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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  Excellent Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By oc344 - October 25 - 3:26 am

  This car is great. No mechanical issues over the three years I have owned the car. I bought it used with 31K miles and have put over 60K miles. Oil change and brakes and tires over the three years. Excellent design inside and out. Very fast with great pick up from dead stop. Takes corners like its on rails. Going to buy a 2007 Altima in a couple of days.

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  It just fits me! - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Laura Goodwin - October 24 - 10:46 pm

  This car just fits me. It feels right. Its comfy, great on gas, sleek styling, great bluetooth and easy to handle. Its the right amount of ooh factor while still being a smart financial choice. I leased a 2014 SV model and loved it. I bought this SL because I knew I would continue to love it after 3 years.

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  It just fits me! - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Laura Goodwin - October 24 - 10:46 pm

  This car just fits me. It feels right. Its comfy, great on gas, sleek styling, great bluetooth and easy to handle. Its the right amount of ooh factor while still being a smart financial choice. I leased a 2014 SV model and loved it. I bought this SL because I knew I would continue to love it after 3 years.

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  Could have changed this part. - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Carl - October 20 - 8:43 am

  So far very happy with the car. Only some small complaints. Car rides very nice until you hit a sharp, quick bump in the road. Feels like you hit a brick in the road. Biggest complaint, but bought the car anyway is where they placed the 2 charger ports in the car. One at the bottom of the arm rest storage area and the other at the back of the storage in the center console. If you store anything in these areas, youll have to empty everything out just to plug in a charger. I agree big time about what someone else wrote. They should have more options available. Its either nothing or everything. Big difference in the price tag.I paid $500.00 out of pocket to have a spoiler put on.

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  The best nissan Altima (Ever made) - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By lenchmoore - October 19 - 3:20 pm

  Well I purchased my Nissan altima gxe in New Jersey on September 1st 2004, on my way home this car ran so smooth as if it was brand new. As I drove it through the years it got better all the time I go around that steering wheel, personally I rate this Nissan altima gxe series over all the other altimas.

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  A Classy Sedan - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Sarah - October 18 - 10:50 am

  I have over 4000 miles on mine and still love to drive it. The Bose stereo in it is awesome. I got mine w/ the premium pkg. I looked at the Accord but after lots of research and test drives I went with the Altima and Im happy I did. I wanted something sporty w/ 4 doors and I feel I got that with the Altima. If you are in the market for a midsize sedan I would suggest to take the Altima for a test drive. You wont be sorry.

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  LOVE my Tech loaded 3.5 - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By magal118 - October 17 - 3:14 pm

  Traded my much loved loaded 2008 Maxima 3.5 for a fully loaded 2013 Altima 3.5. I am not disappointed. The first day we got it we took it on an out of state trip 32.2 mpg at 70 mph. The seats are very comfortable, the drive is great, do not have to buy premium gas any longer. The 3.5 has tons of power. We put 800 miles on it the first weekend and loved every mile of it! Can not wait for more trips in the Altima. The only problem I am having is getting texts to the car, but the Bill Rapp Nissan dealership is working very hard with me to solve this problem. (and this is not that important to me, I dont text and drive anyway.)

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  you need one of these cars! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 02altimahunny - October 16 - 3:33 pm

  I just bought my Nissan and i love the way it handles and looks. i was looking for a car that fit me, and i found that in my Altima. I didnt really look at this car until i heard so many good things from co-workers. Im glad i listened to them because i could not have been more happy with my purchase.

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  Not So Great Experience - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Denise - October 15 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my vehicle, everything was great until I rolled the drivers side window down to experience a sound like breaks scrapping. Took it in for service, they addmited not ever hearing of this issue before, they called Nissan tech support, they advised to replace the door seals. Today is day 6, they told me vehicle is ready for pick up and that sound I am hearing is characteristic of that vehicle, huh??? I contacted Nissan Consumer affairs still waiting... Make sure if your looking you roll the window down and listen for any strange sounds. In my case, it would happen at 50mph. In addition the dash digital display had to be replaced, can you say lemon

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  Nice design, sketchy execution - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Doug Blas - October 14 - 7:06 am

  The Altima is a great car. When weighed against the Accord, though, there are several shortcomings including: Five speed auto, standard ABS, heated mirrors, arm rest extension, and 10000 mile oil change intervals, and interior materials, to name a few. I bought the Nissan because of the dealership and because its not as common as the Accord. The Altima has more power and (seemingly) more room plus features the Accord doesnt have like BOSE and a trip computer. I can recommend this car, but buyers should take both for a ride!