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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  Long term update - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By kward - May 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought the first new Altima sold in our city in the fall of 2001. We have owned Hondas and Toyotas previously, but fell in love with the new Altima. After a year-and-a-half of ownership, we couldnt be more pleased. The car has been 100% reliable, it is very comfortable to drive and to ride in. It remains solid and the interior doesnt even show any wear (the seat fabric does collect some lint and hair, but a sticky lint brush cleans it up quickly). If I had to replace it I would buy another one just like it. We are very happy we chose it over the new Camry.

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  Go with Honda, not Nissan!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By MoneyBags - May 27 - 10:00 am

  This is an ok car. not all that great. Reliablity is very questionable... I would go with a Honda Accord over this car anyday. Better performance, handeling, features, and RELIABILITY!! The Honda Accord is the car that the Altima wanted to be.

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  Transmission blew after 30 miles!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By wils424 - May 26 - 5:20 pm

  After 30 miles of driving the car (2.5 Special Edition, brand new), the car began jerking and chugging all over the road, revving up to 5000, and was very loud! The dealership claimed it was only a small computer chip that needed replacing. It happened a second time, and then a third time, and when I finally got to 900 miles, the entire transmission blew and needed total replacing! Nissan replaced the transmission but denied my claim for a new car. In the one month Ive owned it, its been in the shop 3 times and Ive been in a rental 3 times! Never once did Corporate Nissan offer me any compensation for my terrible distress. Im now forced to pursue legal action. Its been a nightmare!!

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  Value your money Dont buy a Nissan - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By mavis nvodjo - May 25 - 4:40 pm

  After a month of the car,I started having issues with the car> it started with just the radio resetting itself while driving am driving> the LCD screen begins to flash and my car eventually slows down and stops. The first time it happened,I had to call Triple AAA to come help me. The second time the same issue happened,I was in my neighborhood and the radio starting resetting on and off and again my car slows down and stops. After turning the car off for a good hour, the car started perfectly with no issues for about 10 days. Then,one fine Saturday this car ruins my whole day by deciding not to start at all. I took the car to Nissan and they told me, the car is not the problem it my phone. Apparently, my Samsung galaxy note Edge is so brilliant it can mess up a car. I didnt know phones could actually disabled a cars function. Is Nissan,trying to do anything to fix this car,absolutely not.Apparently since I bought a new car,I have to buy a new phone,If I believed the phone was the problem I would go a buy one. It my first car purchase and I regret ever buying a Nissan,I should have stuck to buying a toyota or a Honda. Yes the people are nice but I would stay away from Nissan from now. I wouldnt even recommend my enemy to buy a Nissan.

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  Nissans Best Kept Secret - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By bighat - May 23 - 11:26 pm

  We test drove it a few weeks ago, and that set the high water mark. Almost bought a Lexus IS 250 for $4k more, but the Altima coupe is much more fun to drive, plus has more rear legroom!

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  Big Big Big Problem - CVT - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By ebch - May 22 - 3:56 pm

  Hello future buyer, If you are willing to go Nissan service center at least once a month, you can buy this car. Please go Nissan forum first and check what are problems of this car. [HTML removed.] My case is RPM suddenly down to 800 RPM at 20-30 mph range, it feel like loosening power. Not always. 800 RPM means car stopped at the road with engine running. Extremely nervous situation because car bounced with bang sound from power train. Nissan have to step up to recall for CVT problem.

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  altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By jay l. - May 20 - 10:00 am

  lousy sound system good styling good ride gas milage not good yet pickup is good

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By S Cantino - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car with 56,000. Soon discovered what others have been talking about. Prepared myself for the worse and at 90,000 the catalytic converter self destructed. Caught it in time and replaced with new. Shortly thereafter the head gasket problem surfaced and the transmission needed to be replaced. Far more repairs than one would expect from Nissan. The engine problems should be addressed. There are better cars out there.

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  Poor/defective pearl white paint job - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By klis1 - May 17 - 2:13 am

  Purchased 2013 Altima in Pearl white, the day after I discovered a paint defect that was evident in low light and shade. Defect listed as mottling, shadowing or zebra/tiger striping. I was able to return the vehicle to dealer a month later after a bit of drama (too much to fit in this review) due to clerical errors that prevented the financing from going through and saved me the time of a Lemon Law case. Tried Nissan by creating a case but was stalled by rep that kept needing additional time for “review”. Defect was evident in showroom of another dealer for a car assembled in Smyrna,TN. Other issues consistent with reviews for heated seats, trany and steering noise. Maybe time for Accord

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  Terrible car; terrible company - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Evan - May 16 - 8:56 pm

  I purchased this car brand new, and had problems from day 1. 6 recalls in the first 3 years; should have been a clue. Once I hit about 60K the maintenance got very expensive, than at 90K a very common problem, the catalytic converter went and caused engine damage, after $1000 in repairs, I cut my losses and sold it before the engine got worse. This seems to be all to common on this car, so be wear! I would not recommend any nissan product to anyone.