Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Altima has been sold for nearly two decades, starting out as a smallish midsize sedan and maturing into the full-fledged family sedan it is today. There have been five Altima generations thus far, with the third generation marking the key shift to mainstream dimensions and specifications. Nissan likes to emphasize the Altima's fun-to-drive character, a trait we've come to appreciate in road tests over the years. Significant evolutions in features, finesse and frugality have made the Altima a perennial top pick in this popular segment.

Current Nissan Altima
The Altima is available with one of two engines. The standard 2.5-liter, 182-horsepower four-cylinder returns an impressive 31 mpg combined, while the 3.5-liter, 270-hp V6 achieves a respectable 25 mpg combined. Both are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

There are seven trim levels to choose from, designated as either 2.5 or 3.5 depending on which engine's under the hood. The base 2.5 model gets you steel wheels along with nice perks like keyless ignition/entry and Bluetooth streaming audio, while the 2.5 S adds a power driver seat and an upgraded stereo. The 2.5 SV includes alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control and a touchscreen interface. The fancy 2.5 SL boasts leather upholstery and Bose audio.

Note that the 3.5 S gets many of the 2.5 SV's features plus larger alloy wheels, and the 3.5 SL tacks on xenon headlights. All SV and SL models are eligible for a Technology package that includes a bigger touchscreen, a navigation system, voice controls and a collection of electronic safety features like blind-spot monitoring.

In reviews, we've been very impressed with the Nissan Altima. Most of its competitors are certainly worth a look, but this Nissan has all the makings of a benchmark. It does all the little things right, and goes the extra mile with its rewarding driving dynamics and high-end cabin. Passenger space is also quite good, though some may find backseat headroom a bit lacking.

If you're having a hard time choosing between the four-cylinder and the V6, consider that the four offers a rare combination of excellent fuel economy and relatively swift acceleration. In Edmunds testing, a four-cylinder Altima accelerated to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is pretty impressive given its high fuel economy. Of course, we clocked the burly V6 at just 6.2 seconds, so if power's a priority, the 3.5 model range is a nice option to have.

Used Nissan Altima Models
The current, fifth-generation Nissan Altima debuted for the 2013 model year. The latest Altima benefits from overhauled styling inside and out, with a focus on a more upscale look and feel. Fuel economy is markedly better for both four-cylinder and V6 models, while updated suspension and steering systems maintain the Altima's reputation as one of the market's best-handling family sedans. For that debut year only, the previous-generation Altima coupe continued to be sold alongside the redesigned sedan. The coupe was subsequently discontinued.

The previous, fourth-generation Nissan Altima sedan was produced from 2007 through 2012 and marked the arrival of the now-ubiquitous CVT. It is in many ways similar to its successor, so a used one could be a good budget-friendly alternative. A coupe version debuted in 2008 and was produced in modest numbers through 2013. A limited-production Altima Hybrid was also available in some states from 2007 through 2011.

The fourth-generation Altima went without major changes for most of its run, though used car shoppers should note that there were some styling tweaks for 2010, along with the addition of an iPod interface and enhanced audio and navigation systems. Both the sedan and coupe were broken into 2.5 and 3.5 model ranges. The 2.5 models had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produced 175 hp. The 3.5 SR (originally called SE) models had a 3.5-liter V6 that produced 270 hp. Though these powertrains are similar to those of the fifth-generation Altima, they were considerably less fuel-efficient. A CVT was mandatory on the sedan, while the coupe got a standard six-speed manual transmission with the CVT as an option.

We mostly praised the power and handling of both the four-cylinder and V6 Altima models in our reviews. The 3.5 models were more sporting, of course, thanks to their effortless acceleration and sport-tuned suspensions. But even the most basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder was one of the more rewarding family sedans to drive, while still providing a comfortable ride. The CVT was one of the best examples of its breed, and we would choose it over the coupe's six-speed manual, which was unrefined and difficult to use.

The third-generation Nissan Altima, produced from 2002-'06, set the stage for the Altima we know today. Radically different from the previous car, this enlarged model put Nissan smack dab in the middle of the family-sedan wars. It was about 6 inches longer than the previous generation, and its new suspension design and stronger body made it both better to drive and more useful for families. At the time, it was one of the most powerful family sedans available, offering either a 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a 240-hp 3.5-liter V6, the latter a shot over the bows of the weaker Camry and Accord V6 models. Both engines offered a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, with four-cylinder Altimas limited to a four-speed automatic versus the V6's available five-speed auto.

The third-generation interior was widely criticized for looking and feeling cheap, but the Altima had a particularly lively feel for a front-wheel-drive family sedan. Our editors concluded that the Altima had gone from wallflower to genuinely desirable sedan overnight. For driving enthusiasts, the 2005-'06 Altima SE-R was the way to go. This specialized model came with a firmer suspension, a bit more power and an exclusive six-speed manual transmission whose slick operation was a cut above Nissan's unimpressive norm.

The first and second generations saw the Altima trying to find its groove. All models of this vintage were powered by a reasonably peppy 150-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Introduced in 1993, the original Altima fell somewhere in between the compact and midsize categories, and American car shoppers weren't overly impressed. We found the second-generation Altima, sold for the 1998-2001 model years, to be a decent handler, but its overall design was simply too bland, and its odd size remained an issue. Mainstream success would have to wait for the blockbuster third-generation model.

User Reviews:

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  Looks good - but check under the hood... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brad Hogan - May 6 - 7:40 am

  Ive had several mechanical issues that just seem to linger - like a bad cold... Ive replaced both sensors - they keep going out. Its December and its 30 degrees outside and the heater doesnt work - at all. They say it has to do with a wire that has broken from ANOTHER sensor. Also, the car will just shut off - usually when Im going slower. But the car will usually start right up - thats always fun when youre coming to a stop light and the car just quits and you have to put your foot through the floorboard to stop the car. To Nissans defense, they have recalled for that very issue - well see if it gets fixed or not. I doubt theyll reimburse me for the other repairs

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  Proud Owner of the 3.5 SE - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Chris_Pinedo - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Very fun and easy to drive. Shifts flawlessly when going easy, and quick when you want it. Very comfortable.

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  Solid like a rock - 214K miles! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - May 4 - 9:40 pm

  I just hit 214 thousand miles on my 2001 Nissan Altima GXE Limited Edition. I purchased the car as a certified used vehicle with around 35 thousand miles. The only major problem I had was the fried intake manifold gasket at about 60K miles which was replaced under warranty. Transmission still shifts smoothly, you can hardly hear the engine run. I believe in religious maintenance and synthetic fluids - commuting daily from Pennsylvania to North Jersey, sitting in traffic jams on I-80 and trying to avoid the potholes are but everyday occurrences for my Altima. Whats original on the car? Every single thing including the engine, transmission, battery and suspension. Not a single problem!

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  great car! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By ionut - May 3 - 6:23 pm

  We bought this car in 2003, as a graduate student. Best $3,750 spent! Didnt like the exterior in particular, but once I got inside, I fell in love with it. Strong engine, not so great transmission. When I bought it, one of my colleagues told me: "Altima, you will get tired of it, it will never break!". He was right. In six years we replaced the tires, front breaks and the radiator. VERY cheap to replace. No rattles! OK, its noisy inside, the ride is not what it used to be when I bought it six years ago, but what can you expect from a 12 year old car? It is a Limited Edition, it has everything my Accord07 has (another great car)!!! Just love it! I would buy it again in a heartbeat!

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  This is a great car! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By M&M - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Nissan. I absolutely love my Altima! It is incredibly spacious and comfortable and fun to drive. Im still only in my first year of ownership, so I cant speak to any long-term problems, but so far, everything works great. The ride is very quiet, allowing me to enjoy the vehicles great sound system. The overall exterior of the car is also quite beautiful.

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  The Family Sports Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ABear - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this car this week, but was very impressed with the exterior styling, engine, interior layout, and competitive price. Steering and handling is exceptional, and up to this point, havent found any shortcomings with the vehicle anywhere. Nissans financing program on the Altima is exceptional at the present time. Hope reliability is as good as my 1983 Datsun Pickup (I still drive and use) that has over 300,000 miles on it. So far, a Great Car.

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  Another great Altima! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Big Ben - April 30 - 7:46 am

  This is my 3rd Nissan Altima 3.5SE and I have loved each of them. My other 2 were both 2002 models with the 5 speed manual. This one is the CVT and doesnt have the same throttle "GO" feeling although it packs 30 more HP. The interior is a HUGE upgrade and is more refined. I LOVE the bluetooth feature and the heated leather seats. The BOSE stereo is better than the previous models. This sedan is still a sports sedan, but doesnt look at good and isnt as fun the drive as the 5 speed models. Overall I love this car!

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  Good starter car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By AltimaMan - April 29 - 6:16 pm

  Ive owned this car for almost 2 years and have made some minor upgrades to it. Overall it is a good car, wish it had a little more power in the low end. Very stylish looking, great stereo system, and a smooth ride.

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  Love my car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By NIUplan - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car: I get comments from people 18 through 60(the color is Mystic Emerald, more a mineral green, distinctive and gorgeous). 26.5 miles to the gallon on regular gas (averaging 29-35 miles an hour); a full tank carries me 500 miles. Comfort is amazing, because of the adjustability of the seats and steering wheel. Handling is sound,not edgy; acceleration is brisk. Cruise control and stereo controls are all on the wheel so I never look away from the road. The hubster drives a V6 with 240 HP and my car accelerates faster, as the salesman said it would.

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  Radiator Broken - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Slan100 - April 25 - 12:36 am

  5 months after my warranty expired, the radiator broke down from the top (anyone has had the same problems?) The dealer charged $760 for replacing it. My Honda Accord has been there for 6 years and 3 months, not a single serious problem. It makes me nervous. Very disappointed. First time trying a Nissan and last time.