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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  Dont let them fix it! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brandon11111111 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Yeah, it sounds strange, but dont take your car in forthe "cold weather shutdown" recall. They will install a screen that is capable of blocking ice crystals from getting to the fuel pump. Since that was done to our car, the car has shut down 3 times in any weather! Basically the accelerator stops working. Its as if you put your car in neutral, but if you try to use your accelerator, nothing happens. Doesnt even rev. I know this has happened to several Altimas because the dealership couldnt figure out what was wrong and called Nissan who said they have no idea, but that these complaints are coming in heavy.

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  Performance Sedan - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Kent - August 7 - 6:56 pm

  A performance sedan that delivers as advertised! The 3.5L 250HP V6 responds instantly. Combined with the 5-spd auto in the manual mode, the Altima is just flat out fun-to-drive. Interior materials are not on par with Toyota or Honda and some visual obstruction due to the door pillars. The optional navigation package with Bose, and XM radio makes this proven reliable sporty sedan a standout among its competitors. Avg 24 mpg in combined city/hwy driving.

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  Altima V6 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By BVersoy - August 7 - 6:10 am

  This car is an extraordinary pleasure and alot of fun to drive. Zero to 60 in 6 seconds should be 4 seconds---it moves. It is comfortable and I feel very safe in this car. Unless something changes I will continue to buy the Altima. PS: My husband perfers my Altima over his V6 Camry.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Dan Hess - August 5 - 7:00 pm

  I bought the 2007 Altima 2.5SL with Technology Package Invoice 26,476 from Cerritos Nissan, and it has been a pleasure to drive this vehicle. it runs really smooth, and I love the CVT feature along with the Bose Sound system. Best of all I got it for $1.1K under Invoice, at least that is the best price I could negotiate to. The interior of the car seems a little cheap but the technological features of the car at this price are amazing. It hugs the road very well. I LOVE it. Cars Previously Owned: Toyota Camry V6 LE, Honda Pilot EX-L

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  Excellent Choice - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By dan walz - August 3 - 5:13 am

  Yeah, it can be boring to have a reliable car that feels good, is quiet, gets 24 mpg in town and 30 mpg on the highway, and never has had a problem. Well, Im very happy with boring. This car is probably the best car Ive ever owned on a value per dollar basis (during the last 40 years Ive had everything from Mercedes, to Jaguar, to Ford, to Mercury, to Chevrolet, to Honda, and now my first Nissan).

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  My Favorite Car So Far! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By TechPete - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2001 Altima GXE Ltd Ed 12/01 w/ 2122 miles. Saw it on internet, test drove it, and instantly loved it. Car has good excel from stop and in traffic. Handles well except for sharp corners. Normal braking good. Hard braking and wet weather conditions rear swings out. Fuel economy is to spec. Road noise is min with windows up, loud with windows down (>45mph). Car handles fine at speed <95mph. Noticeable aero lift >110mph. Engine loud under hard excel. At 511" no trouble using radio. People <53" may have difficulty. Visibility is good. Only problems with power windows. Recall recently issued in hot weather climates.

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  Great Get around town car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Mikeyan - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I do independant consulting, and after much deliberation and delay, as well as numerous test drives of other cars, i ended up with a 2004 altima. Ive had it for a week, so i wouldnt expect to have problems yet ;). It has been very fun to drive, very smooth, pretty good power, and would recommend that everyone take a test drive. Would have ended up with a 2005, wiht the upgraded interior, but the $1500 rebate and tad lower negotiated price was too much to pass up. But do check out the 2005, i think the interior quality will surprise a lot of honda and toyota fans.

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  NISSAN 05 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By red dragon 07 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  THE NISSAN IS ONE OF THE BEST CARS I HAE DROVE IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONHTS

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  Great Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Justin - July 31 - 10:50 pm

  I had my 2007 Altima for 2 weeks now. I love the car a lot. For a 4 cylinder, it has a lot of muscle in it. I like that I can play my iPod in it, with the AUX feature in it. The seats are a little uncomfortable, but I got used to it after a while. I have the leather seats in my car, and I did not have that on my previous car. Overall, its fun to drive, and I get a lot of compliments from strangers about the car.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By ChuckGT - July 31 - 8:03 am

  The car is wonderful. I couldnt be happier with it. I have a fully loaded 07 and all the toys are great. The improved navigation system is really amazing.