem with no hassle.

The Evaporative Emissions Purge Valve (in front of the driver's side rear tire) stopped working, which set off the check engine light and brought my fuel economy down to about 18MPG from about 28. $20 online and no more issues.

General Comments:

This is the best car I've ever owned. The car has only been in the shop for one thing, the radiator, in all of the years I've owned it.

The front brake rotors have a tendency to warp on these cars, not a major issue. You only feel the effects when your braking on an off-ramp.

Comfort is great, road noise (at least with my Goodyear Assurance ComfortTreds) is non-existent.

Faults:

Serpentine belt broke, causing me to lose power steering.

Windshield wiper broke, and the part had to be ordered from the dealer, costing $200.

The A/C had to be fixed, and still has interference with a belt causing a squealing noise.

The paint around my rear license plate holder has begun to chip off, and the black paint off my car has faded from the sun and exposure.

My entire undercarriage is rusted badly from the salt on the roads during winter in NY.

General Comments:

For an 11 year old car, with over 100k miles, I'm surprised the car has held up this well.

Especially after spending most of its life in the North East US.

In all, I've spent about $1000 in repairs, brake replacement, and oil changes.

Faults:

Constant premature brake wear.

Sprung coolant leak at 80,000 kilometers.

Spark plug constantly needed to be replaced.

Encountered a problem with cylinder misfire at roughly 100,000 kilometers.

The air conditioner went bad shortly after I bought it.

The motor for the windshield wipers malfunctioned twice.

General Comments:

This car has proven very unreliable, and I would not recommend it to anyone.

Handling and acceleration are decent, but the engine seems very loud and raspy.

The interior is the only positive note on this car.

It appears well laid out.

Faults:

Premature brake wear.

Air conditioner stopped working a couple years ago.

Power steering pump needed to be replaced.

Repeatedly required wheel alignment.

General Comments:

Handling feels agile and responsive.

Acceleration is a little slow though.

The interior fit and finish could have been better but it's not too bad.

The seats feel a bit cramped in comparison to most other four door sedans.

Faults:

There have been no problems after purchasing the Altima brand new from the lot in 1998. After 7 years of ownership, the car started to need some minor work done.

I have replaced the radiator, fuel filter, serpentine and A/C belts at 150,000 kms.

I have replaced all 4 tires twice since purchased.

I have replaced both front CV joints around 120,000 kms.

I have replaced brakes and rotors.

These are mostly regular maintenance due to normal wear and tear. I have had no major problems with this vehicle in terms are under-the-hood components.

I don't abuse the vehicle. Only regular maintenance every 6000 kms will keep the car in good shape.

General Comments:

I'm a happy and proud Nissan Altima Owner. I still drive the vehicle after 10 years of ownership. Even the mechanic can't believe that this car is 10 years old.

The Engine is quiet and extremely smooth. The only way I'm parting with this car is if it was stolen. I will drive it until it won't drive any longer!

Thanks Nissan, for making a quality car.