2013 Nissan Altima

[B25Nut]

I came very close to buying the Altima since it was available when I was ready to buy. For those considering it, check out the Consumer Reviews for the Altima and FFH on Edmunds. It makes choosing the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid a no brainer.

 

http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/altima/2013/consumer-reviews.html?sub=sedan

 

http://www.edmunds.com/ford/fusion-hybrid/2013/consumer-reviews.html?sub=sedan

 

And add this latest recall problem:

 

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130315/CARNEWS/130319875

Edited March 15, 2013 by B25Nut

[cwb1183]

I see fynack made his mark here as well.

[tombarker13ffh]

I decided i liked the new altimas but i think that was only because they took on stylings of the 350/370Z. I love the looks of the nizmos but Id never buy one over a Mustang..

[ace8726872]

New Altimas look good and I did consider them briefly before I test drove the FFH. The Altimas have impressive MPG numbers for a non-hybrid. Didn't like the engine noise one bit!

[Fynack]

I came very close to buying the Altima since it was available when I was ready to buy. For those considering it, check out the Consumer Reviews for the Altima and FFH on Edmunds. It makes choosing the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid a no brainer.

 

http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/altima/2013/consumer-reviews.html?sub=sedan

 

http://www.edmunds.com/ford/fusion-hybrid/2013/consumer-reviews.html?sub=sedan

 

And add this latest recall problem:

 

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20130315/CARNEWS/130319875

Your comparing a non-hybrid to hybrid. Not that i like the altima but their not even in the same category. As for recalls, the fusion had two so far.

 

http://www.cars.com/ford/fusion/2013/recalls/

 

Something more fair would be

 

http://www.edmunds.com/ford/fusion/2013/consumer-reviews.html?sub=sedan

http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/altima/2013/consumer-reviews.html?sub=sedan

Edited April 3, 2013 by Fynack

[Fynack]

or

http://www.edmunds.com/kia/optima/2013/consumer-reviews.html?sub=sedan

http://www.edmunds.com/ford/fusion-hybrid/2013/consumer-reviews.html?sub=sedan

 

I would chosen the optima since its much cheaper and would have achieved the same MPG.

[djminfll]

I was lucky enough to be part of the Car & Driver Editor for the Day event in Miami last year, and got to drive back-to-back the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, and Nissan Altima. Not only did I like the Fusion the best (this is what cemented my decision to get the Hybrid version), but everyone in my group voted the Altima as the worst vehicle in the bunch. This was based on interior build quality, emergency handling, and overall comfort. Our Altima actually was making creaking and groaning noises on all of the emergency maneuvers. One of the team leaders told us that one of the Altimas earlier in the day actually broke down and had to be taken out of the testing!

My personal opinion at the end of the day was that the Toyota Camry was characteristically boring, and the quality of the interior has diminished in the current model; the Hyundai Sonata, while a nice looking car, felt dated and harsh; the Honda Accord was comfortable and nicely built, but was incredibly loud; and the Fusion was quiet, comfortable, handled well, and was the best looking vehicle in the bunch.

[acdii]

On the Camry, they did improve material quality and over all build in the 2012-13 model over the 2009 model I had. The 13 is a much nicer car than the 09 was, BUT its still BoRiNg! Its a vanilla run of the mill, Taxi Cab, much like the Crown Vic in its heyday.

[B25Nut]

The styling of the Sonata has been hot and cold for me. Some days I like it, others I don't. One of my first impressions of it was passing a black Sonata at night on the freeway. I thought it had been in an accident, since the sculpting on the side was so extreme, they appeared to be dents. No matter what angle I view the FFH from, I like it. The direct rear view, while good, is probably the Fusion's weakest.

[djminfll]

On the Camry, they did improve material quality and over all build in the 2012-13 model over the 2009 model I had. The 13 is a much nicer car than the 09 was, BUT its still BoRiNg! Its a vanilla run of the mill, Taxi Cab, much like the Crown Vic in its heyday.

Before buying the Fusion, I test drove a Camry Hybrid, and what struck me so negatively about the interior was the plastic material used on the console. I don't know if it is supposed to resemble wood, but it was the cheesiest looking material I've ever seen. I asked the salesman if I could see a top-of-the-line model to compare the materials, and he said this car WAS the top-of-the-line! At least Ford uses an attractive and high quality looking black glossy veneer. The Camry also had the funkiest seat fabric designs I'd ever seen. My honest opinion was that I didn't think I could get up every morning and face that interior as I drove to work!

[acdii]

You should have seen the 09! The 13 is hands down much better! :) If the 09 was as good as the 13 is, I would probably still be driving it. I hated the 09, cheap was an understatement. The Fusion felt like a Lexus compared to that Camry. To tell how close I was to flipping to the 13 Camry from the Fusion, if it wasnt for the lack of adaptive cruise, cross traffic, and auto highbeams, I would have ditched the Fusion for the Camry XLE. Its a Vanilla car, but it drove well, handled much better than the old one, and my 2010, and has a decent stereo, and it was comfortable. However, it does have a tighter back seat than the Fusion.

[hybridbear]

The styling of the Sonata has been hot and cold for me. Some days I like it, others I don't. One of my first impressions of it was passing a black Sonata at night on the freeway. I thought it had been in an accident, since the sculpting on the side was so extreme, they appeared to be dents. No matter what angle I view the FFH from, I like it. The direct rear view, while good, is probably the Fusion's weakest.

I agree that the direct rear view is the worst angle of our cars. Every front angle looks awesome

 

Before buying the Fusion, I test drove a Camry Hybrid, and what struck me so negatively about the interior was the plastic material used on the console. I don't know if it is supposed to resemble wood, but it was the cheesiest looking material I've ever seen. I asked the salesman if I could see a top-of-the-line model to compare the materials, and he said this car WAS the top-of-the-line! At least Ford uses an attractive and high quality looking black glossy veneer. The Camry also had the funkiest seat fabric designs I'd ever seen. My honest opinion was that I didn't think I could get up every morning and face that interior as I drove to work!

Agreed! We didn't like the TCH interior. Everything was so cheap

[B25Nut]

I came very close to buying the 2013 Altima. But one review of it had a big impact on me. The tester liked the Altima, but he said (I think this also applies to the Camry and Accord)if you buy the Altima, "you are telling the world you have given up".

[jeff_h]

"I've Given Up"

 

[Aquineas]

I rented a 4 cylinder 2013 Altima for a week when I was having a dent fixed on my Genesis. My thoughts were that it was a very solid structure for a lighter car, and it got fantastic mileage for a non-hybrid. The engine though was just too unrefined for my taste. The Altima does have one thing going for it though- it's got ASTONISHING range. It's the first time I've ever gotten more than 600 miles to a tank of gas. And at typical (for Texas anyway) highway speeds of 75, it would probably give the FFH a run for its money. Now if only I could have gotten over that engine.

Edited May 20, 2013 by Aquineas

[revelated]

I rented a 4 cylinder 2013 Altima for a week when I was having a dent fixed on my Genesis. My thoughts were that it was a very solid structure for a lighter car, and it got fantastic mileage for a non-hybrid. The engine though was just too unrefined for my taste. The Altima does have one thing going for it though- it's got ASTONISHING range. It's the first time I've ever gotten more than 600 miles to a tank of gas. And at typical (for Texas anyway) highway speeds of 75, it would probably give the FFH a run for its money. Now if only I could have gotten over that engine.

 

Only on a flat stretch of road. That's the only time the Alti would come close to the Fusion Hybrid. In every other condition, the Hybrid would dance circles around it on its WORST day.

 

Traded my 2011 Alti for my Hybrid Titanium. In California the Alti was lucky to get 23MPG. Here in Washington, just shy of 25MPG. Better but not great. The most impressive feat was driving from north San Diego all the way to Phoenix Arizona and still having a half tank of gas showing. Mind, that's over 350 miles and a quarter of it is steep mountain, high winds and sometimes icy roads. But the only real reason it can achieve such a feat is the size of the gas tank (20 gallons). It wouldn't come anywhere near the Fusion Hybrid if it had the piddly 13.5 gallon tank.

 

The Alti also had questionable suspension, fragile body, and was too easily blown around by high winds. It also sucked in snow and swallowed on icy roads. Sounded like a tractor when it was super cold, the engine didn't like it at all, at least on the 2.5. Seats way too slippery and flat, things/people sliding around. Pinging noise from the engine (2011), not gas related, even if you use 89 it still did it. Weird hazing on the inside of the windshield.

 

Where the Alti surpasses the Fusion:

 

- Obscene trunk space, I've fit four large crates in there with clothes and other stuff in the trunk alone. Fold down the seat, you can do desks, tables, large TVs, etc.

- Obscene glove box space, I think you can fit a small dog in there (not that I've tried).

- Push button STANDARD on the Alti models unlike Ford with their Titanium cash grab

- Excellent quality brakes, my 2009 Alti never needed pads or any brake rotor service in the two years I owned it, same with the 2011.

- Obscene gas tank size

- Way easier to access/upgrade components i.e. bulbs

 

 

All told I'm happy with the trade, though there are things that irritate me about the Fusion and Ford. The Hybrid Titanium is a better overall car.

[Aquineas]

 

Only on a flat stretch of road. That's the only time the Alti would come close to the Fusion Hybrid. In every other condition, the Hybrid would dance circles around it on its WORST day.

 

 

Traded my 2011 Alti for my Hybrid Titanium. In California the Alti was lucky to get 23MPG. Here in Washington, just shy of 25MPG. Better but not great. The most impressive feat was driving from north San Diego all the way to Phoenix Arizona and still having a half tank of gas showing. Mind, that's over 350 miles and a quarter of it is steep mountain, high winds and sometimes icy roads. But the only real reason it can achieve such a feat is the size of the gas tank (20 gallons). It wouldn't come anywhere near the Fusion Hybrid if it had the piddly 13.5 gallon tank.

 

The Alti also had questionable suspension, fragile body, and was too easily blown around by high winds. It also sucked in snow and swallowed on icy roads. Sounded like a tractor when it was super cold, the engine didn't like it at all, at least on the 2.5. Seats way too slippery and flat, things/people sliding around. Pinging noise from the engine (2011), not gas related, even if you use 89 it still did it. Weird hazing on the inside of the windshield.

 

Where the Alti surpasses the Fusion:

 

- Obscene trunk space, I've fit four large crates in there with clothes and other stuff in the trunk alone. Fold down the seat, you can do desks, tables, large TVs, etc.

- Obscene glove box space, I think you can fit a small dog in there (not that I've tried).

- Push button STANDARD on the Alti models unlike Ford with their Titanium cash grab

- Excellent quality brakes, my 2009 Alti never needed pads or any brake rotor service in the two years I owned it, same with the 2011.

- Obscene gas tank size

- Way easier to access/upgrade components i.e. bulbs

 

 

All told I'm happy with the trade, though there are things that irritate me about the Fusion and Ford. The Hybrid Titanium is a better overall car.

 

I can't speak for the FFH yet as I've yet to take delivery, but if the reports by others here are to believed, people are getting about 36-37mpg at a highway speed of 75, which, is actually less than the Altima. Obviously I don't want an Altima otherwise I wouldn't be waiting ~10 weeks for a Fusion, but living in the Houston area highways are a big deal for me. If the engine on the Altima didn't sound so agricultural, then it might make it a more formidable competitor. Incidentally I too am a former Altima owner, though mine was a 2003 V6 stick. That was one fun car!

[revelated]

 

I can't speak for the FFH yet as I've yet to take delivery, but if the reports by others here are to believed, people are getting about 36-37mpg at a highway speed of 75, which, is actually less than the Altima. Obviously I don't want an Altima otherwise I wouldn't be waiting ~10 weeks for a Fusion, but living in the Houston area highways are a big deal for me. If the engine on the Altima didn't sound so agricultural, then it might make it a more formidable competitor. Incidentally I too am a former Altima owner, though mine was a 2003 V6 stick. That was one fun car!

 

But my point is that it's only less because the Altima has a larger gas tank by far. Even larger than the gas Fusion. It's not an equal comparison. Give the Altima the gas Fusion's tank, and the gas Fusion will outdo the 2.5 Alti trim.

 

I will say, if you're longer on the high speed highway, I don't think the Hybrid is the right choice in any case. I'm curious why you skipped the gas Titanium as it would have likely exceeded your expectations.

[aaronj1159]

 

Only on a flat stretch of road. That's the only time the Alti would come close to the Fusion Hybrid. In every other condition, the Hybrid would dance circles around it on its WORST day.

 

Traded my 2011 Alti for my Hybrid Titanium. In California the Alti was lucky to get 23MPG. Here in Washington, just shy of 25MPG. Better but not great. The most impressive feat was driving from north San Diego all the way to Phoenix Arizona and still having a half tank of gas showing. Mind, that's over 350 miles and a quarter of it is steep mountain, high winds and sometimes icy roads. But the only real reason it can achieve such a feat is the size of the gas tank (20 gallons). It wouldn't come anywhere near the Fusion Hybrid if it had the piddly 13.5 gallon tank.

 

The Alti also had questionable suspension, fragile body, and was too easily blown around by high winds. It also sucked in snow and swallowed on icy roads. Sounded like a tractor when it was super cold, the engine didn't like it at all, at least on the 2.5. Seats way too slippery and flat, things/people sliding around. Pinging noise from the engine (2011), not gas related, even if you use 89 it still did it. Weird hazing on the inside of the windshield.

 

Where the Alti surpasses the Fusion:

 

- Obscene trunk space, I've fit four large crates in there with clothes and other stuff in the trunk alone. Fold down the seat, you can do desks, tables, large TVs, etc.

- Obscene glove box space, I think you can fit a small dog in there (not that I've tried).

- Push button STANDARD on the Alti models unlike Ford with their Titanium cash grab

- Excellent quality brakes, my 2009 Alti never needed pads or any brake rotor service in the two years I owned it, same with the 2011.

- Obscene gas tank size

- Way easier to access/upgrade components i.e. bulbs

 

 

All told I'm happy with the trade, though there are things that irritate me about the Fusion and Ford. The Hybrid Titanium is a better overall car.

Isn't the 2013 Altima a redesign though? At least in a lot of aspects. I know the EPA rating went up for the '13s over its predecessors.

[Aquineas]

 

But my point is that it's only less because the Altima has a larger gas tank by far. Even larger than the gas Fusion. It's not an equal comparison. Give the Altima the gas Fusion's tank, and the gas Fusion will outdo the 2.5 Alti trim.

 

I will say, if you're longer on the high speed highway, I don't think the Hybrid is the right choice in any case. I'm curious why you skipped the gas Titanium as it would have likely exceeded your expectations.

 

Your point addresses the range, not the mileage. As for reasons for not getting the gasoline Titanium, the major road that my wife and I need to access to get to the interstate has a speed limit of 55mph, and it's at least 10 miles to the interstate. That's perfect for a hybrid. That being said, I'd say 70 percent of her driving will be on local roads or the road I mentioned. Hybrid for the win.

[revelated]

Isn't the 2013 Altima a redesign though? At least in a lot of aspects. I know the EPA rating went up for the '13s over its predecessors.

 

It's still not a more efficient car. Efficient cars don't sound like tractors. Thus why the 98 Mustangs were so fuel inefficient.

 

 

 

Your point addresses the range, not the mileage. As for reasons for not getting the gasoline Titanium, the major road that my wife and I need to access to get to the interstate has a speed limit of 55mph, and it's at least 10 miles to the interstate. That's perfect for a hybrid. That being said, I'd say 70 percent of her driving will be on local roads or the road I mentioned. Hybrid for the win.

 

Mileage = Range. They're one in the same. Miles per gallon is literally what range you can get on each gallon of gas multipled by the number of gallons your tank can hold. Simple arithmetic - the larger the tank, the greater the mileage. The greater the mileage, the wider/longer the range before you need to fill up. You're arguing semantics here.

 

Bottom line: Altima rules MPG on long stretches because it has more gas to do so. That does not make it more efficient.

 

By that logic, a kid who brings 4 different types of calculators and an iPad to math class is more mathematically inclined because they can punch up the answer faster than other kids who use pen and paper, or who only have a basic calculator. Negative.

 

As for your trip you're confusing me now. Previously you said "...people are getting about 36-37mpg at a highway speed of 75, which, is actually less than the Altima." Now, you're saying that just because it takes a bit to get to the highway (I'm assuming the highway has a decent speed speed limit) and just because of the local road driving, that the hybrid would be more logical. So either you don't spend a lot of time on the highway/freeway, or something isn't adding up. If you don't spend a lot of time on the freeway then what's it matter that the Altima does better "...at a highway speed of 75"?

If I spend 80% of my time going less than 60, a hybrid makes sense and an Altima is moot; shouldn't even be in the discussion and the mileage of the Fusion Hybrid should be forefront.

[Aquineas]

If you don't understand the difference between mileage and range, then there's no point attempting to continue in a rational discussion. Carry on without me.

[rico567]

Yes- by that logic a CadillacEscalade with a 35 gallon gas tank getting 15 mpg gets the same "mileage" as a hybrid that has a 13 gallon tank and gets 40 mpg.....when it's obvious that I'm spending only about a third the money on gas to operate the hybrid. This is the difference in "miles per gallon."

 

I've been driving for 50 years, and "mileage" and "miles per gallon" have always been synonymous to me, and in my reading and discussions with other car owners. "Miles per tank" would be an appropriate term for how far you can go on a fillup.

[aaronj1159]

 

It's still not a more efficient car. Efficient cars don't sound like tractors. Thus why the 98 Mustangs were so fuel inefficient.

 

 

They're very different scenarios. The Altima has a CVT which tend to sound like that.

[acdii]

You really need to look at it as not miles per gallon, but gallons used per trip. Example, say you drive 45 miles, your vehicle gets 15 MPG, you used 3 gallons @$4, so $12 for the trip. Now drive a car that gets 45 MPG, you drove the same 45 miles, used 1 gallon, cost $4. Go enjoy an $8 lunch.