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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  Sweet Ride - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By JohnnyL - July 17 - 9:03 am

  I have the 3.5 SE, CVT with minimal options...actually almost none other than spoiler, mats, fog lights and kick plates. The 2007 is a vast improvement over the previous model in design and fit and finish. Body gaps are minimal. Interior materials seem to be a much higher quality. One reviewer mention big blind spots but must be using badly adjusted mirrors. Virtually no blind spots. Engine is smooth and can hit higher digits really fast. CVT is great and does a great job of moving to a lower ratio when you need the engine breaking. Im glad I got this rather than the manual. Seats are firm which I like. My lower back doesnt ache after my hour long commute. Handles like a smaller car.

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  2004 Altima is Wonderful - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By DDTcollectibles - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I have been thinking about buying an Altima. I have own Honda Accords for the last 12 years. I should have bought the Altima sooner than I did. Its a great car which packs a great deal of power under the hood from just the standard 4 cylinder. I think its a great buy.

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  EXCELLENT ALTIMA - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By asiglew - July 15 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE, THE LAST TANK, I AVERAGED 31 MILES PER GALLON. DRIVING ON TWO LANE HIGHWAYS, THRU SMALL TOWNS IN TENNESSEE.

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  Our Great Touring Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By lazydazer - July 15 - 2:00 am

  We have thoroughly enjoyed our travels in this vehicle. We use it for our longer travels and find it to be a very comfortable vehicle, very inexpensive to run with gas mileage over 30 MPG on the interstate. No maintenance problems, although Nissan has had a number of recalls for air bag modifications. These were scheduled with regular maintenance and did not interfere with vehicle use.

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  My new Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Steven Szabo - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Space Design and overall Value! traded in my 1993 Maxima and have the same interior space with 15 more horses under the hood! The only downside is I have the 2.5 S model which is not as powerful immediately when stepping on the gas. I get about 24 miles to the gallon city and 32 miles highway! Good job Nissan!

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  improve interior - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By bad interior - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Car looks great however too much invested in exterior and the interior leaves alot to be desired. Car is too noisey in the inside and the seat was poor quality. I ended up selling car back to dealership as a result of the seat.

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  Great - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Nicky Rogers - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car but gas is to high now.

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  This car is a TANK! GXE FWD 4 door Manual - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By mary - July 10 - 8:59 am

  Bought this 1996 used in 1999 w/36K Miles. 2016 has 173K. Best car ever! Always had regular maintenance. Great gas mileage for its age, $25 to fill tank at current prices. Drives great in rain/snow, interior/exterior has held up really well. Replaced the windshield once in 2012, takes road debris really well. Stick/clutch lasts a long time, on my second Clutch. Has great heat/AC. Replaced radio so it is now Bluetooth w/CD & USB. Ill miss this cars reliability. If you are looking for a reliable used car, this is a great option if the car was well maintained.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Fix - July 9 - 7:27 pm

  The comfortable and quiet ride of the Altima compared to my previous vehicle is outstanding. There was also a huge difference in the clarity of the Bluetooth vs. my previous vehicle. I talk to my sister every day during our daily commutes to work, and she immediately noticed the difference! I am hearing impaired and the improvement of the quiet ride and Bluetooth has greatly improved my quality of life on the road!

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  JUST PURCHASED ALTIMA - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By healeyman - July 9 - 2:03 pm

  was looking for a new car. on way to lexus dealer ,,, stopped in to look at maxima, and pathfinder. once saw altima, drove it and bought it... less than 2000 miles. everthing works, got the top model.... very nice and all controls are very well thought out... i hope it holds up being a new model and everything, love it! saved thousands over the lexus, if as well built as wifes 1991 300zx, then it will be a great car...