Friday 24 May 2013

Nissan Rating By Class

So you decided to purchase a new automobile but don’t know which one. You do know you want a good deal that is going to last and in order to find that you need do your research beforehand, but also want some luxury. We have looked at Fords ratings; now let’s look at the exciting world of Nissan.

2013 370Z

Following up with the success of the 350Z, the 370Z ranks fifth on our list of affordable sports cars. Its slick and agile look will turn heads on the road and it will turn heads because it will be flying by them. Its powerful engine combined with its nimble handling make this one great sports car. It comes standard with a 6 speed manual transmission with a smooth clutch. The interior is stylish yet functional although it could stand to use some higher quality interior materials. Despite its small size, even people six feet tall were able to sit in it comfortably. The biggest complaints are that the engine noise may be a problem and it has poor rearward visibility. Other complained that due to its two seat status it didn’t have enough cargo space or transport capacity. Overall though this a well-rounded sports car. The base engine is a 3.7 liter, V6 with 18/27mpg.

2013 Nissan Altima

The Altima ranks number five on our list of affordable midsize cars. The redesigned Altima is good for somebody who needs a family sedan but wants something more fun to drive. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) underwent an impressive overhaul as well which adds to its fun drivability. The cabin is roomy, comfortable and made from quality materials. The trunk also offers good cargo space. It has a really strong fuel economy and don’t forget the exceptional safety and reliability ratings.  No car is perfect however and some felt the four cylinder engine was too loud. Also there were some complaints of unintuitive tech features.  You can upgrade to a V6 but the base engine is 2.5 liter, I4 with 27/38mpg that generally gives it enough power.

2013 Nissan Maxima

Unlike its cousin above, the Maxima doesn’t rank to high, coming at number 18 on the midsized, upscale listings. The good is that it has powerful V6 engine and upscale interior. It’s cabin is spacious and comfortable, often drawing comparisons to the Infiniti G37. It has many user-friendly electronic features and intuitive navigation system.  The bad, is that its price is way too high for a non-luxury brand and other sedans offer a much better performance. It also might not survive since it has a below average safety and reliability scores. For the money they could at least give you a backup camera, navigation, leather seating or heated seats, which are all upgrades on the Maxima.  It does come standard with push-button start, Bluetooth, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The base engine is a 3.5 liter, V6 with 19/26mpg.  

That being said, many people still can’t afford a new car just yet. If so, then a certified used car from a dealer such as Enterprise Car Sales is another great option.  It is still a quality car at a much more affordable price that should give you several good years of driving.

Aiden Jefferson lives and works in Southern California and writes about the automotive industry.  Used car dealers such as http://www.hondaofatlanta.com are a good way to find your next vehicle.