1998 Nissan Altima
Should You Buy a 1998 Nissan Altima?
The 1998 Nissan Altima is a compact sedan that offers a blend of practicality and performance. With a 2.4L I4 engine producing 150 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque, it delivers a respectable combined fuel economy of 24.0 MPG, making it a solid choice for daily commuting. The front-wheel-drive system and 5-speed manual transmission provide an engaging driving experience, appealing to those who appreciate a more hands-on approach to driving. Despite its age, the Altima has maintained a reliability score of 98.4/100, indicating that it can be a dependable option for budget-conscious buyers.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some safety concerns, as the NHTSA has recorded 141 complaints, including 20 crash incidents and 3 fire incidents. Notably, the most common complaints involve airbag and tire issues, which may warrant further investigation. Overall, the 1998 Nissan Altima can be a reliable and economical choice for those looking for a used sedan, provided that buyers conduct thorough inspections and consider the vehicle's history.
The 1998 Nissan Altima is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families seeking a reliable and economical daily driver.
Strengths
- +High reliability score of 98.4/100
- +Good fuel economy at 24.0 MPG combined
- +Engaging driving experience with a 5-speed manual transmission
- +Affordable maintenance costs for a compact sedan
- +Spacious interior for a compact vehicle
Weaknesses
- -Reported safety concerns including airbag and tire issues
- -Limited availability of parts due to age
- -Potential for rust and wear in older models
- -No advanced safety features compared to modern vehicles
- -Unknown seating capacity may limit family use
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 1998 Nissan Altima has reported a total of 141 complaints to the NHTSA, with notable issues related to airbag and tire performance. While there are some safety concerns, particularly with 20 crash incidents and 3 fire incidents, the vehicle has not been associated with any fatalities. Buyers should be vigilant in reviewing the vehicle's maintenance history and addressing any potential safety issues, especially those related to the airbag system.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2.4 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 23
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 183.5 in
- Width
- 68.9 in
- Height
- 55.9 in
- Wheelbase
- 103.1 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,875 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –
Estimated Value
Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.