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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  Road Noise-Help Me!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Peter Jagodzinski - November 5 - 4:50 pm

  I love looking at my Altima, and I love sitting in it but I hate driving it. Is that a problem? The road noise is so evident especially on a wet surface but also on a dry surface. I only have 1200 miles on the car. When I am on a concrete highway doing 70 mph the noise is deafening. And when it is wet outside it sounds like I am in the rinse cycle of a carwash. This is my first Nissan.

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  Awesome car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By moon12 - November 4 - 12:33 pm

  Hey looking for a great car this is the one! I bought my Altima in 2006 with 114k miles on it, and at 172k its still running strong. Besides the minor work its very dependable great on gas and roomy. Nissan did a great job with this one, if I could have anything else I would keep this one.

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  99 Altima GXE - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By zipcode22 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car 1 year ago today. 1. Have had no mechanical problems despite unusually rough winter. 2. Maintnance limited to scheduled, minimal cost and time requirements. 3. Strong engine with great pick-up for 4 cylinder. 4. 25mpg on mixed tank, 32 on expressway

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  Im Loving It - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By urgirlang - October 31 - 11:36 pm

  I bought it used with 98400 miles on it. Its the first car I ever bought with high miles. I just hit 100000 miles a few days ago. I know it hasnt been a month yet, but its probably the best car I have owned. Everything else I have owned were American cars. Ive had a Ford Escort, Mercury Cougar, Dodge Neon, Pontiac Grand Am. I like the fact that it has a Timing Chain instead of a belt. I love driving it! The only thing is that I dont see a difference in gas considering my Grand Am was a V6 and this is a 4 cylinder. It seems like I got more mileage out of the V6.

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  2005 Nissan 2.5 S Automatic - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By m_z - October 31 - 11:34 pm

  - This was the roomiest car Ive ever really fit into as my previous cars, in order, were: Civic, Corolla then Passat (leased) and my first w/auto transmission. - Bought car in Sept. 2005 used with 20,001 miles on it. Found out it was previously owned by Enterprise Rental, but warranty was almost used up hence price ~6k below retail cost! - Had to buy an extended 3yr. warranty which paid itself off later. Then bought another final ext. warranty for an add. 3 yrs. later. - After many repairs years later, it still works but isnt that fuel efficient, 23/27 city/hwy but winter brings it down to 18/24 city. - Too many repairs now so wont consider another Nissan >:(

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  My Altima - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By autotech - October 30 - 7:36 am

  My 10 yr old Nissan Altima is one of the best cars that I have ever owned, and Ive had quite a few over the years before I bought this. This car has been really good to me and the repairs have been very minor and only in the last couple of years...things do wear out after all. The body has held up really well too; no signs of rust and it still looks nice. If I were to replace it, that would be because Im bored and want something new (this is the longest Ive ever kept a car. I used to get a new one every 4-6 yrs).

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  2009 Altima 2.5L SL - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Bugeye - October 28 - 5:00 pm

  This is the 5th Nissan (3 Sentras, 2 Altimas)that I have purchased. The 2009 Altima is a fun car to drive that looks great. Interior is roomy with plenty of leg room for 4 adults. Seats are comfortable. Standard sound system is adequate for an adult. The 2.5L performance is ok for the daily commute. Fuel mileage is great averaging 30 mpg driving 65 mph. CVT takes some getting used to but is generally smooth. Ride, braking, and handling are very good. As for value, you get a lot car for the price. Only complaint: It took me a while to figure out that carrying my remote in my pocket could accidently open the front windows. It would be nice to be able to disable this feature on the remote.

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  Disappointed, though not giving up on it - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By heidi.alt - October 28 - 3:43 pm

  Bought coupe in August; have now had it 4 months. Ordered it in early Aug. & waited 7 weeks to take delivery. Unfortunately, it seems in their haste to meet early demand, production lines may not have been as fine-tuned as they should have been. In addition to various rattles & exterior seams that do not line up well, including the hood & trunk, Ive already replaced the oil pan after an oil leak at the 3-month mark. As of the 4-mo mark, only 1300 miles on the car. Positives: beautiful interior, including intuitive instrument cluster, radio, climate control and comfortable seats; 6 airbags std; decent value for the $. Negatives: worse-than-anticipated fuel economy, big blind spot, tiny trunk.

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  excellent - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By moonbaby916 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable, fast, reliable, and a great Design.Fun to drive and very comfortable for long trips. very economic.

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  Altima 2.5 S 4dr 4cyl CVT - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By BRAD - October 26 - 3:26 am

  I research all mid size sedans. Loved the infiniti G35. I think the Altima is just as good for thousands less. Thought I needed the 3.5 but the 2.5I was so impressive it was all I needed. Had the car for 1 week went on a 12 hour round trip and go 32-34 mpg driving 70 to 80 mph. Have always been a cloth person but I was glad to go with the leather. Always been a jeep person but I love this Altima. Its my first.