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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  Nissan Altima 2003 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By namooney - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have gone 6,000 miles and love it as much as the day I got it. It drives smooth, good acceleration, and good braking. Had no problems in the winter and no problems in the rain. I cant imagine having any other car right now. The interior is not as bad as people say. Yea it looks a little cheap, but so did every other car I test drove before I bought the Altima.

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  awesome - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By cali_altima - June 25 - 2:46 am

  I recently bought my 2.5s and Im so satisfied I have had absolutely no problems and keep finding cool new features that my car has. It is so fun to drive and the stereo is awesome. Im so glad I went through with an Altima. If your shopping for a car you should seriously consider an Altima. You wont be disappointed.

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  It was the most perfect car Ive had - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By clock84 - June 24 - 5:10 pm

  I bought my 08 Nissan Altima Coupe in 2008 brand new. It was my first brand new car and Im still in love with it even though I dont own it any longer. I put over 50k miles on it in 3 years. I took it on long drives from Omaha to Chicago and Omaha to Indianapolis. The seats were so comfy that my butt was never abused. The acceleration was always great even though it was a 4 cyl. I had no problems getting around in the winter during some bad snowfalls. The only reason I traded it in was because I needed to get a bigger car for a family. When I think of my silver 2008 Altima I get a little tear in my eye as I wistfully remember how great of a car it was.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Rayd - June 23 - 10:30 am

  You will not find an auto that looks better, more horse power, and overall good dynamics for the money. I can complain about things like the position of the emerg brake or the lack of lumbar support, but HEY at this pricepoint?!?

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  My Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Anne - June 21 - 7:46 pm

  I have owned my car since February, 2005. I decided to purchase a Nissan after having it as a rental after a car accident. I tried other vehicles, and despite some - what I consider minor - issues, like noise, the quality of the car including size and overall performance and presentation was the best I found.

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  Loaded 2.5 SL w/navigation and bluetooth - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By AltimaOwner - June 21 - 7:33 am

  Great ride, smooth acceleration, the CVT is awesome. Very comfortable drivers seat, power lumbar support is a nice feature. Ive owned a Toyota Camry and Honda Accord - both are great cars - but this Altima is a great combination of both a sporty drive and great gas mileage, and a slightly better price than Toyota or Honda. I hope it holds up as well as my Toyotas and Hondas.

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  Wonderful to own, great to drive - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ellis G. Sr. - June 20 - 7:40 pm

  I really cant say anything negative about this vehicle. It is truly a sport coupe. Dont buy this car if you are not interested in a sport car but just like the looks. It has a very sporty ride (sport tuned suspension) and rides like its on rails, superb handling. Acceleration is excellent and the CVT (continuously variable transmission) shifts seamlessly when in drive mode. You can manually shift it as well. My wife and I call it a baby Z. It is a really fun car to drive and I would highly recommend it as an affordable sport car that can hold its own.

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  Never a Nissan again! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jban - June 19 - 2:57 am

  I purchased my Nissan Altima back in September. Ive been back to the dealership 5 times already. Break light coming on while driving on the highway, air bag light comes on while my wife is sitting in the seat, window squeaks as I’m rolling it down, I can hear my AC fan is loud, and the biggest problem is every other day I use the push button to start the car and it cranks, cranks, and cranks before starting. Almost like the battery is dead. Ive taken it back 5 times and every time they just replace the fuel pump. I just hope I can get the lemon law claimed on this car. Very disappointing Nissan...

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By gcsimmons - June 19 - 2:16 am

  I own a 93 Toyota Corolla with 230000 miles and we wanted a bigger car with fewer miles. This car is awesome. I love the room and the seats are great. The car is fast off the line and I can tell you my gas mileage is awesome for a 3.5 V6. I get 24 to 26 city and average 31 to 33 mpg highway. My 4 cylinder Corolla gets 34 to 37 highway. It seems the longer I drive the car the better gas mileage I get. I would definitely buy another Nissan they are a superior vehicle. Love, love, love my Nissan! Get one today you wont be sorry!

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  Still Very Happy - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Becca - June 17 - 2:56 am

  I wanted a 6-speed 2.5 with Premium, and I special ordered it before they even arrived at the dealership. I was hesitant about Intelligent Key and the push-button start, but I really like both of them - especially the iKey for the safety factor. When gas was over $4.00 a gallon, I loved the 35 MPG I was getting on the highway! This is the nicest car Ive ever owned, so I have very little criticism. I *did* have the whistling mirror issue, which the dealership quickly resolved. Also, my passenger seat shakes at high speed if nobody is sitting in it, and that can be somewhat distracting. No fix for that, Im told.