2014 Nissan Altima Pros, Cons And Model Prices

Already highly regarded as a "family sedan" that is actually fun to drive, last year's design update made it both safer and more comfortable as well. And while it may have trimmed back just a bit of its athleticism to do so, this midsize sedan still impresses with its road manners and overall package.

These changes have broadened its appeal thanks to an improved balance between ride quality and responsive handling. And the new NASA-inspired front "space seats" are also super comfortable and are a great addition to the somewhat simplified but more upscale interior ambience.

A new infotainment system along with the introduction of NissanConnect Apps, a smartphone integration platform that includes Pandora and Facebook connectivity, adds plenty of high-tech pizzaz. In addition, the 2.5 S trim has an available Sport Value package and a touchscreen-based Display Audio package, while the Technology package has been made available for both the SV and SL trims.

These are all well-conceived additions that address many of the Altima's previous shortcomings.

Pros:

   Crisp acceleration with either engine
   Good fuel economy with either engine
   Nice combination of ride quality and handling
   Particularly comfortable front seats
   Easy-to-use tech features
   Improved safety technology
   Excellent crash test scores
   Solid interior quality
   Infiniti-like design lines
   Very good infotainment systems

Cons:

   Not as much rear headroom as some rivals
   CVT (continuously variable transmission) only
   The CVT can be noisy at times with the four-cylinder engine
   While upscale, interior a little bland
   A bit less sporty on the road than previously
   No models offer a power passenger seat
   Some models lack things like rear air vents or a satellite radio option

Overall:

The Altima is Nissan's best-selling sedan and is certainly one of the top choices available in the midsize family sedan segment. With the changes made in recent years, the Altima offers an appealing combination of athletic responsiveness and long-distance comfort with plenty of bells and whistles.

Other opinions:

From autoblog.com:

"Process that for a minute: 2,500 revs = 100 mph in a 2.5-liter normally aspirated four-door kinshlepper. This, friends, is impressive."

From Edmunds.com:

"Sophisticated driving dynamics, energetic engines and impressive fuel economy give the 2014 Nissan Altima a leg up on rival family sedans. It's an excellent choice in this segment."

From TheCarConnection.com:

"Following improvements that hit all the right spots, the 2014 Nissan Altima is a solid choice for those who don't mind a CVT."

From Kelley Blue Book:

"Not only has the automaker maintained the cool look and sports-car-like handling that made the original Altima such a success, they’ve done so while thoroughly modernizing the Altima in ways crucial to younger buyers."

Best price? Here's how to get the lowest Nissan Altima price

Invoice And Sticker Prices:

    Model Invoice Price Sticker Price

    2.5, 2.5L 4-cyl. $20,450 $21,860

    2.5 S, 2.5L 4-cyl. $20,467 $22,380

    2.5 SV, 2.5L 4-cyl. $22,109 $24,180

    3.5 S, 3.5L V6 $23,916 $26,160

    2.5 SL, 2.5L 4-cyl. $25,375 $27,760

    3.5 SV, 3.5L V6 $25,922 $28,360

    3.5 SL, 3.5L V6 $28,020 $30,660

2014 Nissan Altima Pros, Cons And Prices

2014 Nissan Altima Pros,
Cons And Prices