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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  Awesome Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sweet02AltimaSE - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Its about time they made the Altima available in a V6...and what a V6 it is. The engine is smooth, responsive, quiet, and fast. The exterior design is great. Thats probably what attracted me to the car initially. Then, I found out that it had 240 horsepower hiding under its hood...I had to have it. The interior lacks a bit; however, consider the car. The Altimas price range extends from as low as $16K-$30K. For a $16K car, the interior is fine. For a $30K car, which is what mine almost was, the interior is lacking a bit, mostly in the cheap-looking door panels. The interior has some rattles, but Ive learned to deal with it - turn the radio up.

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  Cure For The common Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By 2005T-Rex2.5S - February 5 - 8:23 pm

  The 2005 Nissan Altima is different from the other mid-sized cars. It feels like a sports car. It has a great sound system, and great sounding 2.5 l I-4. The example that I own is a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S with a 4 speed Automatic transmission. It has an base MSRP of 19,500. My example has an MSRP of 23,000. The transmission shifts at just the right moments, however the shifts are very noticable. The interior is all new, and Nissan did a wonderful job with the interior. The plastics are high quality, and the design does not look cheap. The engine has 175 hp, and can make it to 60 mph in an average 7.5 seconds from a standstill. As the sticker on the car says "Cure For the Common Car".

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  Great for the family or having fun. - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By packersfan34 - February 5 - 4:13 am

  Me and my wife did a lot of research on the Altima before our purchase. The one drawback I could see was that people wished they had bought the V-6 instead of the I-4. The first time I test drove my Altima SL I knew it was DEFINITELY the car for me. The leather interior is soft and VERY comfortable. The six disc changer is great and the 8 speaker Bose system really rocks. I have not owned this vehicle very long but with the amount of test drives Ive taken and the many vehicles Ive looked at this the Altima is for sure the best mid-size family sedan for the money.

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  exceeds expectations - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By new to nissan - February 4 - 7:26 pm

  This is my first time owning a Nissan and I had a great experience from the start with the dealership, they had great financing options and discounts that made it possible for me to purchase the Altima. Overall the car is very comfortable, the first weekend I had it, we took it on a 5 hour trip with no problem and the gas milage was great considering the size of the car. It is sporty and roomy, which is what I was looking for. The interior controls seem modern, but not complicated. Overall I feel like I am driving a car that is in a luxury-class

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By ducksquat - February 4 - 10:56 am

  With gas prices soaring and my Jeep Wrangler eeking out a pathetic 14 mpg average, I had to do something about it. At 64", I needed a vehicle that would accommodate my size and be useful for an upcoming baby. I just didnt fit without my head bumping the roof in the new Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata. But, much to my surprise, the Nissan Altima was a winner in terms of "fit." Im very impressed with the power of the 4- cylinder, which felt much like what I had in my old V6 Accord. It rides very smooth, quiet and is refined. Im very glad I bought this vehicle and have absolutely no buyers remorse. It has a great aggressive style to it and wonderful for touring.

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  Best sedan hands down - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By clangille - February 4 - 7:33 am

  This has to be the most powerful & smooth 4 cylinder engine ever built. Not worth the extra for the 6 cylinder, trust me. The drive and handling are comparable to that of a $40k-$50k sedan. Interior is quiet, comfortable and extremely roomy. You get alot of car for the money, with great standard features. Vehicle is sleek and classy yet sporty all at once. Great gas mileage as well. Excellent all around car!

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  Look out Toyota - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Eric Laettner - February 2 - 6:30 am

  I have only had the car a week so the reliability rating is a guess. I have owned two Nissans before both Sentras. One was a GXE and my latest was a Spec V. I never had a problem with either Nissan. The Altima is fun to drive and has more cool features then I know what to do with. Gas mileage is good for its performance (0-60 in 5.9). Also considering the price I think you cant compete with it. I was thinking about a Infiniti G35, but for about $7000 less I got just about as much car (I know they are both technically Nissans). The Camry and Accord are just to plain and not even close to being as "sporty" as the Altima. I would recommend the Altima as a mid- range sedan for the $$.

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  Dangerous in snow and rain - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Manu - February 1 - 9:10 pm

  I own 06 Altima and drove 15000 miles. This vehicle is too dangerous to drive in snow and icy conditions.My car is came with out an ABS. I do not know how much improvement you get with ABS. Car slips crazy even at low levels of snow and icy. I am trying get rid off this car for my safety. In dry conditions the car is ok.

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  Near perfection - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By durrrr - January 29 - 7:56 am

  I really couldnt be much happier with this car. The new transmission is great. The car has tons of HP in the 6 cylinder version. Its roomy and luxurious on the inside. Gas mileage could be a little better. And Nissan did a very stupid thing by bundling all of the available options into 3 very expensive packages. You cant get leather seats without a sunroof. You cant get the upgraded radio unless you get leather seats, etc. Each package is around $2k, but has lots of features most people dont want and are forced to pay for. Its still a great car, very reliable with a nice look on the outside and a great look on the inside.

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  Allsome - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By hv2fdf - January 29 - 7:51 am

  Very nice car ,well built ,looks and rides great Considered a Honda Accord ,but the Altima was a better car . 4 Cylinder motor has plenty of power