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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  Not happy - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By MS - August 25 - 11:06 pm

  The transmission was changed at 4K. Then trunk open button repaired. Car makes strange sounds that is not continues, dealer says it is normal. The trunk makes a click when open and close due to the two-rod design. I used to drive Toyota Camry; this car is far below the level of Toyota. It has a sport body, keyless engine start and many other options, which does not add to the performance. Dealer says the car built with many motors to operate components, which explain the strange sounds. If I had to buy a car, I would not consider Nissan.

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  Great Family Sedan - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By jravelo - August 25 - 1:26 am

  This car is not very fun to drive, as it is a 4 cylinder with a CVT transmission. Having said that, the manual shifter, steering feel and comfort, make it a very appealing choice. If you dont care about the fun, and want a comfy, reliable, good looking, long lasting family sedan, look no further. The accord dont measure up, the camry of the malibu neither. This car drives great, is very quiet inside, the Bose sound I got on this trim is absolute marvelous, the bluetooth works great, is good on gas (22.5 city, 34 hwy), and overall, you cant go wrong with it at all. Is a veeeeery smooth drive, very smooth.

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  Buy This Car!!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By psychgirl - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I wanted this car for the longest time, and when I test drove it, it was everything I expected and more! I fell in love with it immediately and just had to have it! If you want a nice sized sedan that stands out from the crowd, the Altima is for you. The color of mine is Mystic Emerald, and it looks so beautiful when its clean and is forgiving when dirty. Seats are comfortable, drives quietly and smoothly, great 6-speaker factory stereo, power everything is standard. I think I will own Nissan Altimas forever!!!

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  POTENTIAL - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By McFly4ever - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is great, it is very peppy for a 4 cyl sedan, and if you are interested in car performance it has a lot of potential, I am currently pushing 220 hp at the wheels in my 98 altima GLE

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  Great car, would buy it again - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Stylez - August 20 - 1:53 am

  This car is really surprising to me because I used to have a Maxima and it was nothing but a headache, not sure why but I must have picked the wrong one. Anyway this car has been great, it rides great and sound insulation is terrific. The CVT rocks I love it. I mean its weird when youre driving a car with this power that you dont feel it shift. Still getting used to it though. I love the keyless part of this car. I never ever have to take my key out of my pocket. You can even lock and unlock the doors by pressing the button on the door. Truly keyless. Another thing is I think the seats are just fine. I dont know what some people are complaining about, they are comfortable to me. BUY IT.

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  Your Average Car - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By dude - August 19 - 5:46 am

  I have a 96 gxe, and its fine to drive to close distances, but i don trust it to go further distances after the fuel pump, distributor and A/C went out. Gas is ok not the best. I would go with the Toyota Camry though and pay a few hundred bucks more.

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  2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By 2.5 SL - August 18 - 4:43 pm

  This car is far superior to the Toyota Camery and Honda Accord, and its built right here in the USA, Symrna, Tenn It has the look amd quality of a Lexus and the gas mileage like a compact car. I have the 2.5L four, but you cant tell it from a V-6. I dont know why Nissan gets such a bad rap from the car reportsmbut I think its all political, like everything else. Try out one of these and you will be suprised.I have always been a Ford guy, But this car has more American made in it than any Ford,Chevy or Chrysler made today.

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  MY 03 ALTIMA REVIEW - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By SMLTWNGRL - August 18 - 10:00 am

  GREAT ACCELERATION FOR A 4CYL, VERY ROOMY, EVERYBODY COMPLIMENTS ON LOOKS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR

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  Altima 2.5 S 2003 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By hkb128 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought it used with 17000 miles, the S model, like the power the four cylinder has, no problems pulling out into traffic or passing at any speed, the power is there. Only complaint I have with it is the road noise. Youngest daughter wants it for college.

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  Good and Bad - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By loveless - August 18 - 10:00 am

  A nice car but the brakes on the 3.5L series are lacking.I have constantly had problems with the brakes since I hit 30,000 miles and they are under warranty. They have been fixed twice and a problem still is there. The dealer said they would fix it but they work for @ 2 weeks and the same old sound and feel come back.