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:

• 

  Dont get it! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Nissan Altima - September 7 - 3:16 pm

  I just bought a new Nissan 2.5S Altima - my advice, dont get one! As I drove off the lot, it was drizzing - the windshield wipers have a loud annoying - clack ... clack .. clack .. The blinker is a cheap - click click, click click. The storage under the radio wont shut, its stuck open and the cheap plastic shifter cover pops off. Im having buyers remorse after 5 minutes off the lot! - my 2002 Camry can do 5000 or 7500 miles between old changes, the Altima is ~3500 miles. The CVT is what sold me. Its good but the car doesnt feel right. oh well, live an learn.

• 

  Some quirks, love this car though - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By CRM - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Altima used 6mths ago. I feel for the price I paid its well worth it. However, only 6,000 miles after buying it the crank shaft/cam sensors both went out. Ill just say the attitude I got from Nissan was less than caring. I dont want to feel discouraged from my car choice though due to that. My family has owned various Nissans and previously had good experiences. I wish the rear view mirrors bent back on the car. The previous owner had tinted windows and a Sirius radio installed so I enjoy that a lot. :)

• 

  Reliable Altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By njbaseball - September 4 - 2:53 pm

  I bought my 2001 Nissan Altima brand new. With over 120,000 miles on the odometer nothing’s gone wrong with this car so far. I did replace the original hubcaps after 40,000 miles because of the racket they made; aftermarket hubcaps don’t make noise! Otherwise this car has never been back to the dealer for anything except accident repair. I do change the oil & filter every 3000 miles, transmission fluid and coolant fluid every 30,000 miles, so the car is cared for.

• 

  Real Fun to Driver - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Misos - September 4 - 1:50 pm

  The music system :-(. There are some sounds at high speed. :( Rest is superb. :)

• 

  Not really a bad car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dcmajesty - September 2 - 12:58 pm

  i have a 2005 altima v6 se model i mus say overall its okay needs minor work such as alignment, struts, brake system etc , just small things but can be pricey, its lasted me quite a while, the design is quite nice i get alot of compliments not like other altimas i gave it a custom paint job got creative and just modified the current hid system from the factory and added some after market bulbs. threw some 18 factory 350 z rims same bolt pattern as alitima fit like champ , painted those black , it really makes the car stick out , i just gotta gut the exhaust system the one from the factory really sux , i think modifying the engine jus a tad and overall suspension this car will go!!

• 

  leave em smokin - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By smokin - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Nissan product. I am thrilled with the roomier interior (5 10" and very comfortable).We bought the 4 cylinder because it was plenty of power for our needs. The dealership was very helpful...dont understand why THEY dont offer a better service package for new car buyers.(Brenner Nissan, Camp Hill, PA) This car is "Smokin".

• 

  Glad I rented before buying one. - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Deric - September 1 - 1:51 am

  This may be a ok car for short daily drives. For a start, it is lacking off the line. Huge hesitation. Not expecting to smoke tires but more than a kind of "Ok Im going." But we did get good fuel mileage at about 35mpg. Back to the major negative, This is not a car for long trips. Took it for a 12hr vacation trip and was miserable. The drive train and road noise is terrible. At average of 70mph there is way too much noise. The radio as to be turned up so loud to enjoy it that when slowing down to pay tolls you felt like your blasted out of the car. This is with the speed volume controls turned on. Not only that but the car jumps and jitters at every bump. So much so that you can hear every loose piece in the interior rattle. The the seats are not comfortable as my back was sore after one way. My passengers in the back were not anymore comfortable. Only thing good was at least there was good interior space. The headrest is absolutely useless. Its hardness and angle are not useful. I was half tempted to pull the thing off. I was worried if I was in an accident that I would suffer from a neck injury just from my head hitting the headrest. Now I all fairness, I know I wasnt driving the top of the line version of the car. So I cant expect all the luxury in the world. But a base model should create excitement to want to upgrade to get more from the car. What this base felt like is punishment for going base. I dont want to feel like I have to spend the extra to have a decent car. I want to start with a decent car and then want to upgrade to make it better. This is not a car I would buy just to see if it is worth the extra money.

• 

  Biggest regret - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By C. M. P. - September 1 - 1:27 am

  I purchased a 2014 Altima SL fully loaded brand new. My family has always driven Nissans and never had any outlandish problems with them. Within the first year i had issues with the fog lamps loosening therefore not functioning, the infotainment system rebooting while in use, drivers seat would slide back and forward at take off and when braking, a recall on the hood latch and a recall on the airbag sensors causing the car to think no one was in the passenger seat and turning off the passenger side airbags. Second year, A/C compressor was replaced and transmission completely failed on me and was replaced (under warranty, thank god). Im approaching the end of the second year and the transmission may need replacing again. Electrical system is complete crud. And headlights flicker when i drive over the slightest bump. All lamps are loose. I especially regret paying an additional $1000 for the infotainment system because it often doesnt recognize that my phone is connected so i cant play my music or speak on the phone over the speakers. Rear view camera is great when im backing into parking spaces but it tends to glitch like a television using an antenna in the middle of a hurricane. Also, compared to the rear view camera in a 2009 Maxima, the picture quality is bad and almost useless after sundown. The 09 Maxima was very clear and vibrant in color both night and day. The rear view camera is used to determine whether there is someone in your blind spot and i can honestly say that it was wrong 40% of the time. It is also used to determine whether youre too close to the center lines so that it can alert you. This feature is called "Lane Departure Warning" and often didnt work either. A minor complaint would be that any time i have a passenger get out of the car, they have a hard time shutting the door on the first try. You practically have to slam them shut. The horn is weak, sucks if youre a honker like me haha. Navigation system always had a false ETA. For example, last night my ETA was 12:26 but the time was 12:53. Plus the navigation update is over $200+ just fyi. So if you live in a constantly developing area, like myself, the Navigation isnt going to recognize any of the new streets. Not going to drop $200+ every time a new business is put up. Im actually currently looking to buy a 10 year old Acura.

• 

  97 Nissan Altima - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By tdkzoom - August 31 - 10:00 am

  Nice car, reliable, hard to find after market parts, needs the jaws of life to get the damn front door open.

• 

  Transmission Transmission Transmission - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Bill Carswell - August 31 - 8:57 am

  Read the reviews and do your research before considering the purchase of a 2013 Nissan Altima. Our CVT transmission was just replaced at 64K, 4k outside the warranty. There are numerous complaints all about the same issue! Shudder and juttering and then it just quits - torque converter locked up. Luckliy for us it happened while we were coming to a stop! Stay clear of this car - it is going to cost you $3k-$4k some day for a transmission. Nissan needs to admit that Jatco (75% ownership by Nissan) has built another flawed CVT transmission and start the recall. They admitted this issue with 2003 -2010 CVT equipped cars. If you have had an issue with your 2013 Altima, we all need to complain to the NHTSA and have our cases logged. www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/