1993 Nissan Altima GXE 2.4L (KA24DE) from North America

Summary:

Reliability coupled with plain and sporty

Faults:

Starter Replaced at 65314.

Rear seal around window coming out - Due to excessive Texas summer heat for the past 10 years.

Car loses hubcaps.

General Comments:

The car has seen all kinds of driving conditions, from the family cross-country hauler to the 1/4 mile drag strip.

The car has never been "tuned" or modified as I use it for my daily commuter, but it has performed it's duties flawlessly. I've only had a starter replacement from the factory, but other than that it's been a great vehicle.

The car has run an average (over 15 time slips) on the drag strip of 16.36.

Not exactly a rocket, but it can certainly get out of a jam if need be. Most people were surprised at how agile and responsive the "little shoebox" is.

The AC has always been cold, the drivetrain tight and the interior comfortable.

The only downside to the Altima is the rather dull look. With the performance characteristics of the 2.4L, matched with a well balanced suspension, this car is like a wolf in sheep's clothing. It reminds me a little of the old muscle car era "sleepers".

The Altima would make a great first car for anyone going to school or needing reliability for their jobs (like delivery, transportation, etc...).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th March, 2003

20th Oct 2004, 18:19

The alternator had to be replaced eight times in four years!

7th Jan 2005, 19:06

I have had only minor repairs on my 1993 Altima. I'm almost at 140,000 and the only major repair was a rotted piece. Caused by the winter salt (Buffalo, NY) the arm holding the rear tires rotted, and was causing the the rear tires to move side to side at slow speeds. This cost me almost 600 dollars to fix. I was told this was a rare thing though...

Other problems I have had are the key not working in the locks, including the ignition. The hubcaps are always falling off too.

All in all, I love this car. Everything else works great. I would recommnd this car to people of all ages. It's very reailable, and okay in the snow.

17th Feb 2006, 13:17

I have a '93 Altima and it runs great, great pick-up, AC blows ice cold to this day, but my alternator went out twice in one year, my starter is acting up, but I found out that it does'nt need replacing, I can just beat it when the car won't start. I lose hub caps each month so I'm considering alloy rims. All in all I love the car. The alternator wasn't too expensive to fix, I just got it rebuilt and it came with a warranty so they rebuilt it again for free. I miss my hubcaps though. lol.

1993 Nissan Altima SE 2.4 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Viva la Nissan

Faults:

Had to replace a fuel injector at 130K. At the same time also did a tune up and brake pads.

The seat belts were not retracting properly. Took the car back (10yrs old and 140K) to the dealer, and the belts were replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

I was originally looking for a 90-93 Accord EX. While searching for one I ran across this Altima, it had all the same options that you would find in the EX Accord. I had test drove many of those, and thought I might as well see what the "Alty" had to offer. After driving the vehicle for five miles, and doing some research I realized that this was to be my next car. This is a fun car to drive; it has power, and the ability to control it. I enjoy the way this car handles just as much as my uncles SAAB.

With the KA24DE under the hood, a 2.4L DOHC engine, this car has great pickup and go, while keeping good gas mileage. With a gallon of petro, I average around 32 miles on the highway and 26ish in the city. The best I have got out of her was 37 MPG and the worst was around 20, which was immediately before I replaced the injector.

Having grown up in Minneapolis, I have seen plenty of rusty cars. One thing that I have not seen however is a rusty Altima. My car being ten years old and having so many miles on her, I am constantly in awe of the lack of rust on the car, or tarnish on the alloy wheels. The choice to use higher quality steel is evident, and very worth while for a mid-western car.

The car seems to fog up easily, I need to try some Fog-X to see if that will help. My current way of dealing with the fog, is to crack the back edge of the moon roof.

I would definitely buy an Altima (or any Nissan) again. However, if I had my choice again, I would get a '94, they have manual instead of auto belts.

Despite 142k, in a month I will be driving from Minneapolis, to southern Florida. I have faith in this well built car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th February, 2003