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 Lack Of support on Altimas - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By dchunt - March 11 - 4:30 am

  We purchased this vehicle the last of May 2006. We have since learned that this model appears to have engine problems that have resulted in 17 engine fires. Nissan has no info in their website about this problem and has not contacted me as to what action they plan to take in this matter. If i were to try and trade this vehicle for another brand I imagine my trade in value would be much less due to this problem. My question is "What and when will Nissan do any thing to rectify this situation?" I have purchased a total of 4 Nissans over the years and have always thought Nissan was a quality company that stood behind its products but their actions up to now lead me to beliece otherwise.

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  Great car - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Sandy - March 10 - 1:14 pm

  4 cyl acceleration almost as good as other brands v6 due to cvt transmission. Excellent mpg. Hand calculated on long trip 42.2 mpg. Drove speed limit, tailwind sometimes. Very quiet interior, very similar to fit and finish of Lexus 350 ( camry size Lexus ) but $15,000 cheaper. I take offense at car magazine "experts" criticising cvt differences from conventional transmissions.. yes, they are different!! Better performance and mileage but no shift points. Rent one for a weekend if youre on the fence.. Altima is a nice car..

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By TomT - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Altima 3.5 SE for 7 months and have had zero problems. Its very quick. Turning radius is a bit too big, otherwise I have no complaints.

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  Love the car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Lidar - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 98 Altima GLE this May with 61K on it. For two months, there is nothing that bothers me. Its acceleration is awesome (much better and Accord LX). Driving through traffic is easy and fun. Great fuel economy and reliability. I strongly recommend this car

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  Altima 4 cylinder - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By perry_1961 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive.Very peppy for a four cylinder.Still love looking at it. Averaged 30MPG on my last trip out of town,with a.c. running and cruise set at 85. My only regret is the cheap looking interior.

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  Wow - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Harleyed - March 6 - 7:30 pm

  For a 4 cylinder it has punch. Rides great and has good soundproofing. Very little road noise.

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  Amazing Car for this price range - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By allen729 - March 6 - 9:07 am

  My parents got the 2.5 SL fully loaded and it is an amazing car. I have an Infiniti G37 and i dont have few features that this Altima has. Like heated steering wheel, blind spot monitor, and lane departure warning. None of those options are available on my car nor the nissan maxima . And for a car that cost a little more than $10,000 less than an Infiniti thats amazing! The seats are so comfortable, honestly the only seats that i have sat on that were more comfortable was a Mercedes S550 which is more than $100,000. This cars little details really show what an amzing car it really. The lights underneath the car that light up at night, the remote start that is standard on the SV and SL.

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  Good 4 Dr. Sedan Choice! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By ncgent - March 5 - 7:36 pm

  Owned this car for just over 1 month, and I know I made the right choice. I had 23 choices: Accord, Camry or an Altima. I was looking at the 6 cyl. versions of these sedans. Nissan came through in quality of the interior over the Camry. The Honda had more road noise than the others. The Nissan was the most comfortable for me (61", 200#). The handling was superior in the Altima - it felt most in touch with the road. I thought I would not like the transmission, but I LOVE the CVT. No harsh shifting points. The CVT does make a noise when accelerate or shutting the engine down like a jet engine. The 10 year CVT warranty assured me it is ok. I do not hesitate to recommend it.

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Craig C - March 4 - 7:56 pm

  The Altima coupe is a great car. It is a very attractive car from all angles and the ride lives up to the looks. The 2.5 engine produces enough power for quick accelerations and passing on the highway. The interior is well thought out and the quality of materials used is top notch. With the premium package, I have the same features, Bluetooth, leather, heated seats, power driver seat, sunroof, steering wheel controls, Bose stereo system and XM radio that my friend has in his BMW 3 series which cost $20,000 more. The overall build quality is very good on the car both inside and out. The rear seats are not huge but are large enough for two adults to sit comfortably for shorter trips.

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  Outstanding & efficient midsize sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Hoosierman - March 4 - 1:40 pm

  Never thought about Altima when I first started shopping, but it was best deal in solid midsized with leather. Great all-around car. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, efficient, and sporty. CVT sounds different, but combo of mpg and acceleration is unmatched in its class.