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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  GREAT CAR CHEAP QUALITY - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By MRAYYASHI - June 6 - 2:00 am

  ITS A BIG GREAT PERFORMANCE CAR, BUT THE MATERIAL USED IN THIS CAR LIKE THE SEATS CLOTH AND THE INTERIOR ARE VERY VERY VERY CHEAP AND BREAKABLE AFTER A PERIOUD OF TIME.

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  Solid and fun - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Spaz - June 4 - 10:33 pm

  This car is a whole lot of fun to drive and has been super reliable. All Ive had to do is scheduled maintenance. It had no problems on a 2k mile round trip through the Tahoe mountains through the high desert of Nevada and Utah and the mountains of Colorado in the middle of the 2006 heat wave. Totally fun and enough pick up for merging on LA highways.

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  Give me back my Honda. - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Robert - June 1 - 5:36 am

  If youre considering an Altima, specifically a V6 model, check out other offerings by Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Hyundai, Ford, or even Chrysler/Dodge. I bought my Altima certified pre-owned with 16000 miles on the clock. I enjoyed and loved the car since it had every feature and option available. Well at about 18000 miles when I brought it in to the dealership for numerous rattles while driving. Not too long after that, the car started to shudder when taking off after a stop, as well as hesitating. I took it back to the dealership where they said that the transmission was defective and had to be replaced, at 20000 miles. The car seemed to drive fine for a while but then, it started getting horrible gas mileage and hesitating again along with my brake light flashing and my traction control light illuminating. Took it back again at 22500, which they said my master cylinder was bad, brake booster was bad, and the car had a bad head gasket which was causing the coolant to leak into 2 cylinders causing them to misfire. Also, it had a bad motor mount and the exhaust had a leak. They replaced and repaired everything under warranty. Drove it until about 29000 miles and the replacement transmission started to shudder and hesitate again, as well as making a loud whining noise from 3000 rpm to redline. Took it back and the dealership said the replacement transmission had an internal failure again and needed to be replaced. Now for the pros of this ultra reliable crap mobile: the seats are comfortable, the ride is pretty smooth when it wants to be, and when the car isnt having any issues, the acceleration is great. Better than any car Ive owned. But Id gladly sacrifice some features this car has to go back to my trusty V6 Accord. Too bad it cant happen, since Im upside down on this Altima. UPDATE: The replacement tranny replaced at 29k started exhibiting the same issues as before around 33k. I decided to trade it in despite the fact it wasnt worth anything and I still owed a lot. Needless to say, Im glad to be out of the Altima and into a Honda Accord.

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  A Big sport sedan on the cheap - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ysaday - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The powerful VQ engine really delivers the power sometimes making you wish you had a wider front tires and a limited slip. Considering how big this car is, it feel light ( Thanks to aluminum hood, trunk, etc.).The interior leaves a lot to be desired although room is good for 6 footer in front and back. Oh yeah the factory sound system is excellent even w/o the Bose upgrade.

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  GREAT CAR - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By KARL - May 30 - 1:53 pm

  The car is very comfortable and roomy. I have owned the car for a year now. Handling, brakes, acceleration are excellent. Parking takes a bit of prep because it is longer than the VW I used to drive. I would give this car a 9/10 rating.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Brad - May 30 - 3:16 am

  The styling, performance and overall feel of the car is very nice. Ive always owned a Honda (Accord and two Civics), but Im a Nissan fan now after owning the Altima. I bought it new and havent had any problems with the car. The only issue I had was after a couple weeks the car didnt start one morning. The local dealership was great and towed it in for me even on a Sunday. I contacted them the next day and they said it started right up. We still have no idea what happened but I havent had the issue again. My biggest complaint with the 05 Altima is the A/C vents on the dash... horrible design. The vents are a narrow vertical shape and has very bad horizontal control.

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  Essentially Flawless - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Llarion - May 29 - 10:43 pm

  So far, I have had zero problems; my only trip to the dealer was to have tint and spoiler installed. Car is refreshing to drive; it has power to burn, is reassuring and stable in terms of handling, and looks gorgeous. It has a crisp, aggressive stance, but is not outlandish looking. Overall, an exceptional value!

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  Fun car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Smooth - May 29 - 2:00 pm

  The Altima is a great mix of style, performance, and reliability. The best thing about the Altima is that it is not the car that everyone else owns like the Accord or Camry. If you need or want a sedan but also do not want to drive Grandmas car, this is definitely a car to consider. It has plenty of power and handles great. After driving and comparing the Altima to its competitors, it simply became the best choice.

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  Over 80 but still enjoy performance - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Drur Fenton - May 28 - 4:24 pm

  I sold used cars for a very large national used car dealership for several years and got to know a lot of different brands. For the money I consider it to be one of the top 2 brands in this price range. I also consider it to be better than some cars costing more.

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  Is this an Altima or Infiniti G35? - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Ronald G. - May 28 - 2:16 am

  This is my first purchase of a brand new car. I love everything about this car. The intelligent key is AWESOME! Door unlocks when you get within a certain range as does the trunk. The instrument panel is laid out very nicely and the instruments are very easy to use. Altimas are mainly known as being drove by a lot of women but the 07s look sporty enough for men to drive. The front is a cross between a Nissan Maxima and a 350 Z. Gives it an aggressive stance. The back end reminds you of a Lexus. Lots of room on the inside. Trunk is HUGE. The seats are very comfortable. Ride is very smooth. I jump in my car just to drive down the street because its so fun to drive. I HIGHLY recommend