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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  not bad, but not perfect either - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By sales driver - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2002 2.5s in sept2002 Nice car but some quirks, burns oil, interior is a little on cheap side. Some problems including: ride gets a little mushy-maybe the tires, steering wheel shakes and pulls alot while braking, crankshaft sensor went out- luckily car was at home and still under warranty-the dealer said this is a known problem, worst of all a very noisey interior especially at highway speeds - OK for normal low mileage usage around town. Cold weather starting. check out the nissan website for volunteer recall work, there are about six (esp ice crystals forming in fuel line) ask about the crankshaft sensor!

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  Super Coupe - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Joe - October 13 - 10:36 pm

  I just purchased the coupe on 12 November, so far it is excellent. What a ride, smooth powerful and reliable. People stop and stare at the car, my friends all love it, the quality is awesome. Nissan outdid themselves with this one. I looked at a lot of cars and the first time I saw it, I was hooked. Drive it and you will buy it.

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  too fun - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By homebody609 - October 13 - 1:50 pm

  just absolute fun to drive, mad power, and the steering is great too, car has no body roll, or at least very little

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  Altima User - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Nissanuser - October 13 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our first Nissan Maxima in 1981. We found it so dependable and trouble free that we then purchased 3 more Maximas over the next 20 years. On all of these cars we have experienced no repairs during the 100K miles and few after that. Earlier this year it was time to upgrade our 1996 Maxima, but found the 2002 Altima with a much better looking exterior body, yet basically the same size of car and power under the hood. Hopefully the 2002 Altima will prove to be as reliable as the Maxima.

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  Answer to the Noisy Comments - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Ryan - October 12 - 6:36 pm

  I too really thought the road noise was too much. I also really disliked the traction on wet or snow covered roads. I finally bought new tires at 30,000 miles, and the noise and traction issues went away. The OEM Continental tires are poorly designed and are the root cause of the problem. The Good Year TripleTred tires I put on make the car quiet on the interstate and give me an incredibly secure feeling around corners.

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  I like the car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By _boone_ - October 12 - 1:12 am

  i like the car I havent had any problems out of it besides the usually up keep of the car I honestly dont see how it has so many bad reviews like really what are some of you looking to get out of the car

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  I Love Mine! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By tly3050 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  As soon as Nissan redesigned the Altima, I knew I had to have one. I love the interior space. Low grade parts on the interior are a little frustrating. I DO plan to trade up for a new 2005 model and I will probably never own another brand of car!

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Margo - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for its looks, dependability, and the V6. I have taken several long trips in my new Altima and find the drive very comfortable and enjoyable. When passing slower vehicles on the highway, this car can move! There is plenty of leg room in both the front and back seats. The trunk is also very spacious.

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  Overpriced!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Furrball - October 9 - 10:00 am

  A mediocre car, especially for the price. Like others, I had problems with the cars handling in wet weather. The interior cant get much cheaper, there are more recalls on this car than one can imagine, and the engine flooding and not starting was a major nuisance. Also, the power windows intermittently stop working. The dealership, like other Nissan owners have mentioned, is not very helpful. Oh, and if you need to replace a tire, good luck! They are a rare size that must be special-ordered unless you pay the dealers price to replace.

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  Altima 2003 S - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By A to the J - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have absolutely no complaints. This is my second Altima. The first was a 2000 SE. My 2003 S is twice as comfortable, stylish, and fun to drive than my first for about the same price. My first Altima only needed the basic maintainance (oil change, tire rotation, etc.) while driving it for over 75,000 miles. I expect this one will be the same.