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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  2005 Altima SL over Accord EX - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By xNewYorka - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has won me over. Having owned a 95 Acura Legend, a 2001 Accord, and a 2003 Oddessy, I was a loyal honda customer - the key word is was. I test drove both cars, and felt the Altima was a better car in the top of the line trim vs the accord ex v6. The redesigned Altima interior for 2005 is a nice improvement, although some of the compartment doors still feel a little cheap. What sold me was the performance of the Nissan v6. It is smooth, throaty, and has gobs of power at the will of your right foot.

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  Happy but not estatic - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By cegledi - October 8 - 9:06 pm

  Personally think it is one of the most attractive sedans in its price range. Went from a Passat to a Nissan - bad move. The ride is nice but not germanic. The MPG is disappointing (averaging 2.3 mpg less than the DIC). The CVT makes it sound like a go-cart. Should have bought the V6 but didnt want to put in premium fuel - bad move #2. The V6 is too strong not to love. Only a few minor problems but nothing major to report. Highly recommend the V6 since you get cool rims, turn signals in side mirrors and VDC standard. I bought the SL package to get all the tech goodies which I dont regret and Nissan makes deals on their cars. Will trade it probably in two more years.

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  Altima 2005 2.5S 4cyl w continental 16 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By peter gartner - October 6 - 3:10 pm

  I have had my altima for about 9 months and every thing is great except the tires. The continental 16 tires developed a vibration problem and I had to replace them at 13,000 miles. No alignment or balance problem, just severe cupping. My advise is to have the dealer replace these tires at the time of purchase with some other brand.

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  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Victor - October 6 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this car on 8/2001. So far, so good. The only repair has been the power windows (recall). Mileage is excellent up to 33 per gallon (combined). So far 65K miles and no brakes changed. It is very reliable, I love my car and my plan is to keep my car at least 6 years more. The only thing I do not like is the hubcups and noise from wind against the car.

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  All good at first - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By acuralegend95 - October 5 - 4:36 am

  The first few years were great, it was fast, clean, and a great car all around. Then around 100k the air bag light turned on and the bose 6 disk changer stopped working and taking cds, took it to the dealer and they checked and said everything was and about to charge me 200+ for a new radio, only fm radio for me. around the same time they said my 02 sensor was bad, it was replaced. No problems for about 20k and then it started to need oil like it was disappearing about a quart every two week. After that started it rattled like crazy. Changed all the spark plugs 3 times and about 5 pairs of brakes. now at 160k i replaced radiator and now sits in the yard in need of a thermostat, and heads...

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  Best in class! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By buxxxx - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The improvements made tothe interior of the 05 model corrected the shortcomings of previous years. this car is heads and shoulders above the competition in this class.

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  Poor reliability, known problems w/ this model - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By hyperslug - October 3 - 2:48 am

  Seems like a good car overall, but do a search on the "nissan altima intake manifold gasket". Many people have experienced this same problem on this particular model; some have noted the same in their reviews here. A required $600 fix mars an otherwise decent vehicle. The engine is more powerful than other 4-cyls Ive driven, but you pay for it in gas mileage.

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  Wonderful car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Ol Hokie - October 1 - 6:03 pm

  I bought the car used seven years ago with 45,000 miles on it; it now has nearly 209,000 and I have spent no money on it except for routine maintenance and service, gasoline, tires, and new CV joints at about 190,000 miles. It still has the original clutch (its a 5 speed manual). It is the eighth Nissan that I have owned. All have been great!

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  the best - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By chunphun - October 1 - 3:03 am

  This car has everything i need without any options

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  Never buy Nissan again - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By mtello - September 30 - 10:46 pm

  so disappointed in this vehicle, this was my first time buying Nissan, I had heard Nissan was a great and reliable car, so I went for it, big mistake! should of gone with Toyota or Honda, my mother has a Toyota and it has 174,000 miles! my 2013 Nissan Altima has 62,000 and the transmission just went out, its going to cost me $3,750 to replace the transmission, REALLY!! what a joke of a car! they need to recall the transmissions ASAP!! and take responsibility for faulty CVT transmissions. Save yourselves the headache and DO NOT BUY!