Nissan
Altima
Owner report available
Toyota
Camry
Owner report available
Nissan Altima vs Toyota Camry
The short answer
Based on available data, the Toyota Camry comes out ahead of the Nissan Altima on power and long-term reliability. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Altima
Overall
Extremely negative sentiment regarding long-term reliability, dominated by widespread and severe criticism of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The CVT is described as a fundamental design flaw leading to premature failure, often between 80,000 and 150,000 miles, with replacement costs cited around $4,000. This issue is so pervasive it has spawned multiple class-action lawsuits, particularly for models from the 2010-2020 period.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to identify a consensus "best" model year or trim. Isolated positive anecdotes reference older models (e.g., 2002 Maxima, pre-2010 Altimas) with traditional automatic transmissions, but no specific Altima generation or trim receives repeated endorsement.
Known issues
- CVT transmission failure: Catastrophic failure requiring full replacement, often between 80,000-150,000 miles; symptoms include jerking, shuddering, loss of acceleration, lurching at low speeds, and inability to rev beyond a certain RPM.
- CVT-related problems (general): Whining noise, rubber band effect, laggy throttle response, and general concerns about long-term durability. Frequency: very frequent.
- Engine issues (various): For 2019-2021 models with the 2.0L VC-Turbo engine, a manufacturing defect in engine bearings can lead to catastrophic engine failure, knocking noises, loss of power, and potential fire, as detailed in a NHTSA reca…
Camry
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability and low cost of ownership. The Camry is consistently cited as a benchmark for dependable, low-maintenance transportation capable of exceeding 200,000 miles with basic care. Owners across multiple generations report minimal major repairs, with many vehicles lasting 15-20 years or more.
Best version to buy
Camry Hybrid. The hybrid powertrain is strongly recommended for its combination of superior fuel economy, smoother and quieter operation, and the renowned reliability of Toyota's hybrid system.
Known issues
- Oil consumption in specific model years (notably the 2007 model year): isolated but noted as a known issue for certain generations. Frequency: isolated.
- High-mileage wear items (e.g., EVAP system codes, ABS sensors, TPMS sensors): expected issues on very high-mileage vehicles (150,000+ miles). Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Toyota Camry is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Nissan Altima, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Toyota Camry are a dealbreaker, the Nissan Altima is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Nissan Altima or the Toyota Camry?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Toyota Camry than the Nissan Altima. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Nissan Altima or the Toyota Camry?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Nissan Altima or the Toyota Camry?
The EPA rates the 2026 Nissan Altima at 28–30 mpg combined and the 2026 Toyota Camry at 43–51 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Nissan Altima or the Toyota Camry?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.