Ford Taurus vs Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is more fuel-efficient at 23 MPG combined, against 21 MPG for the Ford Taurus. At EPA assumptions that is about $300 less in fuel per year. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Ford Taurus | Nissan Altima | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,524 | 1,099 |
| Most reported problem | Suspension | Engine |
| Crashes and fires | 78 and 20 | 61 and 16 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 78,000 miles | 86,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 4 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 21 MPG | 23 MPG |
| City and highway | 18 and 26 | 20 and 27 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $3,200 | $2,900 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,524 complaints for the Ford Taurus and 1,099 for the Nissan Altima. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 3 for the Ford Taurus, 4 for the Nissan Altima.