2014 Nissan Altima is 'Most Affordable Midsize Sedan'

Cars.com has given the Nissan Altima the Most Affordable Midsize Sedan pick for 2014, citing its great gas mileage and very good crash test results. As Nissan's top-selling vehicle, and one that may be headed towards becoming the best-seller in its segment over the Camry, Nissan puts a lot into the car's design and marketing.

To gauge cars for this year's value awards, Cars.com required that they have several items, at minimum, on their features list, including an automatic transmission, cruise control, USB and Bluetooth, power windows and driver's seat, and a backup camera. These features determined the vehicle's purchase price for figuring dollar values for contenders. Then a five-year estimated fuel cost comparison was done and the 2014 Altima came out on top.

Those of us who've driven a new-generation Altima, which unveiled as a 2013 model and carries into 2014, know that the car has a host of standard features including luxurious comfort in the Zero Gravity seating that come standard. Couple this with Nissan's near-perfect Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and you have a wonderful car to drive.

"The 2014 Nissan Altima is equipped with an abundance of features that meet the growing expectations of our consumers, while still remaining a cost-effective vehicle to own," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations. "Year-over-year sales growth and an expanding list of accolades like this recognition from Cars.com demonstrate why Altima continues to be a leader in the midsize segment."