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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  Most reliable car with great mpg - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By brianarm - October 11 - 6:44 pm

  I bought my altima new for under 20K. I now have 50K miles on it and have had only 1 issue. The bolt holding the alternator broke, the fix cost me $75 because the threads were stripped. I am still on my original tires though I do need to replace the fronts now. I calculate actual gas mileage myself and average 28 mpg in mainly city driving. So I go about 560 miles between fill ups (sweet). Car is plenty quick enough and was a lot faster than accord or camry (which I test drove). CVT is smooth and zero probs. Im also 61 and have no problem with headroom or entry exit of vehicle. Theres a reason this car is such a great seller, its an auto mechanics enemy.....

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  Safety Proven - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By karan - October 11 - 7:20 am

  I hit a deer two nights ago going 65 MPH. I did not see the deer until I actually hit it. The hood did fly up over the windshield as I hit the deer dead center of the front of the car. Car is probably totaled since its three years old but I wasnt hurt and the car didnt crumple. I was able to maintain my lane (skid marks are perfectly straight) and drive to the next driveway to call the authorities. I will buy another one.

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  2015 Altima 2.5 S - squeaky brakes - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Mary C - October 10 - 9:18 am

  4/27/16 update - Went to Nissan dealer in Gardena, CA this morning and spoke directly to the mechanic. Now he knows about brakes. They were nice enough to put my car up on the rack and take the back brakes off. Usually this is where most of the noise is coming from. I had my husband with me of course to really understand all this. My husband tape recorded the squeaky brake noise. Mechanic explained to me that everything looks good. Now regarding the squeaking noise when the car is cold, he said around 2013-14 Nissan was using brakes that had asbestos material in it. Per Federal regulations, Nissan stopped using this and switched it with copper material brakes. Lots of people are complaining about the squeaky brakes. They can lubricate the situation but it is only temporary. Unless you get squeaky brake noise on the street and everytime you brake, then this is another issue. My issue is only squeaky brake noise when the car is cold. I dont know if any other new cars 2015 on are having the same squeaky brake problem? Before I seriously think of trading my car in for a Camry, I might try later on to switch out the brakes with another better quality brand (not Nissan) and see how I like these. Dealer will only use Nissan brand. Purchased my 1st new 2015 Altima and after 10 months when brakes are cold they squeal loudly where ever you are. It is so loud everyone turns their head to see what car is making all that noise. Both in reverse and going forward. It sounds like you need new brakes but the car is only 10 months old. I had it checked by mechanic and they said they have received lots of complaints of squeaky brakes. Had the dirt blown out of them. Noise stopped for a few weeks but continues a year later. I was told some people have changed out their brakes but loud squeal noise continues. I am going to take it to a couple more places and get their opinion. If this noise does not stop, i may trade it in for a Toyota Camry. Very disappointed.

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  Super Commuter - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Jun in Redwood City - October 9 - 5:50 pm

  Bought my Altima last Christmas 06. Walked in, picked the color, test drove it, then bought it. The car did not disappoint me. Except for the problem of the brake caliper piston on the driver side leaking causing the brakes to squeal/squeak after only 7500 miles. My mechanic who maintains my Pathfinder caught it right away, but the service dept. of the dealer where I bought it gave me a whole lot of bs. I took it to the dealer I got my Pathfinder, they found and concur about the problem, ordered the part and replaced it free since it was under warranty. The car is a sweet drive. Handled the Grapevine in SoCal with ease, mpg is great and Im doing mods to it.

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  Fits me - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By djohn - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I tried all of the competing makes, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and etc. The bottom line is Im 63" and the Nissan was the only car that I fit into. The car during the test drives stood neck n neck with all of the others. The interior was not the best of the lot but very functional. I bought the car and have nothing but kudos from everyone who has seen it. I travel 66 miles per day for work and I am averaging 28 to 29 mpg with less than 1000 miles on the odometer.

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  mine - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By David Briceno - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best, it has good handles on the turns and the design of the inside and outsies is the best.

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  love it - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By doumat - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Only had the car for a short while, but love the design. Would I buy another....you bet!

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  Altima Review - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Kim - October 8 - 8:26 pm

  I bought a 2008 Nissan Altima, trusting into Nissan. Instead I got something unbelievable. It had nothing but problems. The tires wore out after 5,000 miles and I asked the dealer and he said the Altima comes stock with cheap tires and are expected to wear out soon. Also the paint chips off as if it were cheaply done, and the interior seats rip. I would recommend the Camry over this car any time.

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  Out of A Lincoln TC and into a fun car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By HLH - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 95 Linc Town Car for my 2.5 S with AT. It was the beautiful design that seduced me. I kept the price down by not getting leather or a sunroof (never used it in my Town Car). I like the interior design but am having a brushed aluminum interior trim kit put in to make the interior look really hi-tech. It goes on in the same places as the wood trim. It looks great with the gray interior. I may put leather in later. I enjoy the response & handling. Great job, Nissan! Only problem I have is some kind of cord or wire harness hits against the back side of the glove box every time I take off, stop, speed up or slow down. I hope they dont have to pull the dash.

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  Chucks praise - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By perrydawg - October 8 - 2:00 am

  My wife got rid of her 2000 Toyota Camry just one year after purchasing it because she had seen the new Nissan Altima. Although, I think that I drive it more than she does and Im more of an SUV person. I am really glad that I pushed her to test drive this vehicle especially the 3.5 V6 model. Its taking a little while to get used to all of the looks from everyone on the highways and at restaurants. I cant wait to see what Nissan does to top this vehicle or can they?