I suppose that is why they picked the name "Nespresso" ... it is much better for espresso than for regular coffee (but I only use it for espresso and sometimes for cappucino). I've only tasted the regular coffee in their stores -- so presumably done by an espert under the best possible conditions -- and it was poor (compared to an "Americano" for example).

Over the years the pods have gotten markedly better (despite being the same technology). Nestle must be getting better beans or figured out better processing prior to packing the pods. I was forced to buy supermarket coffee in the US recently, and the Nespresso pods are far better than the mass market whole beans. So for many people/locations it might be the best easily available coffee, period.