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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  Interesting new model - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By bigbearsfan - August 30 - 11:03 pm

  This is a great car. It is very close to Honda/Toyota levels of fit and finish. My 3.5SE has the Sport Package and an auto dimming mirror. The interior is nicely styled and the instrument cluster is very bright and easy to read with good radio and HVAC controls. The seats are well shaped though they are a little hard and dont offer a lumber adjustment. The ride and handling compromise is great; it handles very well without punishing you when you hit a bump. Overall, reliability should be on par with Honda/Toyota. This is a great contender in the midsize category. I highly recommend this car if you dont want to overspend on a Toyota or Honda; their dealers who dont ever offer deals.

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  The Altimate Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Cheryl Altima - August 29 - 2:45 pm

  Its not good for hauling around dogs.

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  37 mpg - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Alan Groves - August 28 - 6:56 pm

  I drive 220 miles a day round trip to work and back, all interstate driving. At 65 mph Im achieving 37 mpg! Around town I get 27 to 28. The thing runs like a good v-6 would but its only a 4 banger! The one thing I dont like is that it feels like your falling out of the seat forward. I have to recline the back of the seat further than I would like so that it feels like Im not falling forward. I also find the tire pressure warning light annoying. Its too sensitive to outside air temperature. Other than that we love it!

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  Great Car Great Price - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By PFC Mendoza - August 27 - 6:36 pm

  Im in the army so I travel alot and the Nissan altima is the perfect car for me. Its great on gas and it has plenty of room for me and my family. Its a smooth ride and its very quiet for being a 4 cylinder. I have had no problems with it and I love all the features.

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  Wonderful - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By joe siudock - August 27 - 3:40 pm

  This is my second Altima. We had 2004 2.5s. Thought the dash was cheap with the wheel covers. The dealer cut out a sun roof and added cheap leather. Never was repaired for anything. Bought a 3.5 se with leather and all the toys. Fast as a 300z but with size. Dash was super with 17in alloys. Great car for speeding tickets. Super exterior

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  Great car for price... - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By kurakka - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for a little less then a year now. Have had to do nothing to is except for oil changes. Drove it 800+ miles to Canada there and back, with no problems! Good power for 4 Cylinder, easily can pass on the highway. Unique exterior design, some may say its ugly, but its definately something different.

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  An excellent buy - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By mark Chan - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the vehicle last week, and this one is much better than my 2002 Altima by all means! The interior is as good as the the new Honda Accord and it handles like a German vehicle. Anyone shopping in this segment should take a look at this vehicle, compare this with Accord and Camry side by side, you will find the Camry is light year behind in design and chassis dynamic. The only real competitor is only the Accord, but the exterior design of the current Accord is just as exciting as a speech from President Bush!

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  A great value - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By jsko - August 26 - 10:00 am

  As a tall person, there is plenty of leg room for me and the person sitting in back of me. I traded in a 92 Camry for this. The new Camry does not have the legroom of the Altima. Love the design of the car. Lots of pickup for a 4 cylinder car. Getting 27-29 mpg highway.

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  Family Sports Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mike K - August 24 - 2:43 pm

  It looks like a mundane family hauler, but handles and drives like a sports car if you get on the gas. The 3.5 engine is so powerful, and the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is very smart and seems to read your mind. If you just cruise around town, the CVT keeps the engine revs low to save gas, but if you give it more throttle, it quickly lets the engine spin up (no shift lag) and it MOVES. When shifted "manually" the CVT shifts very quickly through the preset 6 speeds. Can feel bumps with the SE vs SL (luxury) version, but its a reasonable trade-off for larger wheels, better shocks and stiffer anti-roll (sway) bars. Steering a bit numb, but sticks well in curves. I love it!

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  george - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By dlodge - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I have driven SUVs in the past 15 years and I did not think I would like a car but this car has the get up and go that I like and it is great to drive. I dont know if I will go back to an SUV. Rahalchevybuick.com is where I bought mine in Marianna,Fl and they are great people. I got black interior is the only complaint that I have so far. 3.5 SE Altima with Sports pkg. Black interior shows every little speck or lint.