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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  Is that the NEW ALTIMA? - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By on the go - January 12 - 10:00 am

  We have owned our car for only one week and my husband and I totally LOOOOOVE this car. This is the first car we have owned that we actually fight over driving. We took it on our first long- distance trip in the pouring rain and it handled beautifully. We get head turns wherever we go.

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  pedal to the metal biatch! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By doop - January 12 - 2:00 am

  fast, comfortable, reliable

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  solid and practical car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By alr1ck - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Im a first time car buyer and after some research (thanks edmunds!) I purchased the 98 nissan altima used with only 27K miles. Its been 7 months and so far no unexpected problems. the car is solid handeling, very fuel efficient, and overall fun to drive. for a car that was used, many of my friends thought it was brand new (it runs that good).

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  Altima1/04 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By SteveA - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Good pick-up on Freeway & excellent passing power. Large trunk & very roomy.

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  ok car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By john - January 6 - 12:00 pm

  i got this car for my wife for Christmas 2003 car did us right for aprox 3 years brought back to dealer for 3 recalls dealer insisted we need a service when dropping off the car we were not getting suckered for those ridiculous prices we maintain this car like a baby oil change every 3k all the time. after getting car back from dealer for recalls we had numerous problems sevice light would always go on car ran very rough when idling had to get it towed back to dealer 2 months later this went on for a year and a half costing $300 each time sensor sensor sensor every dam sensor seamed to be changed now running ok but the gas mileage stinks 18-22 mpg my wife loves her car i dont too big for 4c

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  More Fun for the Buck - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Silver Shadow - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Fast and fun to drive. Plenty of room inside and in the trunk. Lots of creature features. Just a joy to drive

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  This is the first car I have ever loved! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Susan M. - January 6 - 8:56 am

  This is the first car I have ever loved and Ive had quite a few - VWs, Oldsmobiles, family Cadillacs, a Fire Bird and a BMW. The were all just modes of transportation before I got my Altima 3.5. This car is so powerful, instantly responsive, comfortable and fun to drive. Even after having it for over a year now I still look forward to driving it, ever time I get in it. I used to hate driving long distances (two or more hours) but now I look forward to it.

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  Safety, Appeal & Quality my Money - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Lauren Haarmans - January 6 - 3:36 am

  My experience with the Nissan Altima has been nothing but excellent! It handles extremely smoothly and the comfort of the entire vehicle is at your fingertips basically. If the Driver is a safe and responsible person in which appreciates cars that are reliable and I have to add, attactive, then the Nissan Altima is number 1 in my book. Highway driving is a treat with the stereo system, I find no reason for road rage in this vehicle. The Altima outdoes the past vehicles with many safety bags, much room and little effort to take your eyes off the road. The Nissan Altima 3.5 has so many features, many compartments and much room, its truly a gem to unlock and find a reason to drive.

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  Owned 3 years, treated me well! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Matt Sargent - January 6 - 12:40 am

  I purchased my Altima certified pre-owned and drove it for 3 years. This little car was VERY good to me, couldnt have asked for a better vehicle. I will say the engine was a little loud especially on the highway, or when you were pushing it to get to speed. Outside of the occasional noise though I had absolutely zero problems.... the only thing I ever had to put into the car was oil changes, tires, and brakes. If you are looking for reliable transportation this is it. Also just to note, the trunk space is HUGE, I have hauled soooo many things in this vehicle and each time to my shock and dismay they always fit. I would definetly recommend this vehicle, after owning this I am a Nissan fan for life, in fact I just bought a brand new one.

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  First Foreign Make and I Love It - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Bill - January 5 - 1:20 pm

  Went from a series of 6 cyl automatics (Grand Am, Skylark sport) to this Altima with a 4, and it goes just as good, feels just as solid and is easier to get in and out of. Nice styling without being overdone. Might have gone for the 6 cyl if I wanted to spend more. I test drove the 6 and it flies, almost too much power. Make sure you know how to drive if you get a 6... but the 4 has been just fine for safety passing, highway merge and the like. No regrets except for the pride factor, as engine size is displayed on all vehicles. Might still get one someday and cede the 4 to the wife :)