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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  Nissan Awful - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By MrsLewis06 - November 27 - 5:00 am

  I bought this car in December of 2008 with 81,000 miles on it. I knew it was a lot but i just loved the car so much i didnt care.The check engine light was on and they said they would fix it but never did. Since then i have had to replace 2 coils, the crank sensor, the catalytic converter and now it needs a whole new engine. I will never buy another Nissan and i wouldnt advise anyone else to either.

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  Unbelievable - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Walker - November 26 - 11:40 pm

  I have had this car going on two weeks. It is one beautiful car. Handles crisply, esp around corners. For a 4 banger, it really goes! I test drove and researched many cars for about 6 months. For the bread, this is by far, the best deal. I feel good in this car, and enjoy many of the stares it gets. I have the slate color, with the convenience pkg. The seats are firm, but comfortable, even at 63, 230 pounds. My son is 65, he loves my car, and hijacks it from me every time he comes home, lol. I would highly recommend this car to anyone. Makes me feel young again.

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  I love my new purchase! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By GirlyGirl - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car last week! So far I love everything about it and love driving it!! Car looks like I paid alot more for it than what I did. I bought the convenience package w/ mine and love the extras I got! If you are going to get this car, pay a little more for the foglights, alloy tires, & sunroof. Youll enjoy the extras on the convenience package

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By AltimaLover - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car!. If you dont want all the bells and whistles you can get it for well under $20K. The stick shifts well. The 2.5L has plenty of power. Ive had mine about 8 months now and still love it. When I went away for a week for vacation and came back my heart was pounding from anticipation of driving this car! Getting 25-29 mpg depending on conditions. A/C and heat are almost instantaneous. Seats are very comfortable. Steering is solid and it holds the road very well. Ive gotten so many complements on this car! If youre looking for a good solid car that moves, is fun to drive, practical, and wont break the bank, this is it!

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  Not the same car as in the commercial. - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By sauron666 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Actually, I really like the car alot, but since delivery have had an ongoing problem with driveability. That is, bad tires are giving me a rotten taste in my mouth. Nissan switched to Continental all-season tires from Firestones. These tires do not sit well in the lot. I have been told to drive my car more to even out flat and high spots, but the bouncing and steering pull are driving me nuts. Nissan says it doesnt warranty new tires. So much for the whole car concept!

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  Buy One! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Keith - November 22 - 11:26 am

  Traded in my 2003 Murano for the 08 Altima coupe with Premium and Technology packages. Drove Honda Accord, Civic, Camry; none compared. Much quieter, sportier, better features. Drives like a dream around corners and on fwy. Got MSRP out the door inc. Phantom recovery system. Added 6-yr. full extended warranty for $850. Love the Red exterior/tan interior combo. First tank of gas averaged 28 city/hwy. Sweet steering and CVT make it a dream to drive. Love the convenience of Intelligent Key, Bluetooth, and navigations system.

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  Fun car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By lal234 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  It has very good pickup and the body style does make it fun to drive, but you can sometimes here the wind around the doors.

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  2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By NISSAN - November 21 - 5:00 pm

  driving the car is fun, but i made the mistake of putting on Goodyear Gts on. In IL. it does not handle in snow very well and by the reviews it said good things about handling the snow and rain.Other than that its a blast to drive.

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  Excellent Japanese Sedan - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Mamba - November 19 - 10:00 am

  My first Nissan, this car is of exceptional quality. I often go over the scheduled oil change mileage and I have not spent 1 cent on the car other than gas and oil changes. Nothing is coming apart, and I am impressed with the strength of that big 4cyl. I would recommend this car to any one who wanta quality and an extremely good value when buying used. With this car fully loaded my friends often think they are in a BMW. Anyways, you cant go wrong with this car unless you value true handling and nimble performance which it lack, due to a feeling of unconnectedness with the road.

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  Number 1 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By L - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Number 1, Thats all I have to say. It is the best sedan out there, no question