The 1998 Nissan Altima covers a fairly wide range of vehicles, due to its plentitude of model options. Overall, the Altima serves as a mid-price vehicle with an above-average set of features. The 1998 Nissan Altima provides a smooth, comfortable ride and handles very well on city and highway roads. The fairly low price tag on most models heavily increases the appeal of this vehicle.
The main draw of the Altima comes from the excellent balance of price, performance, and luxury features. Few vehicles offer a similar value in all three areas combined. Most competitors either cost significantly more or make performance or comfort trade-offs to reduce the price. The Altima makes an excellent choice for most daily drivers who do not have any special or unique requirements in a vehicle.
The Range
Body Styles: sedan
Engines: 2.4-liter four-cylinder
Transmissions: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic
Models: Nissan Altima XE, Nissan Altima GXE, Nissan Altima SE, Nissan Altima GLE
What's New
The 1998 Nissan Altima shows an extensive redesign. The resemblance to earlier models seems fairly weak in terms of aesthetic appearance. The standard equipment increases, adding a CD player standard on every model, except the Altima XE.
Exterior
The Nissan Altima classifies as a compact sedan with a wedge shape. Due to the body shape, it could almost pass for a hatchback, if not for the slight protrusion of the trunk. The exterior looks fairly different from earlier models and no longer resembles the Infiniti J30 as closely as it did before.
Interior
Most Nissan Altima models have a good range of built-in features. The Altima XE makes an exception, lacking air-conditioning and an audio system as standard features. However, the Altima GXE, which costs only slightly more than the Altima XE, includes air-conditioning, a CD player, power windows, power locks, and power mirrors as standard features. The Altima GLE features leather seating, leather trim, and a power driver’s seat.
Performance & Handling
The performance of the 1998 Nissan Altima seems quite good for all models. While not overly powerful, the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine gives the Altima decent acceleration. The Altima also maneuvers fairly well, which makes it an enjoyable vehicle to drive. Since the performance remains consistent between all models, the cheaper Altima variants perform better than most similarly priced vehicle, while the highest priced-variants reach about average performance.
Safety
The Nissan Altima remains very consistent with its competitors in terms of safety features. Dual front airbags come installed as a standard feature. All 1998 Nissan Altima models have the option of four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
EPA Fuel Economy
Nissan Altima: 20/28 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Decent variety of standard features on higher-end models
- Good value
You Won't Like
- Lacks anything to distinguish it from competitors
- Lower-priced models lack standard features
Sum Up
Gives Honda and Toyota a run for their money.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Honda Accord
- Kia Optima
- Toyota Camry