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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  New Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mannyace - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for your money. Usual Nissan dependability. Better looking that the more expensive Maxima. The 4 cylinder more than sufficient for city driving and saving gas with almost the matching power of a V-6

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  Safe in an Accident!!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By hyjean888 - March 24 - 2:40 am

  Three days after purchasing this car, I was involved in an accident in which I did multiple 360s on an interstate going 80 mph and ended up spinning into and out of a 4 foot ditch twice, completely smashing in both the front end and the rear end. I was wearing my seatbelt, however my dog (in the passenger seat) was not (and did not have benefit of an airbag like I did)! My dog and I both walked out of the car with VERY minor bumps and bruises (mostly from the seatbelt and airbag). Im so upset that I lost my Altima but I am definitely buying another one as soon as I can. This car saved my life (and my dogs life). The paramedics couldnt believe I survived and neither could I. Thanks Nissan!

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  1st time Nissan Owner - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Campcandle - March 23 - 10:06 pm

  After test driving the Mazda, Accord and Camry; a friend suggested we test drive the Maxima. We did not as not in our price range but drove the Altima instead and purchased the same evening. We were impressed with the sporty drive without the sporty price. The displays are easy on the eyes and controls easy to use. Love the intelligent key and the roomy interior was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommend anyone to take for a test drive.

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  2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Tbag81 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Nissan really did a great job redesigning this model. I love the new look of it and overall I love the car. This car has many options that a 40k sport luxury car would have. Even though the 175hp 4-banger is quick. If I had the chance to do it all over....go with the 240 V6. Worth the money!

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  Good Car provided service is not needed - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dballeri - March 19 - 8:06 pm

  Ive had this car for 18 months and put 17330 miles on it and I like it. It gets 25 mpg in mixed driving and over 30 on hwy! I had a lot of problems with wheel shimmy/vibration from the time I drove it off the lot and let me tell you, Ive been to five dealer to get it fixed with most of them acting like I was the problem. I replaced the HORRID continentals with Michelins at 1000 miles. It should be a great car for you as long as you dont need service since it seems a lot of others report the same customer service issues with Nissan dealers. Mine is actually for sale since Im going back to school full time.

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  Great Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Jay Tharpe - March 15 - 2:00 am

  My car has over 100,000 miles on it and I havent had to replace anything except for a driveshaft that just recently messed up! Great car starts-up everyday and drive.

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  Altima 3.5 SE - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Carr Man - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the price. Has most of the features found on more expensive cars and they work well. Gas mileage is very good 19/29.

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  2.5SL is a great Maxima Replacement - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - March 13 - 4:33 pm

  After 9 years in my 97 Maxima GLE, I thought I wanted an Acura TL or TSX, but the premium fuel requirement and stiff ride put me off. My dealer had a 2 yr. old red 2.5SL with blonde interior and I was sold. So far I really like it - lots of nice features - dual climate control, rear A/C vent, compass/autodimming/Homelink rear view mirror, manual shift mode, steering wheel audio controls. The on-center feel/highway tracking doesnt seem to be as good as the Maxima, but it drives very well. I miss the quality of the Bose stereo and the lateral support in the drivers seat during corners. Mileage is quite good so far and it pulls very strongly. Quite a chg from my wifes 2001 Altima GXE!!

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  Amazing - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Arshad - March 13 - 7:56 am

  I test drove the Camry and I was set on buying it until I test drove the Altima and WOW!!! The power, space and features available definitely make it worth the price. I bought the convenience plus package w/ ABS

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  Nissan Altima 2013 3.5 SL - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By brandenmh - March 12 - 5:08 am

  The car shudders at 1500 to 1800 rpms ...had transmission replaced and still shudders...feels like it will stall...very dangerous. ..needs attention ASAP..cant stop driving the car....dealer sends you on way like its ok...