21st Jul 2001, 12:12
I had the same problem with the rear brakes on a 1994 Sentra. It was caused by the drums being out of round. First, I replaced the brake shoes and springs. That worked for a few months. Finally, I purchased some cheap drums produced in China and replaced the Nissan drums. Cost me $20 each and took less than an hour to install. Brakes work fine, now. Clearly, the original brake drums were defective. That's poor quality control on the part of Nissan, but generally I've been satisfied with Nissan products. I think they're fine cars as long as you work on them yourself. I avoid the dealerships at all costs.
30th Oct 2001, 19:16
I have never, ever had a problem with my 1998 Nissan Altima SE. It's the most reliable, best-performing sedan in its price range. No one that I've talked to has ever had problems with their Altima, either. If you had problems with you car from day one, why did you buy it after the initial poor test drive??? Thanks, Nissan. Your cars rule!
31st Oct 2001, 22:49
I have a Nissan Altima 2000. My friend has a Nissan Altima 98.
Both cars are perfect, we never had any problem with these cars.
Nissan is the best car on earth!!!
Did you see the 2002 Altima? Now that's a car! What a beauty!!
20th Jan 2002, 19:47
I drive a 1995 Nissan Altima, and I can say without a doubt that it is one of the best cars I have ever owned, yeah, the brakes squeak a little, but if yall are so dissatisfied with them, DON'T BUY THEM! All in all, I have had very little, if no trouble at all with my Altima, and I have driven other four cylinders by Honda, Toyota, and Mazda, and anyone can say what they want, but the power is unmatched ANYwhere! Keep up the great work Nissan!
15th Jun 2002, 11:51
Nissan Altimas start having major problems with engine after 50,000 miles, I've had 2 Altimas - I know. Above comments did not reach that stage so cannot be considered. I prefer MAXIMA over Altima. Engine in MAXIMA will live forever.
19th Jul 2002, 07:00
I have had a 96 Altima since new. It is very reliable and a great car. I have 140k on it. The only problem I have had is with the front brakes. I still have vibration in them. There is a technical service bulletin on it, so I'm going to check that out.
14th Oct 2002, 13:53
I drive a 99 nissan altima and I never had a problem with it. I drive roughly 1800 miles a week for work and now I have 93,000 miles on it and not one problem. I always recommend nissan before any other car. Thanks nissan for a job well done with the altima.
31st Oct 2002, 14:49
I own a 98' Nissan Altima and I can contest to all the superiority it is. Its reliable, economical, low maintainance costs, just overall a great car. The only problem I have ever had is the brakes squeaking a tad, but tell me a new car nowadays which doesn't. To all you who insist on putting Nissan down, stow it, and buy something else. But if you want a great car then choose Nissan, for its overall value and performance and options its the best.
15th Jan 2003, 14:59
I own a '98 Altima that I have mixed reactions about. With 92,000 miles, it has terrific power, but as many others mention, the brakes squeal/vibrate/gyrate or whatever it is you want to call it. It is definitely in need of new front struts/shocks, and yesterday my heater fan broke. In addition, there are several undetermined noises under the hood. I bought the car used with 48,000 miles, and wish I'd gone for a new car. The new Altima looks fantastic, and THAT will be my next car.
17th Feb 2003, 21:58
I bought a 1998 Nissan Altima GLE early in January. I have to say that I have been a little disappointed with the car. The brakes grind and squeak. To make things worse, when I go over a bump, the car squeaks altogether. I have no idea what that is!! The car is really cute and perfect for someone my size, but the little maintenance needed here and there really puts me in low spirits as a college student. Buy a Maxima... not Altima.
15th Apr 2003, 09:37
We purchased a used 98 Altima this year, 68000 miles. The price was great, and in perfect condition. We also own a 2000 Camry (well, we should have held out and gotten one of those...yep) After owning a Camry, what can I say. It sets the standard. The Altima is very nice interior, moon roof, etc, with the leather and all. Leather is stiff and hard in cold weather, not supple. Motor is adequate, fairly quick. Gas mileage, again, compared to Camry is fair.
There aren't any real serious complaints, but... my advice is... hold out for a Toyota Camry! You will be better off.
3rd May 2003, 10:25
I have 1 1999 Nissan Altima GXE with 99950 miles on it, and the only thing I've EVER had to replace b/c of a problem were the brakes, at around 60,000 miles - which is NORMAL maintenance. Everything else has been replaced according to the maintenance schedule and the car runs perfect. I have a friend with a 93 Altima with 197,000 miles on it, and he has never had a problem with his either. The length of time that your car lasts depends entirely on the way that you take car of and maintain it. Any car is going to have routine maintenance, and if you don't follow the guidelines that's when you're going to have problems. Thanks, Nissan, for making great cars!!!
6th Jun 2003, 13:29
I have a '98 Altima GXE, and around 146,000 miles it still runs great! When I go over bumps, it squeaks a bit, but that's nothing 'major'. The brakes are fine, they do squeal a little when applying the brakes, but that's just dust that builds up. Nothing major to clean out.
14th Jun 2003, 09:48
I have a 1998 Nissan Altima GLE and it runs great!!! I have no problems with it whatsoever.
30th Jul 2003, 07:30
I own a 1998 Nissan Altima Se. This has been one of the best cars I have owned. Yes, the brakes are noisy, so I replaced them with some aftermarket carbon metallic pads. Cost was under $80. Problem solved. I know people who have put over 200k on their Altimas with very little trouble. If your lifters are making noise, change your oil more often or try switching brands. Certain types of oil make the lifters (tappets?) tick. I have over 70k on mine and the oil hardly changes color after 3000mi. I would highly suggest looking at Altimas as your next car.
If you did not like the car during your test drive, why did you buy it?
14th Jun 2001, 18:00
I purchased my 98 Altima new. I have always had a terrible squeaking problem with the brakes. I took it to the dealer numerous times and was told the brakes were fine. About one year 12,000 miles there was a horrible vibration when I applied the brakes. This time the dealer said the front rotors needed to be turned. Fortunately this was covered. Now I have 23,000 miles and had the car three years. I am still having brake problems. The dealer says that the rear drums are warped. They say it is not dangerous but it makes a horrible noise. I feel that this is a defect. The dealer wants too much to correct the problem. I will not use the Nissan dealer to fix this. I also would like to mention that the General tires that were on my car when purchased would not pass New York state inspection with only 23,000miles on them. I am completely dissatisfied with my Nissan and will never purchase another one.