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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  2003 Altima 2.5s - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By John - March 1 - 1:26 am

  I just bought my Altima used. After having the car for a month now I can say that all works very well with the power, handling and comfort. I love the power moon roof and the stereo is very good too. I found out that the turning radius is not all that good so you need to do a 3 point turn for many U turns that you need to make. The big problem I found is even a simple snow fall makes the car handle very badly and is quite dangerous even with good tires.

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  Love It - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Matt F - February 27 - 8:06 am

  Ive owned the car for just over two months now, and am completely satisfied with my purchase. Mixed highway and city driving gives 27-30 mpg (over 4000+ miles so far). The ride is smooth, the car is comfortable, and I love the way it looks and handles. Passengers have commented on how well it rides and how it looks. It is a quiet car even at highway speed. Another reviewer complained about the sound of the turn signal; I think its so quiet I have to visually check to see that its actually on. Keyless entry/push button start takes some adjustment, but is very convenient. Good A/C and stereo with the convenience package. Absolutely no doubts or regrets to this point.

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  Good car for the money - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bernard H. Gould - February 26 - 11:26 pm

  My 64-year old wife, the principal driver, at times got up to 27 miles per gallon on an interstate going to work. Thats great for a 6-cylinder, 250 hp motor while doing 70 mph over 18 miles. Pickup was also great, doing zero to 60 in around 6 seconds. She always uses premium fuel, insisting she gets better mileage from it, and that the engine not only requires it, but extends engine life. The dealer also takes good care of her, and gives her a discount oil change if she brings the car in for service after 4 p.m. Ive driven the car myself on occasion. What power! And it looks very stylish.

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  05 altima 3.5se - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By bmeman - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is fantastic. I was actually going to buy a TSX but was greatly dissapointed by its horrible engine. The idea of having to press the gas in all the way in to merge onto the highway is absolutely absurd. The interior is great, steering wheel design is awesome. Instruments are very nice, amber coloring is a nice touch and it is also very easy on the eyes. The seats are plush, but hold you in place while you are taking tight turns.

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  Outstanding midsize sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Indydriver - February 24 - 8:26 am

  All around great car. Never considered Altima when I started shopping, but this was best deal (2.5S-SL pkg,Bose audio). Smooth, quiet, and sporty to drive. 0-60 acceleration close to V-6s. Great cargo space with back seat down. With smooth driving (NOT hypermiling) get GREAT mileage (90+% city my 1st 2k was 26.5 mph ACTUAL mpg-not computer but by total gas I put in tank).

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  2006 NIssan Altims - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By fohne - February 22 - 2:06 pm

  Immediate recall on engine. Replaced within first month. Never was truly happy with car, paint job went bad after 5 yars. 9 years later head cracked, no indicator lights or any prior warning.

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  Oil consumption - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By april - February 21 - 11:56 pm

  I have had my altima (2.5 special edition package) since Mar. 2006. Loved it until I started to hear engine noise with only 4,000 miles. Per Nissan, they expect 87,000 altimas to have oil consumption defect where you have to get your oil checked every 700 miles. This problem led to me having to get a new engine with 5000 miles. Thank goodness for warranty!

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  Love but ? - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By cvb8 - February 21 - 3:59 am

  Problems seems to be popping up. First time I had a car stop behind me when backing up...accident since no warning. Next, back up screen showed electrical waverings and passenger air bag lit up. Passenger door whistles and sounds as though something is open when not. CD player only holds ONE disc at a time (bad, bad) and recently when I did a phone call while CD was playing and ended it, a message saying No USB connection) Lastly (for now) the car slips into neutral at 35 mph and has to be shifted from drive to neutral and back to drive. Probably should have bought another Honda Accord since it seems Nissan, though has great styling, conveniences and good gas mileage, has many "bugs"

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  Awesome Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Nealy27 - February 20 - 3:40 pm

  This car is awesome! First time I drove it I didnt want to park!!! I test drove several other competing cars ( Mazda6, Camry, Honda) and there the Altima. Performs great and is alot of fun to drive.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By waxsa2000 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I used to drive a VW Passat and I have allways sworn by German cars. This car is so much fun to drive that I sold my Passat and purchase a 3.5 Altima. I think it is well worth the money