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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  classy looks - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By glenn - December 22 - 6:30 pm

  recommended by a friend. car drives very nice, its quiet and rides smooth. everything seems to fit well in place.

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  I love my Altima! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By datunison - December 21 - 5:20 am

  I have a 2007 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL. I could not be happier with my Altima! It has everything I wanted at a great price! The gas mileage is wonderful, especially with the way gas prices are right now! I get so many compliments on it! It drives so smooth! I go through at least 1 car per year, but I think I might keep this one for awhile. It is just the best one so far that Ive owned. Definitely a keeper! If you are looking to buy an Altima, I would put it at the top of the list to check out. I love it!

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  Good car but outdated desigb - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Maulik Shah - December 20 - 4:21 pm

  With beautiful interiors specially with mazdas and Hondas. Altima looks very stale design. No CarPlay too.

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  Love it Love it - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By MZLDL - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever had. Enough said. These people putting it down need to quit being so critical. Not every car is perfect!

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  My Favorite Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Brenda - December 19 - 1:53 pm

  My Altima is that pretty sage green color. I cant tell you how many people compliment the car. It acclerates well and has excellent response. The Bose sound system is a must. I can never own another car without a sunroof. You will be spoiled. My only regret is that I did not get ON-Star.

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  Nissan got it right - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Tobyboy - December 18 - 5:46 am

  Let me start off by saying I love cars and have many, many cars. My favorite vehicle prior to this purchase was my GS 300 Lexus. This Altima is now is my favorite car. It has it all, interior and exterior style, comfort, technology and gas economy. Nissan got it right! I started out wanting a 4 cylinder car that is not a crap box. Most manufacturers will make the 4 cylinder the stripped down model, with no leather, limited options, etc. Nissan approaches this market differently. They take the same vehicle that is available in the more pricey 6 cylinder and simply put a 4 cylinder in its place. This car is near perfect. Accelaration with the 4 is more than adequate.

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  What a surprise! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Vanessa - December 17 - 2:20 am

  I had to buy a new car due to a bad accident in my Honda so I test drove many cars and the Altima came out on top! It drives so well, has nice standard features and is very roomy and comfortable. I had no idea how great this car really was! I am very happy with my purchase!

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  Former Camry Owner - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By afret - December 16 - 12:36 pm

  Owned two Toyota Camrys and due to their age, decided time was right to purchase new. Couldnt beat the Nissan price deals. Since all reviews show Nissan comparable, decided to give it a try. Initial Altima impression, nice car; nice ride; but, dislike dont like the blindspots. Im also concerned that the engine makes a slight pinging sound at idle (i.e. sounds like a diesel). Havent had the chance to have the dealer look at it yet. All in all, havent had the car long enough to decide if its as high quality as Toyota.

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  What a difference - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff W - December 14 - 5:50 pm

  I recently purchased my 08 fully loaded V6 6Sp to replace my 350z, the quality of the car is a step up from the 350z which was priced higher when new. I also had a 2002 3.5 se 5 speed altima that I loved and this car is 400x better in every way. The feel, the quality of the materials, the options make this car a rich car for the money. The altima handles great and is plenty fast with bluetooth, navi, backup camera to satisfy my tech cravings. All in all I am extremely pleased with the car, although I miss the sweet purr of the 350z exhaust, but thats fixed easy.

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  Power to spare - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Gjmpilot - December 14 - 2:00 am

  My wife bought a 3.5SE in May 2003. She let me drive it occasionally and I fell in love with it. Bought my own 2 months later. Satin white is beautiful on this car. The power is phenomenal, especially such quiet, smooth, neck snapping acceleration. Its not always the power you use but what whats in reserve. This has RESERVE !!! Cant wait to start it up in the morning. absolutely the most fun car Ive ever driven. And all this for $21,200. Awesome Plus !!!