Faults:

This car has been quite reliable with one important exception. The engine computer has on more than one occasion failed to recognize the electronic key and would not allow the engine to start. After leaving the vehicle for a period of time and returning, the computer did again recognize the key and the car started. This problem was reported directly to Nissan and contact with the customer service group was made. However, beyond taking the information and saying that the problem would be investigated, nothing of substance was forthcoming from Nissan. The Nissan representative has failed to make contact at a time and day where availability is best, even though on several occasions that information was provided to the representative.

The car was taken in to a Nissan Authorized Dealer and was inspected to attempt to determine the problem with no success. The dealer indicated the battery in the key was still good and no problem could be found with the computer. However, in an attempt to solve the problem on my own initiative, a new battery and a second key were obtained at a cost of over $250. The original key, after the trip to the dealer, again triggered a "key not recognized" message on the dashboard screen. A problem exists in that if a second key is kept in the car, the doors will remain unlocked. This makes it difficult to have a spare key in the vehicle. At that point, the original key was set aside and the second key put into use. This was only a few days ago, so the outcome of this change is still pending.

Overall the car performs very well, but only if it will start. Nissan has not been helpful in this case in resolving this problem. In my opinion, after sales service, based upon this situation is lacking, and it does not support a repeat purchase of a Nissan product.

General Comments:

This Altima is generally a good vehicle. It delivers in excess of 35 MPG fuel economy in the situation it is being used. The 2.5 liter engine delivers plenty of power when required. It is not as comfortable as some higher tier vehicles, but the use of seat cushions has upgraded the comfort and provides added protection for wear to the seats.

Faults:

There were no reliability issues with this car for the time that I had it.

General Comments:

I drove the 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S as a rental for one week. My experience with it left me with a strong enough impression that I wanted to write a review for the car, even though I was not the owner.

There were three things that I liked about the car. It cornered very well. Hugged the road like a sports car. It got very good gas mileage. I averaged well over 30 in mixed city and highway driving. The base stereo sounded very good. Clear treble and solid bass.

Everything else about the car was a disappointment. Overall it felt insubstantial and flimsy. The engine, while quick, was very noisy for a car in this class. The doors closed with a cheap sound and feel.

The transmission probably helped it achieve its high mileage, but it pushed the engine to such low RPM so quickly that the engine routinely rumbled and shook. This seemed VERY unrefined for a new car.

There was too much road noise. I was driving on nice and smooth highways, and there was still a constant rumble.

Overall, I was not impressed. I recently shopped for a new mid-size car for myself, and settled for a model that felt much more solid, refined and pleasant. And it costs no more money than a new Altima.

I truly didn't expect this Nissan to feel like an oversized economy car, but that's essentially what it was.

I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a new car - there are better options out there for the money.