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It's been about two months since my lease expired on my 2005 CTS. Given my current economic situation, I leased a 2008 Altima 4 banger with comparable features. I even went with the same color combo (white with black leather). Aside from the obvious differences (class/price, powertrain/fuel economy, make, driven wheels, certain options) here are some observations:
SOLID BUILD:
After 42k miles with the CTS, there was hardly a squeak or rattle to be heard. Sometimes, I felt the driver seat shift, but a couple of slight adjustments to the positioning cleared that issue. I had to replace the dash speakers in the Altima after 500 miles since they rattled. I have a feeling the issue might come back. The seat also shifts in turns, and some of the gaps are misaligned, but it's not that bad.
LEATHER SEATING:
The leather seating surfaces of the CTS far surpassed those of the Altima. Great break-in on the CTS.
PAINT:
White Diamond was a thing of beauty especially after a few coats of Zaino. I went for the metallic white on the Altima, but it's not on the same level.
EXTERIOR STYLING:
Loved it more and more each day with the CTS. Loved the grill, high beltline, sharp corners, and wedge shaped front and rear. Altima: turns me off with each passing day. From the graphics on the tires, to the awkward oversized amber taillights. It's a strange looking car to say the least. Sort of a cross between an airplane and a pear.
INTERIOR STLYING:
Score one to the Altima for getting this right. The deep orange instrumentation is crystal clear, simple, and well laid out. I know, I know the interior of the CTS has been talked about ad nauseum, but I didn't mind it at all... and just look at the improvement in the 2008!
NUANCES I MISS:
-I loved that I could open the window after a rain shower, and water would not drip in. Not so with the Altima.
-I loved the fact that the mist function of the wiper stalk was a down push. On the Altima, you have to toggle the stalk up which is sort of annoying.
-Foglights. The 1st GEN CTS had the best in the business. Not available with the 4-cyl Altima with my trim package.
-CTS didn't knock around in the wind as much.
-Fold-in side view mirrors.
-and of course the fun and freedom of RWD, V6 power, taught handling, and nice sounding exhaust note.
NUANCES I DON'T MISS:
-Loud Door chime.
-Driving in the snow.
-Jarring ride at times.
-Tiny glove box.
NUANCES I WISH THE CTS HAD (THAT THE ALTIMA HAS):
-Key fob....no more fumbling with keys.
-Third cup holder...I thought two were great, but having three is amazing.
-Pull-out extender visors.
In summary, CTS owners should be proud. Your CTS will leave a lasting impression. Shoot, even my friends and family miss the car. It was a big, beautiful, and fun ride. I really wanted a new CTS, but the prospects of lower lease payments and gas bills quickly put those temptations to rest. I continue to lurk on the forums because after all, I will get into a Caddy again.
