1999 Nissan Altima Review
1999 Nissan Altima Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- The Altima is a solid and reliable compact that comes loaded with standard equipment items such as alloy wheels, CD player and air conditioning. It's also an entertaining drive.
Cons
- The Altima lost its looks when it was redesigned. The quality of the construction of the materials also seems to be down from its previously high level.
What’s new
All 1999 models get two new exterior colors, improved speakers and a new head unit for the three-in-one stereo combo. The GLE trim level gets alloy wheels added to its standard equipment list, and all alloy wheels now have a bright finish instead of a painted finish. All SE trim levels are now called SE Limited (SE-L) models and come with additional equipment.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Nissan Altima GLE 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
$178/mo for Altima GLE
Altima GLE
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
When Nissan introduced the Infiniti J30-like Altima in 1993, it was 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 passed before the Altima was redesigned, and although it had 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 second-generation Altima is better in many ways, it doesn't have the attractive looks and luxurious feel that the original car possessed.
First, the good news. The Altima's size has been increased 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 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. Build quality seems to be down a bit as well, the models we have driven don't feel as substantial as the previous model.
The Altima SE trim level has been renamed SE-L, and comes with an equipment package that includes new color schemes, titanium tinted accessories and extra comfort and convenience features.
The Altima is still fun to drive and offers more entertainment for enthusiasts than its less-than-exciting flanks may suggest. Its crisp steering, fully independent suspension with Super Toe Control, and peppy overhead-cam four-cylinder engine provide drivers with the tools to go fast and have a good time.
While the Nissan may exhibit good value, it doesn't necessarily provide even a hint of luxury. Luxury, to Edmund's staff, implies a sort of elegance and craftsmanship that the examples we've 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 1999 Nissan Altima.
5 star(69%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
90 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
Excellent car
adeelb06, 08/17/2012
1999 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
I actually drive an SE with a Auto trans. I got the car at 202000 Km. I used it for 4 years and now it has 310000 km on it. Until 280000 this car was running great. Only got regular repairs like brakes and etc. I didn't change the battery or did an alignment or a tune up and this baby runs awesome.
5/5 for both Engine and transmission. The body tends to rust out but who can complain … past 250,000 km. All in all, this is the car if you're a new buyer and need something a bit comfy and still reliable.
Comfort level is extraordinary for cars in its class and age.
4.38 out of 5 stars
223K Miles and Still Going
altimatelover, 03/28/2012
1999 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
I have 223K miles and still going.
I love this car.
I bought it at 12K miles in 2001. It's had very few problems.
The only time I had a serious problem was the alternator went at around 170K. The interior plastic is rather cheap though and my visor attachments had problems.
Pretty minor stuff.
My husband believes in maintenance so we've changed out parts such as tie rods, spark plugs, … radiator (was leaking), CV boot and brakes.
Very little maintenance in 11 years.
4 hours in mechanic shop is longest time (alternator). Paint fading, 1 leather seat cracked.
At this point the shocks could use replacement, but, even the shocks are better than most cars.
26-29 MPG. Love the Altima!
4.63 out of 5 stars
My Nissy
Craig Stroud, 07/20/2005
1999 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
I used to have a serious dislike of altima's. I portayed them as a female's car. Well, my mom owned a 98 Altima that I drove sometime and fell inlove with it. I had to get my own. So I bought a 99" GLE. The interior is so comfortable, and the handling is awesome. I upgraded the tires to 205's and man, she takes a 30 mph curve at 70 with easy. Needless to say, no matter how many other … cars I buy.....I'm keeping her til the last panel falls off.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Nine years and going strong
Happy owner, 09/16/2008
1999 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
I bought my Altima new. And after nine years it still runs great, has very good acceleration good gas mileage (28 to 29 hwy)and has proven remarkably reliable. At 110,000 I got a tune-up, new front brakes, new belts and a new front tie rod. Since then minor things (AC charge, new radiator) have been needed but still has original clutch, and even the original battery. And yes, the … speakers leave a lot to be desired, and there is occasional wind noise through the windows. But overall Nissan did a fabulous job with this car.
1999 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 / 5Passenger3 / 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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