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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  Love my Car!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Toya - April 23 - 3:20 pm

  The Nissan Altima is a WONDERFUL car to drive and own. After having a Mazda Milliana which was a HORRIBLE car, the Altima is a charm!!!! Best car I have ever owned

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  2000 Altima - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By fire88283 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  All in all Nissan manufactures vehicles that are made to drive everyday in every situation. The 2000 Altima is a well made car with some designs that could have been made better. The only major complaint that I have with the vehicle is the Air Conditioning. The AC works well but seriously takes power from the engine. Also when I need the power, the engine struggles and cuts out while accelerating because of the AC. Other then that the features on our car is well. On my Altima I added a remote starter system, which required another key (Keys are chipped), and once I had the new key made the system works great.

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  Happy New Honda Owner!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mastercaster - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the 2.5s 5spd. in 11-2002. aside from the several recalls, we had to have the oxygen sensor,camshaft sensor and fuel cap replaced. that was after it left my wife stranded. died 2 times in the middle of driving. had to be towed to the dealer for repair. nissan was not pleasant to deal with at all! wouldnt recommend nissan at all. should have listened to my gut when i bought it, and gone with the HONDA then. just bought a 03 Accord EX 5spd. LOVE it!! there is absolutely no comparison between the two. the accord is like climbing into a lexus after the nissan! really! every single aspect of the honda is better in my eyes, wallet and piece of mind!

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  not comfortable for long distance trips - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Gwen - April 21 - 1:20 am

  I bought an Altima with cloth seats and I just want to note that driving in this vehicle for more than 45 minutes can really make your back and tailbone start hurting. I drive an hour each way to work sometimes more and I just cant wait to get out of the car. For short trips, the cars great! It is a beautiful car, if comfort is what youre looking for, Id look elsewhere.

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  Nissan Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - April 19 - 6:30 pm

  I bought this car back in December of 07 and I have nothing but good things to say about it. I have always been a fan of Nissans, but this car is "the truth". Due to gas prices I opted for the 2.5s but it still packs plenty of power. The power steering is extremely smooth and the ride is quiet. My friends with Accords and Camrys immediately fall in love after driving the Altima.

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  2003 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By RG - April 19 - 2:40 pm

  It has all the bells and whistles- ABS,6 in dash CD changer, moon roof, etc. This is the 3rd Nissan we own. After only owning the car for about 6 months, the car would not start because of vapor lock because it was cold outside. The climate/heat system keeps the front window foggy if the A/C is not on. The front defroster takes a too long to work. If you are stopped at a light and you have the heat on, the air starts blowing cold until you start moving again. The moon roof only has one button to open/close it and it is very cumbersome to close it. When Ive had problems with the car and brought it in for service the dealership can never replicate the problem and is generally unhelpful.

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  So Far So Great! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By grampa - April 18 - 6:36 pm

  Have only had the car about a week (100 or so miles) but loving it so far. Excellent acceleration, braking, and handling; beautiful exterior and interior design. Will update review as necessary.

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  Beautiful but with one major flaw - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By acoustic58 - April 18 - 1:44 pm

  Bought the new 2013 Altima SL. Beautiful inside and out but with one major flaw. The noise level inside the cabin on the 4 cylinder during acceleration is beyond what a new car should be. Nissan promotes this car as quiet which is a long way from reality. I had this car back to the dealer a few times and Nissan also sent out a National Rep. and after replacing a couple parts, on a brand new car, I was told that the noise I am hearing is normal. Its amazing that when the engine drone on acceleration is so loud that I have to turn up the radio to not hear it is considered normal. Its really a shame that Nissan overlooked this problem because its a beautiful car.

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  Very nice ride - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By thacrusha - April 18 - 11:20 am

  I traded a Forester XT for this Altima and the difference is night and day, which may speak about the poor quality of the Subaru. This car came equipped with the Premium and Sport Packages. At 500 miles so far no complaints about power or ride. Mileage has ranged from 19.5 (virtually all city) to 28 (One hiway trip avg).

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  Love my Alti - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Jared Rella - April 18 - 5:15 am

  My older sister got a newer car and gave me her 2001 Altima GXE for my first car. Ive had it for about 3 months and I love it. It currently has a bit over 165k miles on it. Exterior wise its bland and blends in very easily with traffic but it doesnt look bad. The 155 horses seem to work hard and get the job done. If I push the pedal down on the highway it picks up and has quite a bit of pep in its step. My gas mileage isnt great I get about 14-18 mpg city, but I think I have a leak. It has a brake light out, a broken seal on the front axle, and a valve cover leak but I think the valve cover problem was from my sister abusing the car. So far Im perfectly happy and impressed with it!