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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  happy to shutt my sister - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ramirez - February 11 - 6:43 pm

  got my nissan 3 years a go same time my sis.(lincoln) happy with the little car no major repairs amaze how much after market parts to upgrade the car are available my sis was =( after lots repair on the first year of her luxury car,even for a 4 cylinder car is enough for city and travel (arkansas to florida) not much tech. for the year but my phone does everything this days well done paying the car thinking trading for a xterra so review please the quality before you buying just bcse is v8 and has airshocks doesnt meant is better .. thanks

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  Worst Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Otis Lee Singleton - February 11 - 6:40 am

  The only good experience with this car is when I first bought It. The Keys Deactivated with no one at Nissan able to tell me why but charged to reset them. The exhaust manifold cracked and had to be replaced which they did but not before engine developed a valve noise that they would not help. The driverside window motor went out. The sunroof opens and closes on its own. The interior is cheaply built, the visors and cup holders have broken or screws are falling out. Exhaust donut gasket went out. With all these problems along with a couple factory recalls led me to never to want another Nissan because even contacting Corporate they would not help.

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  It has 200,000km and lady-driven (which also means lady-maintained...lol). - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By avroarrow - February 10 - 3:22 am

  Bought this car from a family member for $1000 so the price was right but it did need a lot of TLC. Things that Ive replaced so far: CAT at manifold, knock sensor, MAF sensor, 02 sensor, rad, complete rear brakes. Other problems: Leaking A/C system (hopefully Ive fixed that) wiring defect in the spoiler light (Ill fix that soon). The oil filter is impossible to change without putting the car on a hoist, over a pit or on jack stands/ramps. The PCV valve is hidden under the intake manifold and will require hours to change. The shifter light also needs replacing. If I wasnt a DIYer, Id be broke, but I am a DIYer and now that Ive done these repairs, it will go another 200,000km for sure.

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  My Third Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Steve-A-Reno - February 9 - 6:53 am

  This car is easy to get in and out of. Very roomy. Performance and handling are best in class. 5 speed auto very smooth. Ride is nice but a little bumpy on rough roads. Lots of features for the money. This is a practical family sedan that will also satify a persons craving for performance. Long trips with winding curves with this car is great!

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  Looks Good & Feels Good Too!!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Moquarius - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 04 Altima since New Years day and I L-O-V-E my baby. Although its only a 4 cylinder, you would never be able to tell because it drives beautifully. It looks so damn sexy when I wash it (sunsoma sunset)! I wish I could bring it in the house with me.

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  Seafoam Green Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 2004SpecV - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that after owning this car for about 2.5 years that I have not been more pleased with any in my past. I have the 2.5S automatic with the sport pack. The windows have a half chrome tint and I added a spoiler. The Nismo Cold air intake really wakes up the motor and increases the fuel mileage. (35mpg highway). I just hit 25K miles and have not had any problems. Some complain about starting problem but Synthetic oil seems to make that issue go away. I also have a 2004 Sentra SE- R Spec V with the same engine that gets about 38 mpg highway and about 28 city.

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  zooming - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By attykim - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I love the body style over the other cars in its class. I would definitely recommend the Bose radio instead of the standard radio. I checked out the leather and its really not all that, so I got the fabric seats instead...so far so good with the car. I do wish that i bought the V6 instead, although the mileage is much better on the 4cyl.

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  This aint so bad... - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Larry - February 8 - 9:26 am

  After reading a few reviews, I dont understand many of the complaints--this car is not so bad. Weve had it for two months now, and it is a fun, stylish, well-performing car with lots of room. And we also have a C5 vette and a Mustang GT to compare to. Handling and acceleration are very good, and noise level is better than the BMW 735 we had. Unfortunately the in-town gas mileage is about as bad as the GT, ~17 mpg--the vette gets 19-20! And the GT suspension is much less comfortable than the Altima. In comparison buying, it was impossible to get a Honda in the colors and options we wanted, Toyota doesnt have a V6+MT, and the others were too $$. Plus we got $2500 off MSRP.

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  awful - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By julie glazer - February 8 - 4:25 am

  worst car I have ever owned. Garbage! Extremely loud cabin and cvt. Handles poorly in the rain and is very uncomfortable to get in and out of especially for older people. Overall, garbage. The moonroof leaked the first time I drove thru the car wash and their solution was to hand wash. Never but Nissan, total garbage!

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  love IT! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By kem - February 8 - 12:50 am

  I have owned my 2005 Nissan for 2 years now. I absolutely love it. The gas mileage is great. I have not had any problems with the vehicle. I have not need anything done to the car maintenance wise. The car is comfortable and roomy. I get about 20 mpg in the city with frequent stop and go and about 27 mpg on the highway. My husband is able to sit in the back seat comfortable with room to spare he is 64". Overall it is a very roomy car, a great value, very reliable, very comfortable, and great deal for the money.