I don't think there has been anything about the Altima that has been in the "avoid" column for many years now. It is average, but it's not a Chrysler 200 or something along that caliber. I think it speaks to just how competitive the midsize segment is that among the Altima / Camry / Sonata / Fusion you'll get a perfectly fine rental among any of them. The Altima drives fine, is comfortable, and has good efficiency. There are no glaring annoyances. I think the rear bumper and some of the exterior trim looks cheap, and I don't like the 5" screen even as much as the old amber display in the base model - but nothing that matters in a 5 day rental car.