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:

• 

  My new Altima Rocks!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Tropo - April 17 - 11:00 pm

  I did my homework looking for a manual gear sport midsize sedan that is loaded. After looking and driving everything in the $25K to $35K range, I was set on the Altima SE. It is everything that I wanted and then some. The car is everything it is set to do and then some!!

• 

  Autoway/Clearwater Altima Purchase - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By AW102 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after buying my Altima, I drove it several hundred miles on vacation. It drove well, was very comfortable, and got great gas mileage right away. After 4 months, I am very satisfied with my Altima, however, I would not return to Autoway Nissan/Clearwater because of poor treatment by the sales manager there.My salesperson was great, but the sales manager was the typical "slick car salesman" who was quite disrespectful once the negotiations began. Autoway Nissan got the sale by default. Too bad because Nissan makes a quality product.

• 

  Best of my Nissans - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Great Car - April 15 - 12:43 am

  I have owned several Nissans most of them being various models of the Z car. I find this car to drive and handle better than all of them. I fell in love with this car the first time that I saw it and purchased the same day eventually driving it from Arizona to Texas. It really performed well and was very comfortable in driving cross country.

• 

  What A Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Roger - April 13 - 6:53 am

  Once I have purchased a new vehicle, I have never taken a ride just to enjoy the car. Once I bought this car, I found myself taking a ride just for the sheer enjoyment! I purchased the SE 3.5 with the premium package. I have only owned this car for a week; however, this is (by far) the best car I have ever owned.

• 

  Smart Alternative for many Highline Cars - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By I KNOW CARS - April 12 - 5:53 am

  The Altimas delicate feel and tight suspension makes for a sporty comfortable ride. There is no doubt in my mind Nissan makes the best performing engines. For the amount of money you spend, I would put the Altima against anything in its price range. You can tell that Nissan spends more money on research and development than any other car manufacturer. I put twenty thousand miles in the first year and my Altima still looks and performs as good as the first day I had it. Ive had no rattles, no nickel and dime problems like Ive seen in other cars and at sixty five miles an hour with nitrogen filled tires I feel like Im flying in air.

• 

  DONT BE FOOLED WITH THIS LEMON MODEL - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sara - April 12 - 3:00 am

  I purchased this car 5 years ago, paid top dollar for the one year old car. It had all the options on it I was looking for as well as lots of room. This car has had several recalls, all of which have been repaired. However 2 years ago MAJOR probs started when my heat went out. Nissan had NO idea how to fix it. Then just this month my catalytic converted exploded, I replaced and a week later with more probs told it was TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. At 130,000 highly maintained miles this should not be expected from a Nissan. But the Nissan reps I have spoken to, have said it was old and not surprising. I expected more out of a $24,000 car. I have driven Hondas much more. Will never buy another Nissan.

• 

  less impressed all the time - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By olddad - April 10 - 6:43 am

  I purchased my 2009 Altima 2.5 S in March. I previously was driving a 1998 Honda Accord. I have only driven about 1200 miles in this car so far. Fuel economy around town is about the same as my accord. I like driving this car around town. I dont think it compares to the Accord on the highway. The Accord drove itself, this car, I have to steer too much. I dont care for the way the Altima handles on the open road.

• 

  Im a happy owner - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By soklorsee - April 10 - 2:00 am

  During the first year , there were lots of strange noises coming from dash and engine. I took it back to dealer and they fixed them all under warranty. Now the car drives very well and its actually fun to drive. Very smooth and adequate power. I will definitely get another nissan. The only thing about this car is the suspension is little too stiff. Would be a perfect car if equiped with a softer suspension.

• 

  wow!!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By someone5544488 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  its amazing and very affordable! i want everyone to get one!! you will love it, im not joking

• 

  Reliable Family Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By compwiz - April 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is very reliable, I have over 104,000 mile on her and shes still running STRONG!!! Only complaint is that when you open the glovebox everything falls out!