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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  Very Surprised - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By boysen - December 14 - 10:07 am

  I bought my 3.5SR wit 24,000 miles on it and I am very happy with it. I have the fully loaded edition. Drives smooth, very comfortable, the leather is great quality and it has 270 hp so it is a blast to drive. I drove 210 miles and used 1/2 of a tank. I am 6-2 and have wide shoulders but i feel small in the car because it had tons of room up front and in back. My friend is taller than me and has plenty of leg room while sitting behind me. Its a sound car with no rattles or hollow sounds. Well built. I would recommend a altima to anyone.

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  Yep - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By LilPnyRacer - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I Love the quickness of the car. The interior quality is bad but I can get by with it. Also my chairs are charcol cloth so lint gets stuck in them and hard to keep clean. Other than that its a wonderful car.

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  Transmission Nightmare!!!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Tasia matthews - December 12 - 10:04 pm

  After only 70,000 miles my transmission has to be replaced on my 2013 altima. The car begin to shake unexpectedly one day and shut down. Ive never had any mechanical issues with my car since I purchased it at 30,000 miles and Ive always had the recommended maintenance done, so replacing the transmission was a shock! Be prepared to pay over 3K to repair, depending on what dealership fixes it.I would definitely recommend purchasing a extended warranty if you decide to purchase a Nissan . The cvt transmission has the worst reviews Ive ever seen online . Calling corporate is like talking to no-one . They wont do anything !!!!! Im definitely trading my car for a HONDA .

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  2006 SE-R Automatic - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Rob - December 12 - 7:56 pm

  For the money one of the best sports sedans on the road. Linear speed, top- of-the line tires and wheels, and great- looking to boot! Had it for one month and I look forward to driving it every chance I get. Carries 3 kids in comfort in the back and rides beautifully. Does have torque steer but thats normal for a powerful FWD V-6. Make sure to buy the air bag-TCs option for safety. Considered the Acura TL, Maxima, and the Mazdaspeed 6. No regrets about the choice. See below for potential improvements.

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  Well traveled - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By white_devil - December 11 - 9:32 am

  My wife and I bought this car w/ 35k on it in 08. We have driven it w/out...W/OUT problems on numerous road trips. From Ft. Stewart, Ga,(home)cross-country,(round trip), to San Diego, Ca w/ a stop to see family in Shreveport, La for a week. Got to San Deigo to see more family for 2 weeks. While in SD, my wifes friend was getting married in Sacramento. Drove up to see that. Ive made countless trips to Atlanta. (7-8hr round trip) 4 trips to San Antonio,Tx. 5 trips to Shreveport. Jacksonville every other weekend. My wife took her friend to New Hampshire to visit her family. All this travel + daily commutes to college, work, day care, ect. Has 110k today. All of this w/ NO PROBLEMS. None.

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  Our Nissan - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Lucinda Nipper - December 9 - 8:16 pm

  Living in the state of West Virginia, we drive a lot of hills and curves; our new Nissan Altima Coupe makes driving those easy and fun. Curves are made a lot smoother and the car does not lean like my old car use to do. The autostick gives you manual when you need it especially when coming down a mountain, what a brake saver. We love it.

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  2014 Altima S - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Import Jockey - December 8 - 1:19 am

  This is our 2nd Nissan. Our 1st was a CPO Maxima several years ago when CPO program had just started being offered. We traded our 2009 Accord EX sedan for the 2014 Altima S. I never buy a car in its 1st year of a body style change as it takes a year to get any bugs out, and I prefer to let someone else eat the 1st year or 2 of depreciation. Our new to us, CPO Altima S with 12K mi is a great sedan. I would have preferred the SV with the convenience pkg & mnrf. This is the most comfortable car we have ever owned and the fuel economy is incredible. We just returned from a 1200 mi round trip & we averaged 39 MPG Hwy, that is better than our daughters 2014 Honda Civic EXL sedan, and the Altima is twice as big. My only disappointment is the paint quality(thickness), we too have found rust around chrome strip on trunk just above licence plate. I noticed other reviewers with same issue. Im taking in to dealer to have addressed. We did purchase an extended warranty that covers everything for 6-yrs or 100Kmi in addition to the CPO warranty. We trade sedans every 5yrs or 60Kmi. We put about 7kmi/yr on our sedans. We also have a 2013 CRV w/ AWD that has close to 25Kmi that we bought last year. If Nissan will improve its paint quality, we will be adding a Rogue in a couple years. We need to get back on track buying our vehicles after they receive their MCR(Mid Cycle Refresh). Its truly the best time to buy ! However, the auto industry is changing back to making changes to vehicles every year rather than keeping them appearing the same from the outside until the MCR. The Nissan Altima is by far the best overall mid-size sedan available when factoring in all attributes !

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  I love my altima! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By girliegirlaltima - December 7 - 1:36 am

  I was reading all the reveiws everyone had left about the altima and well i still cant change my mind about the car..I LOVE IT!! Even though since i bought the car about a couple of months ago i have been hearing noises coming from the brakes and the seat. Its funny someone else mentions that. But i still love my altima!

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  Terrible car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By xie004 - December 6 - 6:09 pm

  Bought this car at 60k. Repaired this car every year since then for average more than $1k a year. Replaced a lot of parts. Made a big mistake trying to keep this car. At only 131k milage, engine died. Terrible car. Avoid Nissan at any cost.

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  2013 Nissan Altima is a winner - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By mrtbone13 - December 6 - 5:52 pm

  To start, I traded in a fully loaded Infiniti G35xS. I absolutely loved the car, but due to the rising gas prices and the cost of owning the car, I made a decision to trade it in. There were really 2 main reasons for doing so. 1- I wanted a car that got better then 19MPG, and 2- something that wasnt as expensive to own. The Infiniti needed Premium gas and the oil changes and general car maintenance was a climbing expense throughout owning the car. I ultimately chose the 2.5SL as the features in the car are hands down better then the other trims Nissan offers. So far Im getting 32MPG+ depending on the type of driving. Best 4 door sedan out there when getting the SL trim.