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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  Almost Got it Nissan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By obryan - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I really had my heart set on getting this car after seeing it on the road. The exterior design is amazing. The car is very fun to drive, BUT, and this is one big but, what was Nissan thinking when they designed the interior. My friends ford escort has a higher quality interior. The first car I got in at the dealer couldnt be started. The next one had broken door locks. The one I finally drove seemed ok until the arm rest cut my hand and the trunk release was broken. Given all these problems,Im getting a Camry. It isnt as fun to drive, but it is high quality.

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  Absolutely Love This Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Roz - April 6 - 12:43 am

  I bought this car in Dec. 2000, still going strong with 145,000 miles on it now. The hubcaps did rattle often so replaced them with rims when purchasing new tires in 04. Only other problem was intake manifold gasket but hey was only a 300.00 repair about five years ago so not complaining at all. Overall, great experience, regular oil changes every 7,500 mi (used to change every 3,000 but driving habits changed). Just trying to see how long shell last now. Ive never kept a car this long but it has been a joy to own.

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  Follow up from May 06 - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By new_to_nissan - April 5 - 4:40 pm

  Here is the followup... Overall perfomance seems to be, if not better, at least equal to Honda Accord. Engine noise: In the last 5 months I did not notice much noise, during the normal drive on the highway. In the city it is quieter than Accord. Ride: Smoother then Accord in the city and highway. Aerodynamic body desing helps in controlled ride at high speeds, I drove up to 80+ mph with no issues. Steering is soft as Accord 2000, not like Accord 2005 - personally no issues there. Fuel Economy: Not better than Accord, personally - no issues there. Altima 06 Engine Recall: Checking Engine oil - no issues yet. Please check VIN with the dealer to make sure that it not included in Recall

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  Super car one complaint - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By robert reinke - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Great room inside and trunk. great design.

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  nissan - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By fthomas23 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  was surprised by how much room their was inside this vehicle, the trunk was average sized.

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By duphud - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 4 Nissans in the last 13 years. They are well built, easy to drive, comfortable, and give you a little bit of luxury with out the big price on any model you try. Test drive one and you will feel and see the difference.

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  Altima excellence - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Tippy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Driving is not one of my favorite things to do, but after buying this car, I cant wait to get behind the wheel. My only complaint is that it is so comfortable to drive it almost puts you to sleep.

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  Great Buy - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mas7UB - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a Pewter color 2.5S and i really like it. The exterior looks very sleak and classy. I got mine with the auto dimming rear-view mirror with temp and compass, incabin microfilter,splash guards, and floor matts. I got it for about 18,400. So far I really like the car. Compared to the Accord, Camry, and Stratus, I think the Nissan Altima was a good choice for me.

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  Awesome car for the money - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Dmitriy - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car a month ago and cant stop enjoying driving it. Considered the accord and camry but altima offers way more for the money (paid 18200). The 4 cilinder offers very lively performance - cruises effortlessly at 85 mph. The design is outstanding. Nissan reliability is awesome(had a 96 altima for 6 years - not a single problem with 95000 miles on the odometer). Yes some plastic detailes have not yet been perfected in the interior but that is expected in the first year with a completely redesigned car. Altima just cant be beat at the price. Test drive one and you will see the difference. Way to go nissan.

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  Awesome car - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By jrallen - April 1 - 3:47 pm

  Wow this car is great. I got the 3.5SR becuase I like a car that has some get up and go. I was suprised at the power of this car. My past 2 cars were a 2000 Audi A6 2.7T and a 2006 BMW 325xi and this thing has them beat. The technology in this car is awesome too. I got all the packages available and they are worth the money. I have had the car for 8 months now and 14,500mi and havent had a problem except for the home link which was fixed fast.