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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4 door style - 2003 Nissan Altima
By san leandro - September 25 - 2:00 amOther cars were standing still.....oops, Im doing 80 mph and didnt realize it. Beautiful to look at.
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Great car, except front seats - 2001 Nissan Altima
By moliphant - September 20 - 10:00 amGreat all-around car, but Ive had to put a pillow on the upper half of my seat for as long as Ive owned it. I have the non-electric adjustable seat, with lumbar support and the lumbar is just too pronounced. This car is giving me back trouble. Other than the easily remedied bushing problem on the rear suspension, there are no other issues with this car. Great ride. Good value.
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Atima is a mix of the 350Z and a Sedan - 2006 Nissan Altima
By Carl S. - September 18 - 10:06 pmI love my 2006 Altima I only wish they offered it with a CVT (Constant Velocity Transmission), turbo/Supercharger,all wheel drive as options and a gauge system like the SE-R on all the Altima models. But Hey its close to a 10 now and I love my 2006 Altima SE 3.5 V6.
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2003 Nissa Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
By Richard - September 18 - 4:10 amExcellent car through 75K. I have done all the required maintenance through the dealership. Rather pricey. Good fuel economy, very comfortable interior. Cheap plastic on the inside, armrest and drink holder cover broken in first six months. Very squeaky passenger seat. All in all very nice car for the price.
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2006 Altima SE - 2006 Nissan Altima
By Jonathon - September 17 - 2:56 pmThis is my first Nissan and it has really impressed me. Great on gas, lots of power, fun to drive. Love the Bose stereo and heated seats. I drive 50% city and 50% highway and current gas mileage is 26mpg.
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Long lasting low maintenance - 2005 Nissan Altima
By Goxy - September 15 - 11:02 pmIn 2004 bought 2005 model and during these 11 years and 195,000 miles did one tune-up, changed oil, filter, tires, breaks, and battery. In addition, I own 2010 Maxima and 2011 Altima. Comparing to my friends cars, Nissan is a way better than any other one.
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The Future is now - 2002 Nissan Altima
By bONES - September 15 - 12:03 amI has pleasantly surprised with the all I got for the same price as an 2001 Altima- I dont know how they do it. A large Sedan with power and quality of an Infinity at a price below Toyota Carmy.
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Easy Rider - 2012 Nissan Altima
By Richard Haxel - September 14 - 12:27 pmwhen you turn your turn signal on be careful that you dont take the headlights off of automatic. AC/Heat dont seem to coincide with the right and left controls. I wish I had gotten passenger side seat electronically controlled because once you put the seat back manually, it takes an act of congress to get back forward position.
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2008 Altima 2.5SL 2year and 21k miles - 2008 Nissan Altima
By SmallGiant - September 11 - 3:43 pmOverall so far My Altima has been a great car and a great value, 2 years old and i still get compliments on it daily, the car is great in the city and smooth on the highway. but by no means is it a performance car its not too much that i dont like about it, but the 2.5 engine is loud during acceleration, and at high speeds(80+) the car feel like it is easily swayed by the wind. and in the summer the leather is unusually hot, it seems to hold the heat in even after the a/c has been blasting for a while, and some of the interior fittings feel cheap, but none of these are nothing you cant live with, and it would not change my mind from having to make the purchase all over again.
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31,000 miles later.... - 2008 Nissan Altima
By Moneyman - September 8 - 6:03 amSo any review after a few weeks is worthless. Finally 31k later, here we go...Overall I really like this car. Ive been averaging 29.8mpg in the winter (letting it run a little too). Thats most impressive. CVT is pretty fun to drive. Ive had a torque bolt tightened, I believe?, and the seat had a little wobble/click to it. Both fixed. There is the "popping noise that I hear at lights/after you shut it off. I will be asking about that next oil change, doesnt seem to effect anything. Overall a great car so far for mileage and comfort (Im 61" 220) just dont put your kids in the back too! Im not sure if its the tires, but they stink in the winter! My wife takes my truck! Would buy another
