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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  29K Miles .. so far so good! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By mbp2011 - July 28 - 2:46 pm

  So far we love this car. We bought it in August of 2013. At about 9K miles the odometer quit working. It just froze up one day (still had display, the mileage and trip just wouldnt change). Took it to dealer and they replaced no questions asked. The same day, I had them to replace the backseat because there was about a 3 in. place where one of the seams hadnt been sewn up. I have been pleased with the customer service on warranty so far. My husband drives it back and forth to work each day (87 miles, one way) and averages 35 mpg. Hes a big guy and has plenty of space and headroom. Love it!

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  Got it Today! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By JFP1955 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up a 2005 SE 3.5 today. Traded the wifes 99 Pathfinder. Had an excellent experience with the dealer, Autoway Nissan of Brandon. The car is a kick. Wife almost went for the 2.5 SL but the lack of ABS swayed her to the 3.5. Smoke in color. A real head turner. Only question is, how do I get my wife to let me drive it..

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  Well done Nissan! Keep it up! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By tnorton776 - July 27 - 7:56 am

  Well this is my first nissan, and if the quality of their cars only goes up from here I can assure you it wont be my last. Nissan has taken major strides over the recent few years and this car is no exception. A major improvement in both exterior and interior styling and ride comfort comperable to a brand new 36k lexus ES 300 speaks for itself. It is hands down better than corolla and accord imo no comparison. They have moved certain aspects of quality on down the line from infiniti & maxima to the altima and it clearly shows once you get in a fully loaded one. Wouldnt B surprised if gets JDpwr award for IQ 2nd year in a row AT ALL. Got 520 miles out of my very first city/hwy tank (amazing)

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  200k - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Loot - July 27 - 12:18 am

  Bought this car brand new in 2010. The only thing weve had done are regular oil changes and changed the tranny fluid at 120k. Other than that, it has never been in the shop. The car has far exceeded our expectations!

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  Ok car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By T - July 25 - 3:36 pm

  I will never buy a car with the CVT transmission again. Engine noise is awful. But very comfortable car.

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  I Love My Niss! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Tana - July 23 - 10:40 pm

  I came across the fact of needing a new car, school commuter. Im very picky when choosing stuff that Ill invest my money on, specially a vehicle! I went around lots of dealers trying to find a car that would meet my expectations and most of all, fit my budget! I test drove the New Accord, Civic, CRV, Toyota Camry, VW passat & jetta and even the new Nissan Rogue, I wasnt even thinking about getting an Altima. I went to the dealership on a saturday morning and ended up spending 4 hrs getting info on the new altima. I test drove and let me tell you, I couldnt b happier! I fell in love with the car in an instant! Ive had it for 2 months n have no regrets! I love my 08 sedan!

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  Spirited a-b car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Jonathan - July 22 - 6:30 pm

  This is my first car and it has been a delight to own. Driven conservativley the car has great gas milage. And if you choose, punch the throttle and watch the revs rise. For a Four cylinder this car has great torque. Ive taken this car from nyc to buffalo,ny , 400 mi each way, three times round trip already and the car has never failed me once. This car has been an excellent beginners car, Its fast enough to be fun but not too fast and most importantly reliable. Only problems to date have been an intemitantly fading light on the radio display and squeaky rear drums.

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  hot to deaf - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By shakeenah - July 22 - 10:00 am

  since buying my atlima i know this is the best car for me. its not only looks good but it drives good. you can own it for a good price.

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  My New Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By lark - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Weve had Nissans since 1993 and have been totally satisfied with them. On the road, my new 2005 Altima is getting 31.5 miles per gallon.

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  great car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dream - July 22 - 10:00 am

  had it for about 2 weeks now, and glad i bought it. fun to drive, a very smooth ride, great pick up power, just an all round great car. i look foward to driving my car.