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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  Great style inside and out! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Rob - September 30 - 9:56 pm

  I just bought this car but since I live 3 hours away from the dealership, I have had that much time behind the wheel. I traded a 2003 3.5 se for the 2.5 S. That power difference from the two are like night and day, but I saved a few thousand and am overall happy with my purchase. The new style is better than anything in its price range. It actually looks better in person than in photos. I chose the 6 speed manual over the CVT, I drove both but the CVT did not offer that same sporty feel as the manual. Overall, if you want a greal looking reliable car in this price range - this is it.

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  My Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By straitray - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Went from a Honda Accord to Nissan Altima and have no regrets in doing so.

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  Ole Reliable - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Allie - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The car has been very reliable and fun to drive. It is very precise in turning and braking. There is a couple of things that I would change. When you are some course pavement, the sunglass holder vibrates as well as the hubcaps making noise going over bumps. It also seems to have a fair amount of road noise. The car is a bargain at the price and I would buy another one.

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  Chose Altima over Maxima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 03RxAlty - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Altima: 5 speed; 245 hp; new styling; independent rear suspension; bigger; less expensive; moderate fit/finish interior Maxima: 6 speed; 255 hp; dated styling (makeover pending); beam rear susp.; smaller; more expensive; better fit/finish interior I thought that I got more for my money with the Altima since the performance was equivalent, and there were more pluses with the Altima. BTW, my other car is a 97 Maxima.

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  Pleased as punch - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By steve107 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I spent the last 3 years in a 1998 Mitsubishi Galant LS. It was a four cyl. and couldnt get out of its own way. I vowed to myself that I would go with a 6 cyl. the next time around no matter what. Once I did my research and priced the car with everything I wanted in it, it dawned on me, I couldnt afford this V- 6 with the options. So I said I would go with a basic V-6 with no added options. Then I went to the dealership and test drove the 4 Cyl. S. This car has amazing power for a 4 cyl engine. At 175 hp, it has about 45 more than my Galant did, and it seems like 145 more.

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  Sporty & Responsive - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By kegradtech - September 27 - 1:50 am

  This is the 3rd Nissan Altima Ive owned. Ive also had a 2001 GXE Limited Edition (the last year of the old body & engine style) and a 1999 SE Limited Edition. I love the throaty engine noise under heavy acceleration, balanced with a very quiet response under normal driving conditions. The body styling is second to none in its class and I feel you have to upgrade to luxury vehicles to get better body styling than the Altima. My only complaints about it are the front brakes which seem to warp too easily (the same happened in my 2001, but no problems with this in my 1999 model.) I have had to upgrade to slotted rotors to keep this from recurring and I dont even heavily brake the vehicle.

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  The New Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By jchan2 - September 23 - 6:53 pm

  The car has been wonderful - I test drove the new Accord as well and the design isnt as nice as the Altima, and the new Accord seemed too bloated. Also, the price was right. Its fun to drive, I average 29 MPG in mixed driving, and through the curves the car can be extremely entertaining.

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  Say NO to Accord and Camry! Pick Altima! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Super Freak - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The design of the Altima is awesome verses Camry or Accord! Camry is a dime a dozen on the streets! Accord is too bland! Altima is the a head turner! The only complaint is the leather seats is a bit hard. I wish it was more softer leather. The 175hp 4 banger is a rocket! Smooth like a six and the fuel economy is super freaky good!! Also, disappointed in the "BOSE" system. Too hollow sounding for me. Cant adjust it for the rich sound that Im use too. Lexus RX has a more awesome sounding system and its not even a BOSE.

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  Test drove them all - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Randy - September 20 - 11:50 am

  We drove 18 vehicles in our buying process and the Altima stood out front far byond the others. (many which were priced 3 to 5 thousand more. After driving the 4 cylinder then the 6 there was no doubt that the xtra hp was worth the money. however those on a tighter budget should not let that scare you because the 4 banger has all the pep that most would need. We wound up getting one with everything (including the Nissan after market option pkg.) The only things that I find so far that could be improved on is the radio display is difficult to read as well as the odometer computer functions for mpg,dte,mte and so on. Also the turnning radis is tight.

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  RUNRUNRUN - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By RunLikeCrazy - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2001 Nissan Altima. It is a beautiful car. That I will admit. There are some issues with the car that is too long for me to go into. Look at other cars like Toyota or Honda before purchasing your Altima. If you really need a Nissan, I suggest the Sentra.