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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  Has been a decent car - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By greg_m - April 26 - 4:30 pm

  My dad was the original owner of this car and sold it to me in 2003 w/about 135,000 miles on it. Its a pretty quick car for only being a 4 cyl., but the gas mileage isnt all that great either. When I was putting mostly highway miles on it traveling to work, I think I only averaged about 22 or 3 mpg. The engine still runs nice at 170k miles, but it has always had an oil leak. Ruined a distributor and an alternator. Got the seal fixed once, but now it leaks again.

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  Great Restyle - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By greenbrook - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great power,room and design

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  Great improvement - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Marc - April 24 - 7:40 am

  I purchased my 2008 Nissan Altima in April 2008. It has been a great car thus far, fun to drive and handles well. I love the push button start the most, you cant be the opts for a 2.5 S. Previously, I owned a 2006 Altima but it was totaled in an accident. The new Altima improvements are noticeable and you would think they would be in a more expensive car.

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  As Reliable as it Gets - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By CAW - April 23 - 9:53 am

  This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. After 4 years, and 50,000 miles, I have had no repair bills other than preventive care. Personally, thats all Im really looking for in a vehicle. However, while the Altima isnt a sports car, when equipped with the 5 speed manual, the KA24DE engine provides plenty of power for day to day driving. The car handles above average for a family sedan. My main complaints are disappointing MPG, and a bit too much wind noise. I also had to replace the the OEM CD Player as it did not play burned CDs. With low operating cost and low initial purchase cost, this would be a great car for college student or people on a tight budget. Highly recommended.

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  Wish I wouldnt have purchased until Nissan worked all of the bugs out. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By barrylewisl - April 23 - 1:36 am

  I purchased this car nearly a month after it was first released. I have been a loyal Nissan customer for the past 3 years when i purchased my first altima a 2010 model.I loved the new luxurious redesign and had to get behind the wheel of one. I like to call it now My "Beautiful Nightmare" Because it has been one thing going wrong after the next since week 2. By week 2 the brakes were squealing terrible and after 5 trips and 5 months later its still present. Also i began to notice a jingling noise, it was a screw that came loose and rattled on the engine cover. That noise has came back, not as loud. Also the starter hangs up and recently started then shut off on me twice this week. Lemon!

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  The pain of loving a nightmare - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Sarah Elizabeth - April 21 - 11:57 am

  Ive had my nissan for 8 yrs and she ran smooth when all was proper but I was one of the unfortunate owners that ran into a bad catalytic converter. Common with this car 02-06. Started with a simple overheating issue. Once the water pump, radiator fans, and thermostat were all replaced it no longer overheated codes read bad crank/cam pos sensor, fuel ratio issue 0420. replaced the sensors, soon followed by a head gasket fix and new valve cover gaskets, played nice for a few months then started misfiring bad again out of nowhere because soon to be diagnosed bad catalytic converter. engine hasnt seized so time to take it apart again and see if its worth fixing. Total Nightmare.

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  Never buy a Nissan. Acceleration stopped in Highway. - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By ryandbm - April 20 - 7:57 pm

  Nissan has acceleration problems. The sensor in the gas pedal can develop faults, leading to a sluggish acceleration or an outright stall regardless of how much throttle the driver dials in. If you google "nissan acceleration problem", there are 2,360,000 results show in 0.13 seconds. The year spans from 1994 to 2013 in Rouge, Altima, Sentra, Cube, Maxima, etc. although Nissan only recalled the 2004-2013 cars. I have a 2006 Nissan Altima, which showed the sudden stop in high way 4 times from 2010 to 2013. But my car is not in the recall list. Nissan and its dealers are finding all excuses to push off the responsibility. My lesson is never buy a Nissan.

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  The car that would not die - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By sloemoe - April 18 - 11:30 am

  Ive put over 200,000 miles on my Altima and its still runs great. My wife owns a 1998 Altima with 90,000 miles on it and it also solid. Ive had to replace the drivers side visor in both several times because it is connected by cheap plastic. This is the great choice for anyone wanting to get out from under a gas guzzler and still get a dependable car.

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  Love my Nissan - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Lee - April 17 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my Altima to drive to work. My daughter drove it home for me it was an hour drive she fell in love with it and the next week purchased her own Altima from the same dealer. We really do love our Altima.

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  First time Nissan owner - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - April 15 - 10:23 pm

  Just bought my first Nissan after looking at many midsize sedans. Really liked the new design of the Altima and for the money it comes with great features: push button start, keyless entry, CVT trans, steering audio controls and all the airbags. Drove a few other sedans, but the CVT 4 cyl really has the other companys 4 cyls beat, love the pick-up and sound of the engine. Noticed some bad blind spots in some other makes, no problems in the Altima. The layout of the interior is well thought out, everything is easy to reach. Have only had the car for 12 days but really love it. Went on one drive of over 150 miles and it rode very well. Drive a lot of mixed city/hwy and last fillup got 28 mpg.