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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  Good design - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By u2head8 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Good design and fairly fun to drive

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  rides like butta - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Nassin - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Next to the Honda Civic this is the best car for your dollar. You get an excellent & very comfortable city and highway ride. Excellent feedback in steering and handling. Top notch sound system w/ Boise. Eye turning exterior style. A very heavy a-la-carte package yet resonable base balances it out.

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

  I love the cars looks, especially the rear view. We had aftermarket leather seats installed, but am happy with the other interior. I traded a Buick Century for this and am most disappointed in the Altimas ride. I even lowered the tire pressure to try to help. Also, my Century V6 use to get about 32mpg on the road and Altima 4cyl only gets about 28mpg.

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  EXCELLENT - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By alily - September 26 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR, VERY RELIABLE AND FUN TO DRIVE

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  The ride - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Stacey - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been very satisfied with my Nissan Altima. I test drove the leading cars in this price range and found the Altima to be the smoothest most comfortable ride.

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  fun car to drive - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By terri rush - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had the best time driving this car,it is fast and very comfortable. Everywhere I go people always turn there head to look at it. For once I have a cool car says my 10 year old son.

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  One fault - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By manchu - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. If Nissan would only make it a rear wheel drive design, I would be in heaven. Love the 3.5 V-6 and its power. Handles nicely and gets looks every where I go. Nice job!

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  Nissan 3.5 Fun on Wheels - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By awireless1976 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I own the Nissan 3.5L 2003 and let me tell you its been a gem so far. Its fun to drive and has a ton of power. I would strongly recommend this car to folks that like high horsepower and a not so high car payment.

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  Love my Nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Lesett - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I got the 2.5SL. I feel like im driving a Lexus. I love the leather. The radio says the song it play. Its loaded. I love it.

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  Altama,s + and - - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Ralph Celia - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Had my 2003 Altama for a few months now, but yesterday was a different situation for me. Iwas driving in the right lane and about 5 cars to my left were next to me coming on pretty strong. The lane merged into one lane to the left. Well.For the first time i had the car i hit the accelerator all the way.WOW!!!!! I saw the pack of cars in my rear mirror, quite a car. FORany person buying a altima get the 6 not the 4. Also before you buy it have the dealership take those Brigestones off and replace them with Goodyear r/s GTs. the Brigestones are garbage.Also very comfortable car, stiff suspension but its a hell of a road car.