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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  this car is bomb - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By jpmsfo - August 21 - 10:00 am

  no other car like it

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  Love it. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By hpbny - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my first brand new car in 15 years and Im glad I waited. This is the best car I have ever owned. My commute to work has doubled and I cant wait to drive it.

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  R.I.P Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By James - August 21 - 7:26 am

  I bought this car brand new in 2007. I cant tell you how excited I was to get it. I had so much fun driving it and I got an endless amount of compliments about it. I dont think you get as many miles per gallon as they say you do, but its still great on gas. The key never has to leave your pocket because there are buttons on the door, trunk, and a push start button to start the car. I got hit head on last weekend and my car is totaled. I cant tell you how miserable I am thinking about how much more I could have enjoyed my car. Just remember, for the 20 some thousand you are paying, dont expect the world, but expect so much more than you would from any other can in its class.

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  2016 Nissan Altima Led Daytime Running Lights - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Norman Smith - August 20 - 12:40 am

  Unfortunately, you will be very upset to know that even though it appears to have led daytime running lights which all new cars have today. You will not get them even if you buy the most expensive model like I did. Every time I drive my new 2016 Altima SL (3.5), I see all other cars which are less expensive driving with their Led Daytime light on. I feel very much cheated. and rip off. So buyers beware when purchasing this car. Everything else with the car is completely fine.

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  Awesome Altima - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By DMODE - August 19 - 7:10 pm

  I just bought my 2009 Nissan Altima and I love it! It has a really smooth ride, has a good sound system. Looks almost like the other Altima upgraded models. Real big trunk and glove box to store items. Every time I drive it I feel real safe, I love the intel key and push button start. It has real good MPG too. I would recommend this car to anyone. GO NISSAN! :D

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  Review: Nissan Altima 2.5S - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Tim Daly - August 19 - 2:00 am

  When test driving this car, my wife and I should have really paid attention to the interior layout and design. We bought the car because we thought it was the best looking car. Overall the car handles poorly and the rear suspension makes a lot of noise. Also, we have a lot of trouble backing. The general design gives you absolutely no visibilty out of the rear window. You cant see anything. The side mirrors are small and have blind spots. Also, the engine is a little loud and raspy. If we had the chance to start over we would have purchased something else. We shouldnt have limited ourselves to exterior looks only!

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  DO NOT BUY!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By johna_tigner94 - August 17 - 3:39 am

  I have nothing but trouble since buying this car. I am only getting about 18 miles to the gallon. I drive only back and forth to school (15 min from home) and I go through $80.00 a week in gas. Nobody can figure out what is wrong with it. My alignment goes out a week after getting it fixed, it makes weird noises going over bumps. When I shut off my car after drving it smells like sulfur. The steering wheel shakes on a regular basis. This is a car that is just going to nickle and dime you to death. DO NOT BUY! It is a waste of moneyyy!!

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  Great basic car with tolerable downsides - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By hnamous - August 17 - 3:18 am

  After 7,500 miles, my experience so far has been mostly good. Power is adequate for everyday driving, but it doesnt inspire much confidence in highway passing. The build quality seems to be good although one of my foglights popped out for no apparent reason. No reliability issues so far. The interior materials are acceptable. Missing standard features such as HD radio and USB. Bluetooth is GREAT. Major Downsides: Handling is not so good (possibly due to the tires). Rattling under acceleration. Squealing breaks (wet or dry). CVT is noisy and dimwitted. Never achieved EPA estimates - and I drive carefully!

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  Ive owned nissans since 1990. Great car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Vic - August 16 - 11:30 am

  This car is great. I have owned nissans since 1990. Very reliable vehicles. This 2006 is one of the best looking cars on the road. Performance, comfort, a little sportyness a little luxury great.

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  Catch me if you Can! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By nocboy - August 13 - 2:00 am

  My ride is awesome! I got the 3.5 V6 back in Feb. of 2002 and I still dig it. I was waiting around to see what the 04 Maxima looks like and finally saw some pics. Nicer ofcourse but you could see that family resemblance so Im cool with keeping the Altima. I take the freeway on a daily basis for my work commute, I luv working those lanes through traffic! Not too fun going home from Orange County to Corona Though...(traffics a parking lot). But then again its a perfect time too show off my ride!