# Which Nissan Model Gets the Axe Next?
The Nissan Altima's end is near, and automotive enthusiasts are already debating which unloved nameplate deserves to follow it into retirement.
Jalopnik's premise taps into a real tension in the market. The Altima, once a midsize sedan staple, has become a punchline. It trades in an aging platform, lacks the refinement of competitors like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and faces shrinking sedan demand as buyers migrate to crossovers. Nissan's decision to phase it out reflects broader industry consolidation, not just design failure.
But what car next? The contenders are obvious. The Nissan Versa carries the dubious distinction of being one of America's cheapest cars, a race-to-the-bottom approach that attracts buyers with no other options rather than genuine interest. The Chevrolet Spark plays a similar game in the city car segment. Dodge's aging lineup, including the Journey SUV, represents product planning failures spanning more than a decade.
Then there's the category problem. Sedans are dying across the board. Chrysler killed the 300 and Pacifica sedan. Ford ditched everything except Mustang and Focus. Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte hang on but with declining sales. Honda Civic survives because Honda invests in it relentlessly.
The real question isn't which car is worst. It's which nameplate became a liability faster than Nissan could reboot it. The Altima failed because Nissan invested too little, too late. The company offered recycled platforms, forgettable design, and diminished reliability perceptions.
For enthusiasts, the Altima's demise represents natural selection in the market. Buyers