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:

• 

  A good car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Nathan Alford - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I like my car a lot. Its fast enough, though I wont be winning many races. A very nice looking car on the outside, and average looking on the inside. I drove a 2002 Camry mostly though high school, and the Altima cant campete with its roomy interior with leather. Of course the Camry has been around much longer, and is more equal to the Maxima. So if you need something bigger and better than a Sentra and you cant/wont get a Maxima, then the Altima is a very good choice.

• 

  Reliable and Quick - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By el CAPiTAN! - January 24 - 10:00 am

  When you look at the Altima you never guess the amount of PEP thats inside of this car (my only regrets were that I didnt get a manual), I mean the acceleration is superb and the big 2.4L engine is great. So far its really reliable and nice. ITs a very fun car and I love burning little civics and celicas with it.

• 

  Love my Nissan - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Gooser987 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 GXE brand new off the lot in 01 with no miles on it. Its got great pickup-155 HP (w/o the a/c on) and a fund car to drive. Gets great gas mileage for all the driving I do.

• 

  Fun 3.5SE - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Great 3.5SE - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car. Infinity performance and looks for a lot less. The V6 is incredibly smooth and powerful. Looks great, dual chrome exhaust, 17-inch wheels and sport suspension! Important to note, was T- boned and spun through an intersection 3-months after purchase (individual ran red-light), safety features, airbags performed admirably and walked away from accident. Great car!

• 

  Altima stole us away from Toyota - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By RonB - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve been a big Toyota supporter, but The Altima SE stole us away from a Camry. At first my wife was pretty skeptical of test driving an Altima(she was thinking of the previous model years, bland!). She was pretty set on a Camry. That all changed after driving an ALtima. The exterior is no contest, Altima SE is far superior. Altima SE has 50 extra horses and is extremely quiet. The ride is very smooth and comfortable. Camry beats Altima for interior quality, but not by much. Good gas mileage(27 mpg), with the only down side using premium fuel. To sum it up, Superior looks, more power, more room, switched us to Nissan (Still love my Tacoma).

• 

  Love my Car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Love my Car!!!!!!!! - January 21 - 9:13 pm

  I just purchased this car last week. This is my first car and so far it has done well. I will have to let you know how it is after I have it for a while.

• 

  Good car for the price - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Tdubby23 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Altima almost 2 years now. I paid $17,000 brand new. For that price I got a really good car. I upgraded to a stiffer rear sway bar and 18" rims and a nice tint, and I have a really sweet ride! It handles great and I like the look of the exterior. The interior is okay, though some of the dash pieces are hard plastic and my shift boot fell apart. There is tons of room, so you get a sporty look with lots of room! I recommend this car, especially the new 2005 with its redesigned interior.

• 

  Happy Deal - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mkozic - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2.5S Altima in June and I am very happy. Lot of power for a 4 cyl. car. The has a plenty of enterior space, lots of trunk space. I am impressed with base stereo that it came with. The upholstery could be a little better...but you cant get everything for under 20K. I got a great deal through the internet.

• 

  Cant believe its a Nissan! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ACE Driver - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Great acceleration, beautiful body styling, much improved interior over the 2002 - but still needs a little improvement w/ the interior features - but this car is a blast to drive... the Accord is in big trouble!!

• 

  Best Vehicle Ever!!!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Beverly Hills 90210 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I am 100 o/o happy with this car. I have had many, many cars and this one is right at the top. Thank you Nissan. The only negative is the steering wheel radio and speed controls are not lighted. The rest is Perfect!