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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  Building equity to get rid of it! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Marc C. - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has done what it was designed to do which is to get from point A to point B. Never had a break down or anything other than routine maintenance. The interior road noise and 70mph "shimmy" are unbearable on long trips. New tires, 4-wheel alignments, and computer balancing havent helped one bit. And lets not forget the shaky hood. I get nervous driving at highway speeds because the hood shakes up and down like its about to fly off. This car has never been in a collision, but its parts fit together like it has. Im waiting to get the loan paid down enough to trade in on a Monte Carlo or Impala. Ill never buy an import again.

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  super nice car - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By ofcourse1 - September 30 - 8:31 am

  I have had my Altima for a year now, and am 90% happy with it. The seats are pretty good, but after about 6-8 hours on the road, start to show their inadequacy. I have put over 26,000 miles in a year, and not had any issues. Very quiet, does well at high speeds, great a/c and heat, love the Bose and the keyless entry/start. Not perfect when it comes to tracking a straight line at high speed. Needs micro-corrections frequently, and the computer screen should have been recessed into the dash to avoid glare from the sun when the backup camera is in use. Would definitely buy another one.

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  Nice look but poor build quality - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By akabook - September 29 - 11:36 pm

  My wife loves the look of the car and thats why we bought it. But the build quality of the car is not good: the car is light, the steel sheet feel cheap and thin. Our doors have already collected a lot of dents and dings. I am a little worried how long this car can actually last. Engine and CVT so far so good. The automatic windows can be inconvenient. You have to start your engine to be able to operate your windows.

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  Best First Car Ever! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By College Kid - September 29 - 10:26 am

  I bought this car at 16 years of age and it has proven its value in the near 5 years Ive owned it. I bought the car at 119,452 miles and it now has 302,679 miles and still runs like brand new. I drive all over the place as you may be able to tell by the number of miles Ive put on it. I occasionally race newer sports cars at the lights and Ive beaten many smaller turbo charged and V6 cars, with the occasion of some bigger V8 powered cars. The only repairs Ive ever had to make on this car was a section of the rear subframe rotted out and needed a new section put in ($240), and new rear drums ($100). If this isnt good enough yet, then let me tell you I get 37 miles per gallon combined.

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  Awesome Ride - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By MingoMan2 - September 28 - 7:13 pm

  I just bought my Altima 2 weeks ago and I have to say that this is an awesome ride - literally. I really like the smoothness of the transmission - you cant even feel the shift. Interior is nice and comfortable. Exterior is sleek and looks expensive. Trunk area is very open and provide lots of room. Keyless entry and ignition - AWESOME! I would recommend this car to anybody in a second.

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  Great car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bob496 - September 28 - 5:51 am

  I bought a new 2013 with all the packages and really like this car. They really engineered the 2013 to meet and beat the Camry, which was the other car I looked at buying. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great driving and has 38 MPG so fill ups are a lot less than my F150. The only thing I found was a little pain is the steering it is very tight and you have get used to it I guess.

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  CVT Sucks! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By alan106 - September 28 - 2:19 am

  Ive been driving my 2013 Altima SV for 6 months. I regret having purchased this car. I should have bought a Camry. The CVT transmission is defective by design. While cruising at highway speeds and attepting to maintain a specific speed, the transmission at about 1800-2000 rpm, will begin to vibrate at a low rumble....which is not only audible but felt. At any speed, engine noise is NOT what you expect in a family sedan. Wind noise, with closed windows, is inexusable. The whine from the power steering is only a problem when you start the car. Once running its inaudible. On the positive side: the car has great acceleration, breaks,exterior design. The car feels solid and has good gas milage

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  Excellent Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By jeanheller - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Altima which I did not like at all. My 2003 model is head and shoulders better in pickup, perfomance, appearance and design. I have the touring model, which is a showstopper, literally. A man stopped me in the street to ask what the car was, so taken was he with its appearance. The handling and performance match the looks. Lots of back seat and trunk room, too.

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  Nissan Altima-good driving - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By christine m - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I did experience a problem with the computer ABS when I first purchased car that took awhile to be repaired, but Nissan did make good, and I have not had further problem. Great sound system but maybe a little to powerful for car since it cause the rearview mirror to vibrate.

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  2004 Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Ghoastrider - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car for my wife two weeks ago and the car is perfect for her. The 2.5L has plenty of both city/highway power, the interior is excellent with the leather and it has lots of room for five. The outside can only be discribed as beutiful. Sitting next to my 2003 ford taurus (company car) there is no compairing. I would tell anyone looking at this car to buy/lease it.