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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  Best Car in its Category - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Krishna Singh - April 2 - 12:06 am

  CVT, leather seats, Bose system, keyless start. What else can you ask for at this price point. Fun to drive, very good pickup, excellent looks, nice fuel economy (23 city, 29 highway).

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  Ok decision - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By cathy - April 1 - 3:16 pm

  I bought my 03 Altima new and have enjoyed it except for the brake issues. Lots of squealing when applying the brakes. Got front pads replaced already but still squealing. Now getting back pads looked at. Pads appeared to still have plenty of wear left on them. Also had shimmy at approx 60 mph. Once rotors were turned when new brake pads were installed, shimmy stopped. Squeaks in drivers seat. Dealer cannot seem to locate or hear it. Service mgr said its because we have some bumpy roads & car not designed for that. I dont buy that! Had a 1991 Sentra that never had any of these issues even with 200K miles on it.

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  My second time around - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Paul - April 1 - 6:00 am

  This is my 2nd Nissan Altima 3.5 SE. I traded an 05 for an 07. The 05 had more punch off the line at low speeds. Too much torque steer which would keep you very alert while confidently pulling out into a crowded intersection. Having praised the apparent power of the 2005 3.5 SE I am thoroughly impressed with my redesigned 07 Altima 3.5 SE. It does seem a bit slower off the line due to the CVT, But the power is still there with a bit more force applied to the go pedal. Gone is the torque steer. The quality of interior materials is vastly improved. Turning diameter much is much tighter. Can now see the radio display in bright sunlight. I am thrilled with this new Altima. Well Done !

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  First time Nissan buyer - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By sagid - April 1 - 2:00 am

  The Altima handles nicely and has all the extras I wanted at a price well below what I was going to pay for a Camry. The exterior design makes it look like a much more expensive car.

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  170,000 miles list replacement list - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Benjamin Rickett - March 30 - 5:46 am

  This is an incredibly reliable car but I have had to replace several things so far. 1. Both front CV joints the seals were all cracked and they were clicking very loudly when I turned. 2. Replaced the alternator 3 times so far; they were aftermarket refurbished. Dealership will not give core refund if it is not a factory alternator 3. I have a slow oil leak and some oil burning. 4. Power steering leaks in numerous places which the dealership said will eventually involve replacing the pump and all valves. 5. Steering wheel rubber has completely crumbled down to the steel core so I have had to replace the cover. and Seatbelt on drivers side doesnt pull in so it gets slammed in door

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  Worst new car Ive ever purchased. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bradhenson - March 30 - 2:05 am

  I really wanted to love this car, but the quality is sub par to put it mildly. We replaced a 2012 Nissan Juke that we loved (rear-ended and totaled). I kick myself every day for not buying another one. The transmission is noisy, the power steering pump is noisy, and the interior rattles more than an American car with 200k miles on it. Nissan says that the transmission is supposed to sound like the old "baseball card in the bicycle spokes", but Im not buying it. The Juke transmission was perfect, but this one is perfectly horrible. I get mad every time I have to drive it. Im done with Nissan. My next car was going to be a 370Z, but Id buy a Korean car first...

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  Been there for me for over 10 years - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Lura - March 29 - 5:20 pm

  Like an old friend, my trusty Altima has been with me through a lot of my young adulthood. When I first got her, I remember being very happy with the swift acceleration. Over the years, I have have had a few problems, but not unusual based on the number of miles these problems occurred at.

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  altima issues - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By islander12 - March 27 - 12:45 pm

  Any issues that I have have with my 2009 Altima i just had to google and found them very quickly online. Three issues, Push start, transmission and leak in the moon roof all were listed as a problem. Nissan covered all repairs except for the moonroof. Disappointing because only had 36000 miles as of 2012 and bought the car based on consumer reports.

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  Great Dealer - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By raylesholm - March 27 - 10:00 am

  The car is fantastic, rides great and gets good gas mileage.

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  No test drive needed - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By manager - March 22 - 11:27 pm

  Once again Nissan made a car that was so easy to drive and enjoy........But I warn everyone that if you do not spend another $600 for the LED upgrade on the headlights you will not get the boomerang daytime driving lights on your car. Gas mileage is thru the roof and seating space is ample and comfortable.