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:

• 

  I love my Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By bman2505 - January 5 - 6:33 pm

  I purchased my 2.5 SL Sonoma Sunset with charcoal leather about a week ago. So far I love the car. The seats are firm but supportive and give a sporty feel. The 4 cylinder is very peppy and can keep up with many v6 cars. Have about 600 miles so far and I am getting 28-30 MPG on 80% highway and 20% city driving. I expect it to get even better after a few thousand miles.

• 

  Great Car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By carfun1 - January 4 - 1:56 pm

  I bought mine with 50,000 miles on it. It is now turning 200,000 miles on it. I had to put in a rebuilt trans at 178,000 miles and new tie rods at 180,000. As far as things need to be done it seems that it does not start till after 112,000 miles. At least every 10,000 miles added to the car is when things need to be done, I mean things that should get done i.e. shocks, starter, front-end. My mechanic said it will last another 100,000 as long as I do my oil changes and small routine maintenance. Funny thing is when I first bought the car I was getting 27 to the highway now I am getting 31 hwy and 26 to the city. Go figure.

• 

  Nice commuter - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Driver from OH - January 1 - 7:40 pm

  Bought this car cheap with a blown engine (overheated) at 143k. Replaced with a 53k engine and barely ran until I replaced distributor, knock and O2 sensor, and alternator (I suggest replacing parts with new Nissan parts, otherwise, youll be replacing them again soon). Now, if I dont look at the odometer (155k), I think that the car is only several years old. The engine and transmission (auto) were designed for each other and provide good power at both high and low RPM ranges. One major flaw on these cars are the timing chain guides, which start making loud ticking noises after about 40k, and the only solution is to remove them. Nissan got rid of these in their later models. Good car!

• 

  Altima - 2002 Gold - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By TucNav - January 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Nissans for years including a 96 Altima. This one is great! Very roomy, more than my Maxima, especially in the back seat. A little under powered with the 4 cyl, but am getting 25 - 27 in town commute (surface streets, not freeway). If you looking for a great, comfortable car at a great price, this is it.

• 

  Just bought 08 Altima SL with 10K miles - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By utlax18 - December 31 - 7:46 pm

  Just bought a used 08 Altima SL with 10K miles. I like the sportiness of the car and the interior. Averaging 25.1 overall mileage (per the trip computer) and drive primarily in the city. Only issue I am having is a slight "lifter" noise which I have researched and they say it is a "timing chain tensioner" issue. Will take it in a week or so for the dealer to look at it. If I didnt have this issue, I would rate it a 9.

• 

  DONT BUY!!!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By markv25 - December 31 - 1:50 am

  I bought my new Altima 4 weeks ago and have had problems with the car ever since. First, I ve had to go to the dealer 3x for a faulty seat sensor light that they cant seem to fix. Second, dont believe the gas mileage on the car. I cant seem to average 29 mpg. The car seems to be fun to drive at first but then it gets boring. Plus, the noise the engine makes when you accelerate gets annoying. The speakers are supposedly Bose, but they sound like crap. I really wish I had bought another car.

• 

  The coupe - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By thegooddr - December 30 - 12:46 pm

  I got 2.5 with CVT and convenience pkg. Great power, excellent ride, handles well, and gorgeous. The car is better than I expected. I got it for style, but it is also a great ride. Economy, according to the computer is 23 around the city, and will go over 400 miles on a tank. Only an economy car will do that.

• 

  Better than honda and toyota - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By billy frazier - December 30 - 8:43 am

  I bought my altima with 88000 miles on it after owning a Toyota and 2 hondas, have to say both are way overrated,my Altima has been the most dependable car Ive ever had, and let me say "some rockin a/c", blows 38 degrees in Florida-ice cold, and the car is so easy to maintain for the do it yourselfer, have not had a single problem yet, now 140,000 miles and going strong

• 

  Wonderful car for the Money!!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By WB9696 - December 29 - 12:00 pm

  This is one of the best cars on the road for the money. Great handling, power, and one fun car to drive.

• 

  Some Dissatisfaction - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Chris Anderson - December 28 - 6:40 pm

  Hood and truck are plastic. A magnet will not adhere. Stick shift sometimes difficult with the "zig-zag" configuration. Seats uncomfortable. Speakers not great. Radio/clock dial hard to see. The worst was salesman told me my 1st oil change was free, but upon reporting for that appointment, I was told the first oil change was never free. That was an aggravating waste of time.