Used 1998 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews
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Good old Reliable.
mitchell19, 03/27/2014
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
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.
High Mileage Altima
Dragasoni, 03/28/2005
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
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.
great delivery car
R.Rushing, 02/26/2009
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
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.
Good ol trusty
Melissa, 05/27/2016
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My little coco drop car
ria10, 06/05/2015
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Where do I even begin, well my father bought me this car in 2013 with 173,000 miles on it. At first i was nervous it wouldnt last but now two years later and only 174,032 miles its not bad. Ive had to replace to alternator and wiper motor. currently the front axle is having problems but that will be fixed soon.Paint chips a lot and it tends to be very loud. Other then that i really love my little coco drop. After a good amount of money is put in to it tho this baby is ready to go for another 100,000 miles. I highly encourage people to get altimas. Maybe not as old as mine to. :)
Well worth the money!
Ernie, 02/16/2009
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Nissan Altima for just over 10 years. In that time, I have managed to accumulate over 200,000 miles on my vehicle with very little major repairs. I changed the oil, rotated and changed tires, and got regular tune ups done, but that is about it. The car still runs great. It was money well spent.
Wonderful car
Ol Hokie, 08/17/2008
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought the car used seven years ago with 45,000 miles on it; it now has nearly 209,000 and I have spent no money on it except for routine maintenance and service, gasoline, tires, and new CV joints at about 190,000 miles. It still has the original clutch (it's a 5 speed manual). It is the eighth Nissan that I have owned. All have been great!
Our Marshmallow Car
MITZI, 09/03/2008
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My grandkids call this the marshmallow car, because it's white & looks like a big marshmallow. I've replaced the CV joints on it and that's about it. I have fun driving my car, it has got me out of some scary jams on the freeway. It accelerates rapidly & is easy to speed in. I got my last ticket in it about 3 years ago going over 100 mph as I had neglected to set the cruise control. I hadn't even noticed. I have 128,000 miles on it & almost feel like it's a pet. I've never been one to attach to material objects but this one has inspired emotional attachment. I'll keep it until it's ready for the scrap heap. I'll never trade it off. I willing to paint it or whatever, it's a keeper.
Oldie but goodie
Cel, 06/03/2017
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned. Superior engine and surprisingly good mileage. The flaws are the cheap plastic used for the sun visor and radio buttons. Other than that, I feel very safe driving in any weather. This 1998 still has freezing cold air and toasty heat.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
still miss this car
mrwill808, 10/29/2003
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I leased this car in April '98 it was a loaded GLE, as a graduation gift. Since then until late Oct. '01, this was 1 of the most reliable cars ever. Everyone I knew loved my car, some even drove it. Small troubles in '99 w/ a bad battery at 22K and later around 29K the cd/cass. unit went bad. Also had 2 accidents in Spring & Winter '00, despite those the car still drove like new. I was on top of maintenance & cleaning like crazy and had compliments that it looked and ran like new. Got rid of it in late '01 since the lease was up.
Great Car / Accord killer
DrFast, 04/17/2002
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I Love this car. It is April 02 and we have 64000 miles. We have not ahd to do a thing to this car. We change the oil and fill the tank and that's it. The only complaint is the use of Firestone tires that didn't last 40000 miles. This car is much more powerfull than other comparable 4 cylinder cars in it's category (VW Jetta 105 HP; Altima 150). It also has more room than the accord in the back seat (also costs alot less). We researched our first new car purchasse for a year before buying this car. After we bought this car I have had 5 friends/family buy a new nissan. Great cars!!
Engines that fall apart
Cash, 01/23/2004
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2001,when the car was just three years old. It ran great for the ppast two and a half years. There were no major problems with the vehicle. About a week ago I found out that my engine basically came apart. There was plenty of oil in the car and the car was well maintained because I have a mechanic in the family who has been working on cars for the past twenty years. He fixes government vehicles for a living. The car was bought a Nissan dealership and was supposed to be a certified used vehicle.This may have just been bad luck but I advise you to be very careful when purchasing this vehicle.
Great, dependable Car
auntieannie2, 12/29/2008
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This 1998 Altima GXE was my first brand new car and, after owning a series of VWs, I enjoyed the reliability and sporty looks of this car. I now have 176,000 miles on it, only ever needed tires, brakes, tune ups until two months ago, when the engine finally went out, ONLY because I got very lazy on the oil changes, mind you! I put in a used Japanese engine and it runs like a charm again but it now has a steering fluid leak that has to be fixed. I think its to be expected at 176000 miles. Its been a fantastic car and I would highly recommend it.
98 Nissan Altima GLE
preebenacker, 09/14/2003
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I will definitely buy another Nissan. I have had this car for six years and I haven't had any problems with it - scheduled maintenance only
Spirited a-b car
Jonathan, 12/04/2004
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first car and it has been a delight to own. Driven conservativley the car has great gas milage. And if you choose, punch the throttle and watch the revs rise. For a Four cylinder this car has great torque. I've taken this car from nyc to buffalo,ny , 400 mi each way, three times round trip already and the car has never failed me once. This car has been an excellent beginners car, Its fast enough to be fun but not too fast and most importantly reliable. Only problems to date have been an intemitantly fading light on the radio display and squeaky rear drums.
Very Good Car/Value
rkrois, 07/19/2004
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased car new in 1998, stick shift, no problems at all, currently have 115,000 miles and it still runs great and is fun to drive.
the best japanese car!
JOLANTA, 11/26/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
hi, i just bought my car 2 weeks ago, and i love it! it has all the options like sun roof, bose sound system, leather interior, and spoiler, and alarm. This is the best japanese car you can buy out there without having to spend thousands on toyota or honda.
OK, but could be better
EJS, 12/30/2009
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought with 28K miles from the dealer in nice condition. It now has just over 100k miles and I would say it's been OK. I replaced both axles at around 80K miles. I do not tear around in this car, but it eats engine mounts; I have replaced the rear engine mount 3 times so far. This car is noisy on the freeway and fuel economy has never been over 30mpg. Drivers window switch failed at 85K and this requires a fair bit of digging into the driver's door to replace a $200 part. CD player has twice died; first time the dealer replaced it ans second time I found a cold solder joint on the display connector. Lifters have been noisy at startup since we bought the car. I think Honda is better
Good Trooper
northwest, 12/12/2008
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Given as a gift after graduation, 65000 miles. Thanks aunty, some parts were modified for more power and sound, in turn most stock problems never happened. Runs like a champ with mobile 1 syn every 4000miles. Ngk sparkys & wires. I still get 22-25 city, 37+ highway. No prob w/engine yet. I have good mechanics:). 144300 miles strong.
Great Car
Brendan, 06/29/2008
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever owned. I have had it 10 years and other than gas, wiper blades, tires etc. I have only replaced the front brake pads once. So non routine maintenance for this car in 10 years has been under $200. I have other vehicles now and don't drive it as much as before but it is just too good of a vehicle to get rid of. I will definitely buy another Altima when I am in the market for a car.
Disappointed
xray2, 06/10/2010
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 14 people found this review helpful
Bought new in 1998, and am quite disappointed. Almost made it for 12 trouble free years, then at 210,000 miles the transaxle fell apart. Replaced the transaxle with another used one. Other that that, the body and interior has remained in great shape. Hopefully the piece of junk will make it another 200,000 miles. lol
4 Dr. GXE Sedan
ts, 02/18/2003
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car for the money, must be one of the best buys out there. When shopping, I compared it with similar priced competitors Ford Contour/Mercury Mistique. No comparison!!! That convinced me. Why pay so much for a Honda or Toyota. I've had no trouble in two years. It's peppy and economical to drive. Friends who ride in it often comment on what a nice car it is.
Love the car
Lidar, 07/08/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the 98 Altima GLE this May with 61K on it. For two months, there is nothing that bothers me. Its acceleration is awesome (much better and Accord LX). Driving through traffic is easy and fun. Great fuel economy and reliability. I strongly recommend this car
Unpretentious solid car
Duke_jw, 09/05/2003
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Recently purchased this 1998 GXE model. Fully equipped, solid, no nonsense car with an engine that is more than adequate for the weight of the car. Gas mileage appears to be excellent. I was drawn to the Altima because of its inherent value as a used vehicle purchase. Simplicity, yet, high quality for a modest price.
Excellent
Setshot, 09/12/2003
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this car for nearly six years now. Never once had a problem with it. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.
Great Car!
jimo2000, 05/16/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handling is excellent.Im happy with the cornering even though I have cheap dealer installed tires. I don't know why people were so upset with this redesign in '98. I like the looks of my car, inside and out.I cant wait to get good tires for this car.
I Love It!
Snowbunny44, 08/05/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Oh my gosh, this is the best car in the world, we also have a 2000 Chevy Impala, and I love this 98 Altima so much more.
Building equity to get rid of it!
Marc C., 07/30/2003
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has done what it was designed to do which is to get from point A to point B. Never had a break down or anything other than routine maintenance. The interior road noise and 70mph "shimmy" are unbearable on long trips. New tires, 4-wheel alignments, and computer balancing haven't helped one bit. And let's not forget the shaky hood. I get nervous driving at highway speeds because the hood shakes up and down like it's about to fly off. This car has never been in a collision, but it's parts fit together like it has. I'm waiting to get the loan paid down enough to trade in on a Monte Carlo or Impala. I'll never buy an import again.
Nissan 98 Driver
Ikondrar, 02/11/2003
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven this car for 3 years now. Fuel economy isn't that great b/c the car sometimes seems to be like drinking fuel as we drink water, but otherwise it's affordable and good value. I have pleasure driving it, from day 1 to day 7 and I love it dearly. It's a nice car to own. No , it's not Acura but for the value I got a GLE luxury car as a first car I owned. It is my dream come true to have such an awesome car. I have 70000 miles on it right now and it's 1998 model, not sure for how many more miles it'll last me until my first major problem, but I cross my fingers. Noone talks good about high mileage Nissan Altima... so don't know who to listen to.
Fantastic car
ttl, 07/02/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car for two months, and I love it. I am wondering why people always pursuing Honda and Toyoda and ignore such a good great car-Nissan Altima. I am looking forward to test drive the new Altima in the future, if I have enough money!
Loved This Car!
Scarlett_1750, 08/30/2003
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2000 with only 16k, and had nothing but positive experiences with it. One of the best buys out there- dependable, clean/great interior, ran very well, and huge roomy trunk could fit just about anything. In three years, I didn't need to replace a single thing, only needed oil change and tuneup. I was heartbroken when car was totaled in accident at 60k; I would have driven it forever!
Good Car
GOntah, 07/21/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good Car With a very good price tag and body style, would buy another one if given the chance
Altima SE
lito, 07/21/2003
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Performance is outstanding. I have never driven a used car like this before.
5 years before 1st trip to the shop
happymister, 09/23/2003
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
5 years after buying my 98 Altima SE, I finally took it to the shop when the check engine light came on. Looks like i needed a new evap emission control valve for $166 including parts and labor. Since it has been 5 years and this is the first problem with the car.. i thought it was the right time to write a review. The car has been the most reliable car i have ever owned. The only other things i have replaced on this car are the tires around 40k miles. I put 4 Goodyear Acqutread 3 tires and handling continues to be excellent.
Excellent Japanese Sedan
Mamba, 09/12/2002
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first Nissan, this car is of exceptional quality. I often go over the scheduled oil change mileage and I have not spent 1 cent on the car other than gas and oil changes. Nothing is coming apart, and I am impressed with the strength of that big 4cyl. I would recommend this car to any one who wanta quality and an extremely good value when buying used. With this car fully loaded my friends often think they are in a BMW. Anyways, you cant go wrong with this car unless you value true handling and nimble performance which it lack, due to a feeling of unconnectedness with the road.
1998 Nissan Altima
EAB, 08/08/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the type of car this is it is fun to drive and quite strong. Milage is somewhat dissapointing
Simple, enjoyable sports sedan
clarka100, 11/07/2003
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car used with around 50K miles and have beed driving it hard ever since. It takes it all and keeps moving. Im a salesman and spend hours in my car, and this Altima is a lot of fun and very comfortable to be in. I love the sunroof, the leather seats are always appreciated and I havent had any work done to the car yet except new tires and oil changes. Sound system is great for factory, and visual view through the windshield is second to none. Have no complaints with this car except the rear end which is kinda boring. Ohh, and as with any car, more horsepower is great.
Good Car
xs6dfg0, 04/12/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in March of 2002 with 60,000 miles on it and so far it has been perfect. I don't expect to have any problems with it as this is my third Altima. This is a solid and reliable vehicle and you just can't beat the value. They have lousy resale value because Nissan saturated the market with them, but this is a good thing when you're picking one up used. I have the 5-speed manual and I don't like it very much, the shifter feel is too vague and slushy. My wife has a 2000 Altima SE with a really good automatic transmission and that seems to be a much better option in this automobile.
It's a great car,I'd buy another one.
Wayne Johnson, 04/12/2006
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my 1998 Altima a week ago and I love the car, it is in excellent condition. It is very comfortable, spacious, tight, handles well, and runs very strong. To keep within the speed limit I have to use Cruise Control and that is with the 4 cylinder! My only complaint is that there is a moderate amount of road noise,especially from the agressive 60 series tires. That aside, I'd buy a new one after I own this one a little while and I've heard from many people that if you change oil regularly and keep up with an Altima, you should be able to get 225,000 to 250,000 miles out of them easily. The many car Ads I saw proved this out. Enough said.
good car
christ, 10/09/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
nice car, good motor, good stability
nice car but a few rattles
don scott, 03/21/2004
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THE CAR IS STILL A NICE ONE, BUT ITS HARD TO FUEL FILL, AND THE FROND WINDOWS MAKE FAR TOO MUCH NOISE
Great Car
MNguy, 09/13/2002
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My '98 altima SE has over 90,000 miles without any problems except for a spark plug coming out and I think that was my fault. this car is a great combination of comfort, reliability, performance and style. Let's not forget it cost thousands less than an accord or camry.
Great Car
Driv3r, 03/29/2004
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Car i Strongly Recommand It
Rock Solid and Reliable, but Boring
bills01se, 04/29/2002
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently sold my 98 Altima SE after driving it for 65,000 miles. I am happy to report ZERO mechanical problems. The only maintenance I paid for was front brakes and 4 tires at 50,000 miles. The car was economical, peppy, and most important, reliable. I would highly recommend it for a student or 1st time car buyer. The value is there. The only problems were wind noise, and some minor build quality issues in the cabin. Yes, it is rather boring, but that's exactly what some people need.
Extremely good car for the money
vinvv, 08/03/2004
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used 6 months ago, and put 20,000 miles on it already. drives great, good mileage, have taken good care of this car (as my other cars; im a mechanical engineer). its 5 years old and has not come up with any maintenance work yet ! Tho i did upgrade the stock speakers.
#1
aka, 06/18/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
excellent car / good buy / more than your moneys worth
My best car ever!
Daddyniowa, 02/14/2008
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car with 58,000 miles on it and it is a five speed manual transmission. I only opened up the exhaust and installed a Tornado fuelsaver (for whatever thats worth). I burn Mobile one full synthetic oil in it changed at every 8,000 miles. For some time now I use the car 100 miles five days a week to commute my non-driving wife to work. I have done "nothing" to the car basically except put gas in it. Gets anywhere from 31 to 34 mpg on highway, and shifts out of third gear at 103 mph! Uses one half a quart of synthetic oil every 8,000 miles. If you see a white 1998 Nissan Altima in northern Mo. to Southern Iowa screaming down I-35 highway, that would be me!
great car, sporty too
dynatmrider, 08/14/2004
1998 Nissan Altima SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
iv had this car since may of 98 when they came out. this car is great. its an SE with leather, cd, abs, manual, sport suspension (stiffer ride) and power drivers seat. seats are comfortable and the back seats are those of a bmw. i have 120,000 miles on the car and have not done anything to it. over six years on the original battery and still going! once this thing is in 5th gear you can go from 60 to 100 in a blink! fast car! buy it!
Luxury
jbesad01, 02/15/2008
1998 Nissan Altima GXE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got mine for 3,200 from a private seller who had taken good care of it since the day it was bought. The inside of this car is beautiful. I felt like I was driving something I paid $20,000 for. Great combination of power and mileage. I got 33mpg once on a long trip. I love this car.
POTENTIAL
McFly4ever, 06/21/2002
1998 Nissan Altima GLE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great, it is very peppy for a 4 cyl sedan, and if you are interested in car performance it has a lot of potential, I am currently pushing 220 hp at the wheels in my 98 altima GLE