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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  Been a great lease, deciding to purchase it or not - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By tmac4718 - September 14 - 12:07 am

  Brand new lease on 08/13/2008, now has 36k miles. Have enjoyed the car so much Im trying to decide whether to just buy it. If it was awd it would be a no brainer. Even with brand new Toyo all seasons this year it still stinks in the winter. Car is too light and cant keep the front tires from slipping entirely too much in the winter, drove my 4wd instead. Brakes have squealed the whole time, dealer says normal. And an odd loud ping upon startup when putting in reverse. Dealer can never reproduce the ping. Other than that great car. Other peoples tranny issues concern me but still has warranty

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  Pats Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By patricia a leblanc - September 11 - 5:40 am

  This vehicle is totally reliable in the almost three years Ive owned it. The biggest trouble Ive ever had with it was the locking steering column which I just jiggle to get it to unlock. It happens maybe once a month. It steers joyfully. The visibility is really a nine with the last one being that there is still a blind spot on the drivers side. I hate that. Its not the smoothest ride Ive ever had but it comes really close to it. The snow handling is good with a view on when it slides for me. The color is very pleasant, its like a sea green. Ive been going to the dealer for service and it has taken me to long distances happily! I also have a car roof rack!

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  not so good ride.... - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By cpark - September 9 - 10:00 am

  i got about 26000 miles. engine is pretty good. but it burns a lot of gases. worst ride quality that i never had. tight supension that gives you wonderful corner handling. has pretty good standard feature. in dash 6 cd, fog lamp, and on. valuable price. i like that titanium silver gauge. horrible transmission. cant even see at night time. headlight is real dark. even if you turn on high beam, that darker than other cars low beam. not too good, not too bad car.

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  Near Perfect - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Kristo - September 9 - 10:00 am

  At triple-digits on the open highway, this baby roars quietly enough to keep my wife asleep and unaware. Admirable acceleration too, especially for a 4- cylinder. Im not sure what prior vehicals many of the other reviewers have owned, but considering the Altima is an entry-level mid-sized sedan, the interior is impressive. Sure, theres plastic. Sure, the latches on the arm rest are stiff and prone to breaking. But the car is $20k, people! My Altima is a joy to drive, still turns heads with its sleek look (despite all the other Altimas on the road), and has been virtually problem free. I dont know about the rest of you, but Nissan got my Altima right!

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  Pretty Good - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Richard Seibert - September 7 - 6:53 am

  Car has smooth ride and decent handling. Handling could be improved with better OE tires. Very pleased with MPG so far. Lease deal was terrific, and that is what swayed me, although I do like the styling and interior design. Intelligent key is great--no fishing for the remote.

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  stay away from this piece of garbage - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By wayne - September 6 - 8:20 pm

  tupperware car - beautiful to look at but build quality and materials are junk. it has been in the shop more times than i can count with a less than helpful dealership(stealership). had problems starting, ABS light came on for no reason, crank position sensor went, bouncy ride/rear shocks lack rebound damping, intermittent buzzing from under dash area, turn signals stop clicking, lots of rattles etc. Stay away from this one and buy a camry or accord.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By spaw - September 4 - 10:00 am

  The styling is fantastic. The ride is smooth and very comfortable. It handles corners and speed superbly. The roomy interior is a great improvement from earlier models. I have more room than cars in higher class.

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  Great Car @ a Great Price - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By GOH_2010 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second new Altima. I had an 02, and traded it in on an 03. I cannot say enough good things about this car. This is a great car for single folks and families alike. In addition I am 64" and I fit very well into any seat in the car!!!

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  Love my Altima - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By rosannem - September 3 - 3:06 am

  Since my lease on my Nissan Sentra was just about up, I decided to go back to Nissan of St Charles where I originally leased my car to see what kind of a deal I could get on a new lease. I really love the Altima. This is my favorite Nissan model, but I knew I had to stay within my means so I was prepared to stay with the Sentra if I could not afford the payments of an Altima. Mariana, my husband and I went over what we could afford to put down on a 2014 Altima to lease for 36 months. Mariana and her manager worked with us and did everything they could to make the monthly payments affordable; gave us a great deal. Great customer service. Getting free oil changes and washes for 3 years too.

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  Dependable, Powerful and Sporty - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Powerslave - September 1 - 8:30 pm

  I bought an Altima 3.5 SE just over 2 years ago and havent been dissapointed. This car continues to impress me. The car has excellent handling, power, torque and is extremly fun to drive. Although, Im sure the 2.5 version is fine, the V-6 is the only real way to enjoy this car. Ive seen reviews that say the interior quality is subpar. I, however, dissagree (at least with the leather interior model). If youre looking for a powerful, roomy, and well-styled car...then the Altima is your choice! The Accord and Camry just dont have the performance this one has.