The 2018 Nissan Altima lasts around 250,000 miles only with minor software and suspension issues reported. At $15,700 to $17,175, it’s a great value for a midsize sedan with advanced safety features.
Is the 2018 Nissan Altima a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Nissan Altima, although it’s a bit outdated, giving it an average overall score. Owner reviews praise the efficient engines, responsive steering, as well as the good safety & entertainment technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 6/10 – Interior materials are cheaper than other midsize cars, the seats offer decent comfort, cargo space is also very good in the trunk.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2018 Nissan Altima. Buyers should avoid models from 2013–2017 which have widespread transmission failures. Models from 2018–2021 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is similar to other midsize sedans with either the 4-cylinder or upgraded V6 engine.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Altima is a safe car earning a perfect 5-star overall rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, as well as a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 31 MPG, giving 558 miles of range from the 18 gallon tank. Gas costs are $43 cheaper than average at $169 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Nissan Altima is more affordable than many other midsize sedans while still being reliable, making it a good choice for shoppers on a budget.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Altima?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Nissan Altima is very outdated compared to other midsize sedans, with low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Altima at 3.5/5, praising the supportive front seats, but doesn’t like the cheap interior materials.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Altima a 4.2/5, enjoying the sporty performance for a sedan, although owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel drive.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Nissan Altima Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Nissan Altima include the automatic braking system activating randomly, corrosion on the battery terminals, as well as squeaking noises from the suspension. Overall, these problems are minor compared to other cars, with average repair costs.
The automatic braking system activating randomly has been reported by owners of the 2018 Nissan Altima in the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates available for the safety technology which improves its reliability. Most dealers install software updates for free, while others may charge up to $50.
Corrosion on the battery terminals also shows up on some Nissan Altima models at around 30,000 miles. Usually corrosion is caused by a loose cap on a traditional wet-cell battery, or a crack near the terminal. Upgrading to a sealed battery prevents corrosion, and costs around $250.
Squeaking noises from the suspension are another complaint from Altima owners at around 5,000 miles. When the suspension is squeaking early in a car’s life, usually it’s a sign of a loose strut at the strut mount. Most dealerships will tighten it up under warranty, yet if it happens out of warranty, be prepared to spend around $50.
There are 2 minor recalls on the 2018 Nissan Altima, which is better than other midsize sedans. The first covers the backup camera which can be fixed by a software update Nissan will install for free. The second recall is for the hood latch, where Nissan will install a stronger spring to prevent it from opening unintentionally.
How Long Will the 2018 Nissan Altima Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Nissan Altima can last around 250,000 miles, which is only about 50,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are cheaper than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $390 per year.
As a 2018 Nissan Altima reaches 100,000 miles, owners should be prepared to replace the camshaft position sensor for $200, automatic transmission shift cable for $175, as well as the windshield wiper motor, which costs $250.
There are no problems. It always starts right away. Everything works. It hugs the road and the ride is amazing. It can also accelerate quickly.
I have not experienced any problems with the Nissan Altima, it is very reliable. The dealership has free inspection and oil change and check ups.
It is very reliable. The only problems I have had is a flat tire due to a nail, though that was not a manufacturing issue. Additionally, the tire pressure does seem low often, but it is not much of an issue once fixed.
Yes, it is reliable, but its body seems to be more susceptible with each passing year to dent more easily.
The 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 sv is a reliable car. No the Altima does not have any problems at all, it runs really well, does not burn out gas and it is very smooth on the streets.
No, to my concern there is not really many problems but you do want to make sure you have a check up on your whole car every month that way it is in good condition.
The 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 s is a very reliable car and the tires are new and it does not have any problems that I am aware of.
It is a very reliable car and has no problems as of now. I've had one recall on it though for the air bags.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good in the 2018 Nissan Altima with standard Bluetooth connectivity paired with a 5-inch display screen. There’s an optional 7-inch touchscreen with navigation.
Safety technology is excellent, offering a standard rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, as well as forward collision warning. Optional safety tech upgrades include adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
Is the 2018 Nissan Altima a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Nissan Altima is a decent value since there are fewer problems than other years. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $15,700 to $17,175, making it cheaper than a Honda Accord or Subaru Legacy. When new, the price range was $23,260 to $33,630. Depreciation is similar to other sedans, losing around 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Altima?
There are five models of the Nissan Altima offered in 2018, from the base 2.5 S all the way up to the well-equipped 3.5 SL.
2.5 S is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheel With Plastic Covers
- Cloth Upholstery
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
- Bluetooth
- 5-Inch Display Screen
- Rearview Camera
- Six-Speaker Audio System
- USB Port
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
2.5 SR is a step up, adding:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
- Foglights
- Rear Spoiler
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Paddle Shifters
2.5 SV is next in the lineup with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Remote Engine Start
- Blind Spot Monitoring With Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Dual Zone Climate Control
- Satellite Radio
2.5 SL offers features including:
- LED Headlights
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Power Folding Mirrors
- Heated Front Seats
- Nine-Speaker Bose Stereo System
3.5 SL is the flagship model which has:
- Larger V6 Engine
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Sunroof
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Navigation System
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Nissan Connect Services
What Engines Come In the Nissan Altima?
- The base engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 179 horsepower while getting up to 31 MPG. It’s front-wheel drive and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- An available upgrade is the stronger 3.5L V6, which produces 270 horsepower at up to 26 MPG. This engine also uses a continuously variable automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 6.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Nissan Altima Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Altima?
The 2018 Nissan Altima is a reasonably comfortable midsize car with seating for up to five passengers. Seating is okay, although they are not as supportive as some other sedans.
Passenger room is good, offering enough leg and headroom for taller adults in the rear seats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Altima Have?
Cargo space is larger than average in the trunk, offering enough room for 3 to 4 full size suitcases, with extra room available when the rear seats are folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Nissan Altima came out in 2013, and was redesigned for the sixth generation in 2019.
2015: 3.5 SV and SL models have a standard touchscreen, remote ignition
2016: Minor exterior styling changes, new safety technology, and new sporty SR model added.
2017: No major changes.
2018: More safety technology including automatic braking, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added to the touchscreen.
2019: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new interior, exterior, optional all-wheel drive, and engines.
2020: Driver aids now standard on SR model, while optional on S, new interior trim added.
2021: Turbo motor only offered on the SR model now.
How Does the Nissan Altima Compare to the Competition?
The Nissan Altima is a good midsize sedan in 2018, offering excellent standard safety technology with dependable engine choices.
The Toyota Camry is another midsize sedan, which costs around $4,000 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Toyota Camry, while the Nissan Altima offers a sportier driving experience with responsive steering. We recommend the Toyota Camry since they last longer, although both are good cars for the 2018 model year.
The Nissan Sentra is a smaller car offered by Nissan which costs $2,500 less. Where the Nissan Sentra stands out is with a more fun driving experience, while the Nissan Altima has better technology and passenger room. We recommend the Nissan Altima since it’s more reliable with higher owner satisfaction scores.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Altima?
Yes. It drives really well. It has a smooth ride, and is so reliable. I love the detail on the inside. It is truly a beautiful car.
Yes, the Nissan Altima is very dependable and reliable, and it also gets very good gas mileage. Long trips are very nice.
Yes, it hardly gives me any issues and gas lasts longer than my previous vehicle. It is got Bluetooth as well that makes phone calls easier too.
Yes, I like Nissan but find that its vehicles seem to take a step down each year, much to my disappointment. Still, I like the car line. It is rather comfortable.
Yes the Nissan Altima 2.5 sv is a good vehicle. It has a really good sound system, runs real good and has a great style to it.
Yes it is very good! I suggest others to buy the car it rides well and it is a great car overall. It is very good on gas and mileage. You want be disappointed in buying the 2018 Nissan Altima.
Yes it is a good vehicle it gets good gas mileage and is a comfortable ride and I like the heated seats.
Yes it is a good and reliable vehicle for my day to day duties. Its gas efficient and reliable. It is very spacious and has a good trunk for storage if needed.