Nissan: Altima News
02-10-2004, 04:45 PM
#121
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I think the key here is to realize that Nissan, Honda, and Toyota each cater to a different market and has a different image.
Nissan is traditionally associated with "Bang for the Buck". It all started with the original Z. Nissan is all about performance. When Nissan dropped the 240 HP V6 into the Alti SE, it forced the rest of the market to play catch up. So Nissan maybe sacrifices a bit on the interior to deliver more "Bang for the Buck". We must also remember that Nissan is coming out of a significant hole (almost bankrupt just a few years ago).
Just to add my two cents, I am a Nissan fan, but I think the Alti looks horrible, even with the current redesign. The comment about it looking like a bigger Sentra is spot on; and that's not a comment since the Sentra is such an uninspired design.
It seems strange to me how a company like Nissan can produce some very well designed vehicles like the Murano and Z and at the same time produce fugliness like the Sentra and Altima. I'm still kinda mixed on the Maxima.
Nissan is traditionally associated with "Bang for the Buck". It all started with the original Z. Nissan is all about performance. When Nissan dropped the 240 HP V6 into the Alti SE, it forced the rest of the market to play catch up. So Nissan maybe sacrifices a bit on the interior to deliver more "Bang for the Buck". We must also remember that Nissan is coming out of a significant hole (almost bankrupt just a few years ago).
Just to add my two cents, I am a Nissan fan, but I think the Alti looks horrible, even with the current redesign. The comment about it looking like a bigger Sentra is spot on; and that's not a comment since the Sentra is such an uninspired design.
It seems strange to me how a company like Nissan can produce some very well designed vehicles like the Murano and Z and at the same time produce fugliness like the Sentra and Altima. I'm still kinda mixed on the Maxima.
02-10-2004, 06:42 PM
#122
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This thread has me laughing. Good job ya'll.....
And I agree with CharlieDigital, Nissan has always been about making cheaper imitations of superior cars. It's a good move for them.
And I agree with CharlieDigital, Nissan has always been about making cheaper imitations of superior cars. It's a good move for them.
02-11-2004, 04:29 AM
#123
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I hate to admit but I like the basic Altima. Although it's pretty derivative (Passat), IMHO it's the best looking car in the Nissan lineup (or maybe the 350Z has slight edge).
02-11-2004, 11:13 AM
#124
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The exterior isn't all that different, but it does look like it has a much nicer interior than the '04 from the pictures. But pictures can hide a whole lot. The thing I like about the exterior is that it doesn't have the buck-tooth that is on all the other new nissans. I can live with the altezzas since they won't have the fugly shiney metallic look any longer.
I don't particularly like the orange/red guages (same on the new Mazda 3 which I am also considering buying) and I also don't agree with the justification some folks use for the red/orange color. They claim that the red/orange is easier on your eyes and causes less eye strain compared to the blue indiglos like in the new TSX. Last time I checked, you don't stare at the guages while driving -- at least when I drive, I mostly have my eyes focusing on what is outside my car. Occasional glances at the instruments aren't going to fatigue your eyes, IMO.
I might finally get to replace my '01 CL-S... yay. So far I've been considering the new Mazda3 4-door and the new Volvo S40. I would rather not get a vehicle in the 1st year of a new platform, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the new Altima will be just as good in person as it is in the pics and on paper. I'll even yank some extra $ out of savings to get the 35VQ instead of the 4-banger.
Anyone here have experience with Nissan's navigation units? I checked Zenrin's site and their coverage maps didn't look all that great, but I didn't have another navi vendor's coverage map to compare it with.
I think the recessed navi display will be nice since it will block some glare and make the display easier to read. The pics make it seem like the view will be obstructed, but I'm sure both the driver and passenger will have a clear view. The pics are taken at a low viewpoint which make it seem like the display is hard to see.
I don't particularly like the orange/red guages (same on the new Mazda 3 which I am also considering buying) and I also don't agree with the justification some folks use for the red/orange color. They claim that the red/orange is easier on your eyes and causes less eye strain compared to the blue indiglos like in the new TSX. Last time I checked, you don't stare at the guages while driving -- at least when I drive, I mostly have my eyes focusing on what is outside my car. Occasional glances at the instruments aren't going to fatigue your eyes, IMO.
I might finally get to replace my '01 CL-S... yay. So far I've been considering the new Mazda3 4-door and the new Volvo S40. I would rather not get a vehicle in the 1st year of a new platform, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the new Altima will be just as good in person as it is in the pics and on paper. I'll even yank some extra $ out of savings to get the 35VQ instead of the 4-banger.
Anyone here have experience with Nissan's navigation units? I checked Zenrin's site and their coverage maps didn't look all that great, but I didn't have another navi vendor's coverage map to compare it with.
I think the recessed navi display will be nice since it will block some glare and make the display easier to read. The pics make it seem like the view will be obstructed, but I'm sure both the driver and passenger will have a clear view. The pics are taken at a low viewpoint which make it seem like the display is hard to see.
02-11-2004, 05:40 PM
#125
Senior Moderator
looks like a taurus
02-12-2004, 04:11 AM
#126
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Originally posted by tsx-mdxman
I hate to admit but I like the basic Altima. Although it's pretty derivative (Passat), IMHO it's the best looking car in the Nissan lineup (or maybe the 350Z has slight edge).
I hate to admit but I like the basic Altima. Although it's pretty derivative (Passat), IMHO it's the best looking car in the Nissan lineup (or maybe the 350Z has slight edge).
02-12-2004, 03:20 PM
#127
Pro
For a family sedan, I say the Altima exterior looks better than the Accord and the Camry. the Accord is definitely the worst, and the Camry isn't any better. Previous generations in the mid 90's of these 2 look a lot better. Mazda 6 is for young punks. the Passat looks the cleanest and best. IMO.
02-12-2004, 05:22 PM
#128
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Originally posted by Startle
This has got to be the most idiotic statement I have EVER read on ANY forum. How can one be MORE off? I mean, I can't even believe what my eyes are seeing.
This has got to be the most idiotic statement I have EVER read on ANY forum. How can one be MORE off? I mean, I can't even believe what my eyes are seeing.
02-12-2004, 05:26 PM
#129
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Originally posted by Startle
This has got to be the most idiotic statement I have EVER read on ANY forum. How can one be MORE off? I mean, I can't even believe what my eyes are seeing.
This has got to be the most idiotic statement I have EVER read on ANY forum. How can one be MORE off? I mean, I can't even believe what my eyes are seeing.
I don't get it. What's so wrong about what he said?
02-12-2004, 09:29 PM
#131
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Originally posted by TMQ
For a family sedan, I say the Altima exterior looks better than the Accord and the Camry. the Accord is definitely the worst, and the Camry isn't any better. Previous generations in the mid 90's of these 2 look a lot better. Mazda 6 is for young punks. the Passat looks the cleanest and best. IMO.
For a family sedan, I say the Altima exterior looks better than the Accord and the Camry. the Accord is definitely the worst, and the Camry isn't any better. Previous generations in the mid 90's of these 2 look a lot better. Mazda 6 is for young punks. the Passat looks the cleanest and best. IMO.
02-12-2004, 09:57 PM
#133
Originally posted by Startle
Eye and brain check needed.
Eye and brain check needed.
02-13-2004, 12:02 AM
#136
Freshen things up a little bit
02-15-2004, 03:24 AM
#140
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Actually, if you research my posts from the beginning, all I did was state my opinions from day one only to be personally attacked by some select individuals.
And as you can see above, the two goats known as phile and jcg878 initiated insults on me, not the other way around.
And as you can see above, the two goats known as phile and jcg878 initiated insults on me, not the other way around.
02-15-2004, 05:23 AM
#141
Race Director
Who has the record for being banned with the fewest posts?
Back to the thread - like the new 5 series BMW the only thing that matters is how many of these things Nissan can sell. It doesn't matter if everyone on this site calls it ugly, if it sells it will stay. If it doesn't, you'll get some Renault/Nissan mixture as a replacement.
Back to the thread - like the new 5 series BMW the only thing that matters is how many of these things Nissan can sell. It doesn't matter if everyone on this site calls it ugly, if it sells it will stay. If it doesn't, you'll get some Renault/Nissan mixture as a replacement.
02-15-2004, 09:06 AM
#142
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Originally posted by biker
Who has the record for being banned with the fewest posts?
Back to the thread - like the new 5 series BMW the only thing that matters is how many of these things Nissan can sell. It doesn't matter if everyone on this site calls it ugly, if it sells it will stay. If it doesn't, you'll get some Renault/Nissan mixture as a replacement.
Who has the record for being banned with the fewest posts?
Back to the thread - like the new 5 series BMW the only thing that matters is how many of these things Nissan can sell. It doesn't matter if everyone on this site calls it ugly, if it sells it will stay. If it doesn't, you'll get some Renault/Nissan mixture as a replacement.
02-15-2004, 09:23 AM
#143
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Nissan did step 1 right in the Carlos Gnosn plan. Their new cars are selling. I thought for sure they would make the same mistake as others who have rebounded from disaster have, that they would sit on their laurels with inaction. But it appears they are attacking the weakest link that can be readily observed by customers: the interior. The revised Altima interior looks pretty decent. The weakest link that can not be readily seen is the platform, chassis, and the way the suspension and powertrain are linked to the platform. I do not think they'll invest the enormous amount of money to fix this latter issue (which pervades almost the entire new line-up from the Q45 to the Altima to the Maxima to the Murano to the FX) as it is not so easily observed by the lay public. Actually a smart move. It will be interesting to see if they end up fixing the Maxima's interior, the 350Z's, and the G35's in later years of the cycle. The FX and the Murano have a similar interior issue but somehow I think one can get away with it in SUV's, who knows.
I see a similar situation with the Mazda 6. The introduction of the Mazda 3 seems to trump the 6, especially when the 3's interior looks and feels more upscale than the 6's. Obviously, Mazda can't expect to make a significant dent in the Accord/Camry monopoly. But the Altima has cut into that pie at a level that, although modest overall, can not be insignificant to Nissan. I think Mazda is smart in really attacking at the Civic/Corolla level with the 3. That's where they can cut into the biggest chunk of pie. BUT with the Mazda 6 finally selling after an invisible entire first year, I believe it would be smart for Mazda to redo the 6's interior, just as Nissan is doing for the Altima.
I see a similar situation with the Mazda 6. The introduction of the Mazda 3 seems to trump the 6, especially when the 3's interior looks and feels more upscale than the 6's. Obviously, Mazda can't expect to make a significant dent in the Accord/Camry monopoly. But the Altima has cut into that pie at a level that, although modest overall, can not be insignificant to Nissan. I think Mazda is smart in really attacking at the Civic/Corolla level with the 3. That's where they can cut into the biggest chunk of pie. BUT with the Mazda 6 finally selling after an invisible entire first year, I believe it would be smart for Mazda to redo the 6's interior, just as Nissan is doing for the Altima.
02-16-2004, 07:58 AM
#144
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Originally posted by Startle
Nissan did step 1 right in the Carlos Gnosn plan. Their new cars are selling. I thought for sure they would make the same mistake as others who have rebounded from disaster have, that they would sit on their laurels with inaction. But it appears they are attacking the weakest link that can be readily observed by customers: the interior. The revised Altima interior looks pretty decent. The weakest link that can not be readily seen is the platform, chassis, and the way the suspension and powertrain are linked to the platform. I do not think they'll invest the enormous amount of money to fix this latter issue (which pervades almost the entire new line-up from the Q45 to the Altima to the Maxima to the Murano to the FX) as it is not so easily observed by the lay public. Actually a smart move. It will be interesting to see if they end up fixing the Maxima's interior, the 350Z's, and the G35's in later years of the cycle. The FX and the Murano have a similar interior issue but somehow I think one can get away with it in SUV's, who knows.
I see a similar situation with the Mazda 6. The introduction of the Mazda 3 seems to trump the 6, especially when the 3's interior looks and feels more upscale than the 6's. Obviously, Mazda can't expect to make a significant dent in the Accord/Camry monopoly. But the Altima has cut into that pie at a level that, although modest overall, can not be insignificant to Nissan. I think Mazda is smart in really attacking at the Civic/Corolla level with the 3. That's where they can cut into the biggest chunk of pie. BUT with the Mazda 6 finally selling after an invisible entire first year, I believe it would be smart for Mazda to redo the 6's interior, just as Nissan is doing for the Altima.
Nissan did step 1 right in the Carlos Gnosn plan. Their new cars are selling. I thought for sure they would make the same mistake as others who have rebounded from disaster have, that they would sit on their laurels with inaction. But it appears they are attacking the weakest link that can be readily observed by customers: the interior. The revised Altima interior looks pretty decent. The weakest link that can not be readily seen is the platform, chassis, and the way the suspension and powertrain are linked to the platform. I do not think they'll invest the enormous amount of money to fix this latter issue (which pervades almost the entire new line-up from the Q45 to the Altima to the Maxima to the Murano to the FX) as it is not so easily observed by the lay public. Actually a smart move. It will be interesting to see if they end up fixing the Maxima's interior, the 350Z's, and the G35's in later years of the cycle. The FX and the Murano have a similar interior issue but somehow I think one can get away with it in SUV's, who knows.
I see a similar situation with the Mazda 6. The introduction of the Mazda 3 seems to trump the 6, especially when the 3's interior looks and feels more upscale than the 6's. Obviously, Mazda can't expect to make a significant dent in the Accord/Camry monopoly. But the Altima has cut into that pie at a level that, although modest overall, can not be insignificant to Nissan. I think Mazda is smart in really attacking at the Civic/Corolla level with the 3. That's where they can cut into the biggest chunk of pie. BUT with the Mazda 6 finally selling after an invisible entire first year, I believe it would be smart for Mazda to redo the 6's interior, just as Nissan is doing for the Altima.
02-16-2004, 02:51 PM
#146
Drifting
Originally posted by Startle
The interior issues that the FX and Murano have are that their interiors both suck real bad.
No really, I'm not going to list off everything that everyone already knows.
The interior issues that the FX and Murano have are that their interiors both suck real bad.
No really, I'm not going to list off everything that everyone already knows.
The Altima is boring, hideous, or both whether it is last year's model or a revised model. The interior upgrade doesn't help it. If this is the look of future Nissan/Infiniti interiors I am not impressed.
02-24-2004, 01:47 PM
#148
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Altima reliability
Well, it may look a bit better, but I wonder if they did anything to improve/repair the electrical problems that seem to plague most modern Nissan products. I traded in an 02 Altima 3.5SE on my TSX because it had repeated electrical failures that either left me stranded or barley able to limp home! Also the Altima handles horribly on road with dips and rises to the point where the back gets very light leading to rotation, and all this at speeds that the TSX is still well below it's limit.
03-02-2004, 02:21 PM
#149
I shave my change purse
2005 Altima SE-R News **Changes for 2005 (page 4)**
All of the rumors have come true!!
From www.nissannews.com
NYIAS, New York— April 7, 2004
New York (Apr. 7, 2004) - After strong debuts of the 2005 Pathfinder and 2005 Frontier at the NAIAS in Detroit, Nissan surges ahead with another major vehicle introduction in New York – the debut of the all-new 2005 Xterra. Also being shown at the 2004 NYIAS is the all-new sport-inspired Altima SE-R and the Nissan Actic crossover concept. Join us for the Nissan press conference on Wednesday, April 7. Detailed information on all vehicles will be available following the press conference at http://www.nissannews.com.
Rumored Specs:
6 Speed Manual
260-280 HP
Supercharged?
18in Rims
Brembro Brakes
I will post more info as I get it.
I will get pics at the NY Auto show in April as well.
From www.nissannews.com
NYIAS, New York— April 7, 2004
New York (Apr. 7, 2004) - After strong debuts of the 2005 Pathfinder and 2005 Frontier at the NAIAS in Detroit, Nissan surges ahead with another major vehicle introduction in New York – the debut of the all-new 2005 Xterra. Also being shown at the 2004 NYIAS is the all-new sport-inspired Altima SE-R and the Nissan Actic crossover concept. Join us for the Nissan press conference on Wednesday, April 7. Detailed information on all vehicles will be available following the press conference at http://www.nissannews.com.
Rumored Specs:
6 Speed Manual
260-280 HP
Supercharged?
18in Rims
Brembro Brakes
I will post more info as I get it.
I will get pics at the NY Auto show in April as well.
03-02-2004, 03:28 PM
#155
The sizzle in the Steak
Hello Honda.....WAKE UP!!!
How 'bout a performance line???
How 'bout a performance line???
03-02-2004, 05:19 PM
#157
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Originally posted by Moog-Type-S
Hello Honda.....WAKE UP!!!
How 'bout a performance line???
Hello Honda.....WAKE UP!!!
How 'bout a performance line???
03-03-2004, 12:12 AM
#159
Moderator Alumnus
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Honda wont stay idle folks. They will come out with new product. Dont forget how Infiniti looked when Acura came out with the 260HP CLS in March of 2000. They had nothing...
