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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  I Love MY CAR!!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Nichole - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I always wanted an Altima. My husband was so sweet and let me go and look at one. Before we left, we were signing papers!!! I almnost cried!!! This is my first BRAND new car!!! I LOVE IT!!!

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By IsaacAmy - December 3 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Altimas are great. I love the gas milage compare to what I use to have to put in a Chevy Tahoe. Great Family car. I have two kids and they love it. The radio system is also great. Over all I think its a great family car and looks very nice.

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  First Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By bonning - December 1 - 5:33 pm

  I am a converted GM buyer but have had problems with their service, and repair costs over the past several years.My last car was a cadillac Catera, previously Buicks, Pontiacs. My Altima is the first foray into "foreign" territory. 4 people at work have an altima and the styling and good looks first appealed to me.After asking all 4 people how they liked their cars I received excellent comments from all of them with a unanimous completely satisfied with the car. Ive had the car since September 04 and am impressd with the performance, styling, and everything about this vehicle

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  Super reliable..so far - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Ricky153 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Altima in 01/98 with 20,000 miles for 12,500. I have 68400 today and the only thing that I have had to replace(outside of battery,tires,oil changes & brakes)was the oil sending unit, total bill was $22.00. Its been extremly reliable and feels sporty to drive.I like the quick pick up. Average 23 mpg. Still runs like a champ.

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  Love that car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Pauli G - November 28 - 10:00 am

  In the past I always bought Honda Accords. I took one test drive of the 3.5SL and I was sold. This car has incredible pickup. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly it goes 0-60mph. The exterior design is classic(esp. with the rear spoiler). The quality of the leather could be upgraded just a bit. Overall, very pleased with the preformance, comfort and value of this car....Highly recommended.

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  Worst Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By CWise - November 28 - 6:46 am

  I like my Altima very much but their are alot of problems wrong with it. First my car has a mind of its own it starts when it fells like it. Second has a bad water sound of the right side. Third all of this stuff has been checked the water noise was fixed but came back, and the car starting was checked and they see nothing wrong with it other of my friends that have the car say they have experienced this problem even with the 6cylinder engines. Nissan should make this problem a recall on this car.

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  Best Car I ever owned for the money - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By akinchen - November 27 - 5:10 pm

  I expect Fuel to stay around the 3 to 3.25 range so I bought the 3.5 SV , i prefer cloth interior . I have about 10,000 miles . I converted to 0-20 viscosity Mobile one oil . I get about 34.5 average highway , the computer stays about 27.7 average around Houston . I love the acceleration and quietness of the CVT . The 3.5 has no noise when gunning the engine . Materials are excellent , love the engine and power . Best car I ever owned , got it on sale for about 25,000, beats everything in its class . Low interest rate

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  Poor Mans Infiniti - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mufasa - November 25 - 2:56 am

  I was ready to buy Accord, but felt I should at least drive an Altima. Wow. Internet pics dont do car justice. Very smooth, refined, and the cvt is so sweet and the sound system is solid. First tank of gas the mileage was not that good, mainly because of my desire to get the know the power of those 270 horses. 2nd tank of gas resulted in average of 26mpg -- which was 75% highway and 25% city. I know I am sacrificing 4-5mpg for v6 instead of v4, but I can live with it.

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  great car for the price - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By jim631 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  i like the comfort,the way it handles,the radio controls on the steering wheel,the roomy truck space,big back seating.........im vvery happy with my purchace would recomend for some one who likes to drive.

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  Really Good Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By bmcc - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The Altima is a really good all-around car. Its huge and has lots of space, has a really big trunk, has one of the best car stereos ever (BOSE system), and possesses an insane motor. Rear seat room rivals that of larger cars. The only problem is build quality. There’s no denying the fact that it is bad. Wood texture on dash is so hideous that I had it removed. There is a massive amount of noise in the interior. If you drive on a wet road, it sounds like you are driving in a swimming pool. The car pings. To solve this problem, I drive really fast and accelerate a lot so that the noise of the engine cancels out the interior squeaks ;-)