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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  noise and vibration when accelerating - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By teach13 - September 30 - 10:40 pm

  We have had our car to the dealer three times and called the Nissan Customer Service to register a complaint. Customer Service says the car is running normal and that they have not received any complaints. This car makes a lot of noise and vibration when accelerating from a stopped position. It sounds like an old car. Also, the car was recalled once and soon will be recalled a second time because the light keeps coming on saying the passenger seat air bag is off. Do not buy this car!!!

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  Altima 2.5 SL - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Afi - September 30 - 2:00 am

  We spend about 1 month looking for a new car. At the end, our choices were Altima and VW Passat. Both Altima and Passat has the same performance (horsepower,legroom,etc). However, Altima is better looking than Passat. We were looking for 3.5SE but the dealer could not find the car we were looking for. We settled for 2.5SL My Altima has 360 miles on it and hopefully it will last as long as (or better) than my first car (Civic 96 -- 160,000 miles -- still going).

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  Its a darn good car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By elray - September 29 - 11:20 am

  I recommend the 5-speed. I hear the automatic transmission performance stinks. Its an exceptionally smooth manual tranny.

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  Leaks Oil - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Wasim Khan - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car in September, 2004. Tow weeks later I found out that, it was leaking oil. My garage floor was full of oil. I checked the dip stick. It was below low. Anyhow, I towed the car to the dealership. They were not very nice to start with. Somehow they didnt know anything about customer service. Moreover, it took them 3 days to fix the leak (thats after I had a talk with the GM of dealer). At first, they told me they didnt know when it was gonna be fixed. Im very unhappy with this car and the dealer. I will NEVER buy another Nissan.

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  aaaahhhhhhh - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Still smillin - September 28 - 10:00 am

  There is absolutely nothing else to say about this car other than WOW. You need to get off your tail and go get one. I am still in shock that I own this car. Camry, Accord and the Mazda 6 aint got nothing on this car. Power, Design, Space, Did I say POWER, the inside design. If you are still reading this you need to go test drive one. If you test drive this car and not buy it you need serious help. I recommend starting this car and just listen to the engine roar.

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  Amazing car! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Abhi - September 27 - 4:36 am

  Amazing car as compared to others in the same class/category. Very smooth & comfortable ride. I am the first time Nissan buyer, but I am impressed.

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  Great car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By rz cinti - September 25 - 7:16 am

  Had it for 2 weeks/ great ride quality and handling. more than adequate power for the highway, decent but not great mileage 28-29, 80% highway driving; easy to use functional layout; useful features bluetooth, rear camera, XM. CVT great and very smooth, engine a little coarse with acceleration. trip computer fun and very accurate.

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Manny - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely happy that I chose an Altima 2.5S. This car is step above the usual family sedan. It feels more like a sports sedan (ie: BMW 5 series, Audi A6). While other reveiws seem to focus on the interior plastics etc. Id take performance iver plastic any day. Also the front seat comfortability and adaption to each driver is better than any other car in its class. The 4 cylinder has incredible pep. and the suspension maintains a balanced ride. Put that with the incredible price that this car is going for you cant beat it. The Altima 2.5S is winner.

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  Nissan SE 3.5 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Haptay - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought the SE 3.5 Model Mid Jan, And I cant say enough good things about the jobs. My first car was a dodge Neon and as you can imagine, the Altima says it all its ALLsome, and then some more. The performance is excellent, and the Bose system is off the chain. So I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants sporty, sleek, attractive, and comfortable. I plan to keep this vehicle for a very long time.

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  Our Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By DG Marshall - September 25 - 2:00 am

  handling and looks is superior, inside trim is a little weak. the power is fantastic.