1998 Nissan Altima Review
1998 Nissan Altima Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Big car in a small package. Lots of standard equipment.
Cons
- Dumpy hindquarters and lower build quality than we have come to expect from Nissan.
What’s new
Altima is totally, and unnecessarily, redesigned for 1998. The Altima's new look is more wedge-shaped, with a trunk that looks like it has met the business end of a band saw. Standard equipment is up, including a CD player on every model except the XE.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Nissan Altima XE 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$174/mo for Altima XE
Altima XE
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
When Nissan introduced the Infiniti J30-like Altima in 1993, it became an instant hit. The term affordable luxury became synonymous with Altima, and those who wouldn't have been caught dead in the Altima's predecessor, the unloved Stanza, rushed out in droves to buy this car. Five years have passed since the Altima was introduced, and although it has been a huge seller, it was beginning to show its age.
When Nissan embarked on the redesign, their primary task was to improve on the Altima's original design and to not screw anything up. It looks like they got the formula about half right. Although the 1998 Altima is better in many ways, it certainly doesn't have the attractive looks that the original car possessed.
First, the good news. The Altima's size has been improved in nearly every dimension. This means that those riding in the back seat are no longer eating their knees, and that there is enough room in the trunk for a family getaway to the mountains. Wood trim accents have been added to make the cars look more upscale, and CD players adorn the dash of all but the lowliest models. The interior layout of the Altima is quite functional with easy-to-use buttons and dials for most of the car's secondary functions.
The bad news is that the car no longer looks like a miniature J30. The arse-end of the Altima is now wedge-shaped and rather dumpy, making the car look fat from rear three-quarter angles.
While the Nissan may exhibit good value, it doesn't necessarily show exceptional luxury. Luxury, to Edmund's staff, implies a sort of elegance and craftsmanship that the example we sampled didn't have. Nevertheless, the Altima is a good buy that will probably run forever. No one is going to call it a Jr. Infiniti anymore, though.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 Nissan Altima.
5 star(71%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
71 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Good old Reliable.
mitchell19, 03/27/2014
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
Bought a 1998 Nissan Altima brand new off the dealer lot in cerritos with only 5 miles. I loved everything about it, the interior, the way it drove, and not to mention its reliability. It never once broke down on me....ever. I loved its reliability so much, I wish I could buy another one. I was sooo sad the day I totaled it at 148,000 miles. Me and my family drove
it everywhere from San … Francisco to Minnesota to Las Vegas and back, it was also a great commuter car for getting to and from work. I now drive a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe, only time will tell just as to how reliable it is.
4.38 out of 5 stars
High Mileage Altima
Dragasoni, 03/28/2005
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
I bought my 98 Altima in March 2001 with 30,000 miles. Now it has over 200,000 miles! I've had almost NO problem with this car either. I had to replace the alternator at 120,000 miles and the the CV joints at 150,000 miles. The car has never broken down, and has made several long trips to New York, Miami, Orlando, and Atlanta from Tampa Bay. About 65% of the miles are higway and … about 35% are city. It currently runs strong, just as it did when I first bought it. It does burn some oil (1 quart every 4,000 miles) and it's a bit slower then it was 170,000 miles ago. I don't maintain it as good as I should though. I change the oil every 5,000 miles.
5 out of 5 stars
great delivery car
R.Rushing, 02/26/2009
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
This is a great car. The handling is really good, not what you expect when looking at it. U-turns can be a problem. Has great power concerning the 2.4 4 cylinder engine. Roomy on the inside & I'm 6'4''. Everything is in a good place to reach. The outside is nice, only the back doesn't look right without the spoiler. The sound is great with standard cd & tape players. Very good on gas. … I've been a delivery driver since 05 & put well over 100,000 miles on it. Besides the normal (tiers, brakes, oil) i only spent about $700 on a fuel pump. I only paid $500 for the car but would have paid 4x that.
5 out of 5 stars
Good ol trusty
Melissa, 05/27/2016
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
I absolutely love this little car, the paint does chip so it will need a paint job, but it always gets me home. I use it to commute to school, when my dad needs another car while he repairs his, and to drive around. I get really upset when it needs repair because its like my baby. I could not imagine ever junking the car, i just love it.
1998 Altima Highlights
GLE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $178/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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