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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  Awsome,no problems - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Fartell Cluggins - July 9 - 11:44 am

  Idk what people are saying about charging issues, mines fine and I love the car. Leather, sunroof, bose, dial climate control (as was my 96.5 regal gs but at least nissan caught up) no problems, stiff,sporty suspension was a pleasant surprise,

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  Smooth and Powerful with CVT - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By nissanfamily - July 9 - 8:43 am

  This car is excellent and is a very comfortable family sedan overall. It handles extremely well in rain storms and any inclement weather. Heavy water on the roadway does not affect its traction nor does it pull on the steering wheel, as it did on my 2005 Altima. The 6 cylinder is definitely not necessary as the 4 cyl acceleration is smooth and powerful. Though it is not as sporty to drive as the 2005, the turning circle radius is much better.

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  MISTAKE, TERRIBLE.. DO NO BUY - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jagger2 - July 9 - 6:50 am

  Ive been a devoted Nissan customer for almost 20 yrs & upon seeing the 2013 Altima, I immediately fell in love & decided to purchase it. Well, a few days later, I started hearing this whistling noise supposedly coming from the steering pump according to a nissan technician and was told is a normal sound. OK?? Theres also another rattling noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. To make long story short, I have been to the dealership at least 4 times with no luck as to how to fix this. I have filed a case with Nissan to get this resolved. Do not buy this vehicle.. There are a few people with the same complaints & are not getting any help soon enough & Im one of those people.

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  About what we Expected - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By cb - July 5 - 12:26 pm

  Bought the 2.5S Altima in June. Two months and two thousand miles later I can report fuel mileage at 27 in mixed driving. The car says 29, but fill and calculate gives 2 mpg less every time. At least it is consistent. We have not had any major problems yet, but the trunk hinge spring now rattles and we can see that some of the paint job is not as good as we might have hoped. We are satisfied with the purchase and the car does come with features that should be standard everywhere like the keyless ignition.

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  Love That Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Nissan Nutz - July 5 - 10:40 am

  This is my very first Altima, didnt really like any of the older models. However this is my fourth Nissan. Sure am happy I gave this new model a try. Besides being very pretty to look at, its very comfortable for my six foot plus body. And the 4 cylinder engine still out performs a whole bunch of sixes that Ive put it against. Love it love it love it.

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  I Love It - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Brad - July 5 - 10:06 am

  After test driving a 2.5 SL and a 3.5 SL, I had to get the 3.5 SL. To me, the small difference in price and sacrifice in gas mileage/premium gas were worth it. The engine has a lot of power (100hp more), sounds great, the car has a more solid feel, and is just tons more fun to drive! The black leather interior is very stylish and comfortable. So far nothing is rattling. The CVT and overall ride are very smooth. There are some quirks to the car, like if I press the Bluetooth buttons on the steering wheel hard, the horn beeps, and it feels like it is engine braking more than it should when I take my foot off the gas, but they dont bother me too much (yet).

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  I am in love!! - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By mrsrrn21 - July 5 - 2:51 am

  I recently purchased the Nissan Altima 2.5 S. This was the first time I purchased a new vehicle and I did my research and test drove many cars. I drove the Camry, Optima, Cruze, Mazda 3, Fusion, etc, but I knew when I sat in the Altima that it was made for me. This car out did the competition in style, performance, and the fact that it was just fun to drive. The CVT is smooth and I barely notice when the car is shifting gears. The features are stylish and I love the intelligent key technology. The inside is sleek and classy. There is plenty of leg room in the back! So far, I am avg. 25 MPG city, stop and go driving, which is great! Im in love! Will do another review later in the year.

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  Love my Alti! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By sillyccn - July 4 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR. SOME PEOPLE ARE VEING TO CRITICAL. NOT EVERY CAR IS PERFECT. SURE IT HAS SOME FLAWS, BUT SHOW ME A CAR THAT DOESNT.

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  Love my Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By FLAltima - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Nissan Altime 2 days ago and I absolutley love it. Coming from a 03Pontiac Grand Am I wasnt used to foreign cars yet, which I guess gives me more appreciation of them. I was between the altima and an acoord and by far just by looking at the accord there was no better choice. Everyone says side curtain airbags come standard on the accord but they dont the one I was looking at didnt even have it as an option. So by far there is no better choice then the altima at least in my opinion.

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  2008 Nissan Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Madpistol - July 1 - 4:00 pm

  If youre in the market for a midsize sedan, this is THE car to buy! I did a lot of reading and test driving of different sedans, and in the end, the Altima beat the Camry and Accord handily. Not only was the price far below the Camry and Accord, but the features list was higher than either of those choices as well! I got a 2.5 SL w/ Connection Package and the Bluetooth phone system rocks! The ikey and push-button start are so cool! The leather seats are very comfortable, and the controls are very intuitive and easy to use. The car is a blast to drive on curvy roads. Its also very peppy for a 4cyl. If youre looking for a new midsize sedan, check this out!