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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  Truly Top of the Line - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Nissan Buyer 20500 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Compared Altima to Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Toyota and Camry. This beauty outclassed them all value-wise. This car is fully loaded for less than an equivalent Accord base (pre-option) price. A 4-cyl with enough power to pull you back in your seat. Some Edmnds reviews say it steers badly--thats torque steering. The engine pulls so well that accelerating while turning will "assist" the driver with a pull on the wheel. After a week, you know how to handle it.

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  Great Car, I miss it! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By macfie87 - October 31 - 10:40 pm

  I bought this car used at 62K miles and loved it, until it was recently totaled at 150K. Everything was great, except for a few problems as its mileage got higher. Had to have a throttle replaced and it was about 800, but that was really the only major problem. It was needing a new alternator and a new shift lock, but I fixed those myself. Everything else was AWESOME! And airbags deployed and engine shut off automatically...great safety features.

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  Very Nice Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By 2cool4you - October 31 - 12:53 pm

  I bought a car in January of 08. I love it and everything about it! I had to have the service department do a couple of things to it, like brakes and power seat was shifting every time I take a turn, Nissan issued a service kit for that, ever since its been a pleasure. I would recommend this car to anybody who tries to decide between Toyota, Honda, etc. Go with Nissan and you will not regret it! My next car is new Maxima!

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  awesome family car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By turbogirl - October 31 - 10:00 am

  The new Nissan Altima is an awesome family car. I have the 3.5SE which delivers power and performance. The interior is a bit scaled down to cheap plastic but the seating is comfortable and roomy. The bose stereo has a great sound. The trunk is roomy except for the trunk lid brackets which can get in the way. This is one of the best cars I have ever purchased. With a few after market add ons, it makes for a really hot car.

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  Better than my 05 altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Blackhaus50 - October 30 - 7:13 pm

  Great car, lots of room for the driver and in the back seats for adults! Lots of power with the 3.5

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  Great Highway Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By matthew - October 29 - 7:40 pm

  Bought car with 5000 miles, dealer demo. So far, has been great. Bought to use as commuter so I can keep truck for towing. Overall, I love the car. Handles great. Secure driving in the rain and snow. Installed Bridgestone Turanzas, made huge improve in overall handling and foul weather performance. Accelerates decent with 2.5, great gas mileage. With my new job I am now driving 100+ miles a day, and on the highway it is great. Average 27 mpg at 75 mph. Good NDSS sound system, decent features for base car. Seats are awesome. Interior quality not great, nothing really broke on car but I am careful with her. Reliability so far great. Now has 54,000 miles, still love it. Overall, great car!

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  Stay away from thw 2002 Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Gone Driving - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The car is just shy of 2 years old and has had a new catalytic converter, radiator, engine mount, heater core and ABS sensor. It has ongoing problems with vibration and wind noise which have still not been corrected . There is rust on one of the engine brackets which according to Nissan has no metal in it. The car had starting problems. The brakes have no power assist in very cold weather for the first minute or two after starting the car. Unfortunately all the excitement that I had when I bought this car has turned into lack of confidence in Nissan Products.

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By katiesue - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my Altima. It has been a great experience having this car.

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  Fast, Fun, and Sexy - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Beaz - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 02 3.5 Altima for almost a year, and I can honestly say I still have as much fun driving it now as when it was new. The Camry (which I sell for a living) doesnt even come close to the feel, and I love the attention I get while driving it. It was well worth the wait to find the 5spd. The road noise is a little higher than I like but the stereo more than makes up for it. Great car, but a built in radar detector previously mentioned by someone else wouldnt be a bad idea. Its easy to go well over the limit and not even know it.

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  AWESOME Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Kenny D - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I havent bought an Altima yet but have rented several of the 4 cylinder automatics from Budget and I have to say that I will be buying one soon. I have never considered a 4 cylinder before but after experiencing this 4 cylinder Im not even interested in the V6 anymore. VERY fast, handles great and good on gas. I cruised several times from LA to San Fran at 85mph with the A/C and cruise going and it still had power to spare. I would buy one in a heartbeat (and will!!)