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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  BestBuy for the money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jim - June 21 - 1:10 am

  Car is fun to drive, looks very stylish, priced very well, have had no problems since purchased in July.The car has never been back to the dealer for anything except for maintenance.There is plenty of storage space, and a pass through trunk to haul long and bulky items if needed.The 4 cyl engine is very peppy.

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  go - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By jbru - June 20 - 2:00 am

  geat car - nice design inside & out - very safe, good price, FAST..WILL LAST 4EVER

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  My 2004 Nissan Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By PASS - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have always liked the Nissan aotomobile. Unfortunately, I married a Ford man who would not even consider a FOREIGN made car! Now that we are separated pending divorce, Im back with the old tried and true-a 2004 Nissan Altima which I am thoroughly enjoying. This is my first Altima. I previously owned a Maxima and a Sentra GXE both of which were wonderful cars.

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  Good Car with some CONS. (Handling) - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By ibrahim_halawa - June 19 - 11:28 am

  I picked up base 2.5 altima 2014. Its a comfortable ride. I drove 5 hours straight and did not feel fatigue. However, the handling on it sucks. It is way too loose. Driving on the Highway/ Freeway with a bit of wind is a huge challenge and hard to steer. Almost got into a accident because of it. MUCH different from my 2008 model v6. I wish the handling was better, it would make it a better car. Otherwise, its fuel economy is pretty good. but Fill ups are 55-60 dollars. I also think that is a bit much. Car has good pick up, good braking and good design. When the warranty is up, I will lower it, and modify it to make it a better handling car just because I really like the way it looks.

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  Love this car! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mark C - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 98 Civic EX and I have not regretted it. This car is fun to drive, has a nice hitch in the giddeyup and is a great looker. Not bad for $21.8K

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  A Great Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Bob from Glen Burnie - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for almost a month. The looks and performance are outstanding - by far the best car Ive ever owned. Great gobs of power that come on smooth, excellent brakes and creature comforts. Contrary to several reviews, I dont think the interior is cheap looking - it looks fine with the charcoal leather package. Its a show car, performance car, and luxury car in one package.

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  Great update from 2014 SV to 2016 SL - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Mikey 2 - June 16 - 5:40 pm

  The lease on my 2014 SV was about to end, I had about 6.5K over the allotment and was not sure if they were going to charge me all of them if I purchased another Nissan. I test drove several cars 3.5 Altima SL and 2.5 as well as Maxima SV. After the test drive I made my mind up on a 2.5 SL with Moonroof and LED Tech package. Nissan addressed all the shortcomings of the previous model...IE: transmission, road noise, interior plastic. Dont get me wrong the 2015 SV was a good car but the 2016 SL is so much better. The dealer worked with me, gave me a great price didnt have to pay for the extra miles either on the purchase. The SL come standard with Michelin tires which are relatively quiet so Im not sure about other reviews that complain about road noise, mine is pretty quiet.

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  Touchy brakes, spongy cornering - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By richardh - June 16 - 3:00 pm

  I bought an 09 with 26k on it. Brakes were touchy from the start but thought they would wear-in. No such luck. Minimal foot pressure feels like youve slammed on the brakes. Had dealer check them out. After he test drove it, said thats normal. If it is dont know how they keep selling the model. Other complaint is extreme body roll in corners. Maybe its just lack of seat support. Really liked the looks and power of the car but could not live with brakes and cornering. Sold it after six months.

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  Sporty...lacks refinement for price - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By cedoman - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the car, the interior does contain a lot of plastic components, but truthfully what car doesnt. The pickup is indeed explosive. Gas milage: $30-35 to fill up the tank, (yeah pretty steep with the rising prices of gas) The "tin clank" of the trunk closing...this is where I have to come down on the car. The exterior shell of the car feels like a actual tin can. You can literally press down on the panels of the car and easily (really) dent it. This car can get banged up pretty well in such places such as parking lots and lite bumper bashes. That is where the paint comes in - chips very easily. Those two factors are my pet peeves of this car.

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  A powerful elegant car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By SteveMcD - June 15 - 10:00 am

  We bought the 3.5SL with everything but NAV. The interior is a vast improvement from previous years. It has a cockpit type feel to the front seats. The dashboard and controls are very well placed. The exterior styling is very nice with the few changes that were made. The xenons are very bright and look sharp. The most impressive thing Ive noticed is the incredible power this car has. The handling is tight, but the SL doesnt have the sport suspension that the SE has so it is a little less tight in sharp turns. The 5 speed auto Sportronic transmition is very nice. This is a phenominal car with tons of extras for the price!!