Nissan Altima Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.37/5 Average
3,673 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1151 through 1160 of 3,673.00
  • Best of both worlds - 2008 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I had no plans to buy this car. I was looking to replace my 1996 300zx tt, which I sold a few years ago. My wife was complaining about having 3 cars to deal with in the driveway. My daily driver is a 2003 altima. I pulled up next to one and it really caught my eye. The next day I went to the dealership and took a test drive. I knew I would be taking it home. Although, not a 300zx tt, it is sporty quick, fits the 5y/o in the back seat and is only one car in the driveway. Drive it and youll buy it!

  • 9 Years and Still Reliable - 2000 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I purchased my Altima new and after more than 9 years, it has been the most reliable vehicle that I have owned. It had over 100,000 miles before it needed a repair that was not a routine maintenance item. It currently has close to 150,000 miles and I plan to get one more year out of it. Nearly everything on the car still works as well as it did when new. Quality is even better than my Toyota Camry which I had for 7 years. I would definitely buy another Nissan.

  • Very Nice - 2007 Nissan Altima
    By -

    A great car overall. Very powerful 3.5L engine. Drives great except in snow its not very good. Lots of wheel spin, etc. Interior is well designed except no passenger power seat for $30k?? Strange. Good gas mileage at 24 in mixed highway/city driving. Push button and door sensors are wonderful... never take your keys out of your pocket. That really spoils you!

  • Kudos to Edmunds - 2013 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Using the pricing information and buying advice on Edmunds.com I purchased a 2013 Altima SV with the convenience package/wheel locks/lojack/floor mats for the crazy low price of $23,967 out the door (included taxes and all fees). True Value Price was $24,251 before taxes, Dealer fees, and DMV fees. If there was a photo option I would post it because I couldnt believe it either. I did have to walk out on one of the dealerships that said they could match the price but they dinked around for an hour offering me less equipped cars...so I left. Dont hesitate to leave...stick to your guns. If I had given in on that they would have back peddled on everything else.

  • 2013 Altima - Not Quite Ready! - 2013 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Among the many continuing problems -heated seats that dont heat unformally;power sterring wine, no fix after 6 months; very hard ride -they suggested I change tires! GPS is ridiculous, Center vents can never be closed- continually run air unless you turn off system. Sensor for cabin temp is on the top of the dashboard - when ever its sunny, even in winter it blows cold a/c air to cool no matter if the cabin is 40 degrees. rearview camera washes out in sunlight. Blind spot system is usless in wet weather - it either sees nothing or falses all of time. Nothing can be adjusted! Interior drivers area is tight - & Im only 5-7". No passenger power seat in a 32K car! The CVT trans slips.

  • WRECKED MY NEW CAR - 2005 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I WAS VERY IMPRESSED MY WIFE AND KIDS JUST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH AN EXPLORER RUNNING A STOP SIGHN HITTING THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR AND TIRE MY DAUGHTER ONLY RECEIVED A SORE HEAD AND SOME BRUISES AS WELL AS MY WIFE AND OTHER DAUGHTER CLOSE TO 10,000 IN DAMAGE WAS DONE BUT NO BROKEN BONES.

  • 2006 Nissan Altima very noisy - 2006 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I bought the 2.5l as I was told it was peppy enough and it is. Gas mileage was main reason and I can get 26 mpg on hway but only 16-18 local. Both way below sticker estimates. Car has too much road noise that is annoying. Also, air conditioning is much too noisy and you cannot leave it in auto climate control due to noise.

  • Love this car!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Ive only had my new Altima for 3 days, but Im in love already! For the money, it is a very smooth, quiet and luxurious ride. I find it very comfortable and fun to drive, and I was pleasantly surprised at the great pickup she has! I had to pass a slow moving truck going uphill this morning, and the car really kicked in! Great power for a 4 cyl. Anyone looking for a sedan should definitely give the Altima a shot.

  • Funnest car ever driven!!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I was going crazy looking for mid-size cars, until I stopped at the Nissan dealer,this car has style,performance and reliability all wrapped up in one package. The price was great, the options that came were what I needed. Honda and Toyota would have charged me $3000 more for the same options I got in the Altima. Very fun to drive, worth every penny if you are looking for a dependable and stylish car set at just the right price.

  • My New Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
    By -

    My Altima color is Sunset, it looks expensive, handles like a sport car and is good on gas. My son is over 6ft.,there is plenty of leg and head room,we can fit five, and it being a four door, we can get in and out very easy.

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