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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  Have always owned Nissan... - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By L. Virginia - October 8 - 12:33 am

  This new Altima is a very nice car. I sold a 96 that just wore out after 215000 miles. I always buy Nissan, as they are $2 to 5k cheaper than Toyota and the fit, finish and quality are comparable. I love this car and it is fun to drive. Love the Keyless entry and push button starter. Trunk is very nice. All around, I think this car, in Dark slate and charcoal interior looks very classy, and can compete with next model up lines.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jason - October 7 - 7:43 am

  I love this car. I think that the best way to describe just how great this car is to tell you what my dad said. He just bought the new Lexus sports car and he says that if he could do it all over again he would have gotten the 08 Altima Coupe because it drives almost as well and looks sharper on the outside, is more comfortable, and when you factor in that it is half the price its a no brainer.

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  2006 Nissan Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By jackie - October 6 - 7:13 pm

  My wife and I love this car. We have the special edition package which provides very useful features. The fuel economy is good with ample interior and trunk space. No problems so far.

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  Picked over a Honda & Toyota - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dawn - October 5 - 9:06 am

  We completely love the car. We picked this car over a Honda Accord and a Toyota Camry. We drove all three and the lowest model of the Nissan had a smoother ride then the Accord or Camry. I have always loved Hondas and have owned one but the Nissans ride and look was much nicer. The Camry and Altima both have a great style but you get more for the money with the Nissan and the ride was better also. If you are thinking about the Altima you canÂ’t go wrong. One warning, if you want the 3.5, get your insurance quote first, the 2.5 was not that bad.

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  excellent value - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By relent - October 4 - 2:00 am

  For the money,($22,600 w/sunroof and foglights)you cant find another car as well equiped.The Bose stereo is outstanding,steering wheel controls are nifty and its got nice power for a 4 cylinder(175 HP)Leather seats feel good, not cheap like some companies make. I highly recommend it if you are the sort who likes a luxury like superstar at a great price

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  Car #58! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By ronco - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the 58th car Ive owned and one of the best! While this dippy website dings me for the "seafoam green" color, I still get compliments nearly 2 years after purchase. In fact, I have people tell me theyd buy the same car color as mine but then there would be two in the neighborhood. I test the V6 and said, "what for?" The powerful 175 HP 4 cyl out performs the boring Honda and Camry by far! I added aftermarket wheels and it looks like a much more expensive car.

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  Fantastic car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By ttl - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car for two months, and I love it. I am wondering why people always pursuing Honda and Toyoda and ignore such a good great car-Nissan Altima. I am looking forward to test drive the new Altima in the future, if I have enough money!

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  Honest Opinion - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By bob - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for my wife in March. She adores it. She loves the way it looks, rides, and, most importantly, accelerates.I have a 2000 V-6 Passat w/ 5 speed and it is not even in the same league as far as horsepower. The VW is far superior in steering, shifting, and workmanship. The Altima is far superior in raw power, sport style handling, looks, and the Bose system rocks! Basically, I adore both cars for different reasons. If you love a stick, all drivers should try both and let your heart decide. Before buying either car with an automatic, please learn to drive a stick and enter the "drivers" world.

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  Honest Opinion - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for my wife in March. She adores it. She loves the way it looks, rides, and, most importantly, accelerates.I have a 2000 V-6 Passat w/ 5 speed and it is not even in the same league as far as horsepower. The VW is far superior in steering, shifting, and workmanship. The Altima is far superior in raw power, sport style handling, looks, and the Bose system rocks! Basically, I adore both cars for different reasons. If you love a stick, all drivers should try both and let your heart decide. Before buying either car with an automatic, please learn to drive a stick and enter the "drivers" world.

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  Excellent Car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By altiman33 - October 1 - 1:55 am

  With the exception of the boring interior design, this car is excellent, and even the interior is what you would expect from a mid-range sedan. The features that come standard on the SV model blew me away. Im very pleased with leather-wrapped steering wheel, display screen and back-up camera! Looks great, drives smooth, comfortable to drive and good fuel-economy!