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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  Quality? - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Igor B - May 14 - 7:13 am

  I have this car for less then a year and its been in service couple of times already. First: front struts went down at 6000 mi; Second: harsh shift from 1 to 2 gear. Feels like about to loose a transmission. Could not reproduce at service. Now nissan published bulletin that it is true. Will be taking care of; Third: Radio reception is awful. Nissan Bulletin also states that the radio unit has to be changed; Last (for now) problem: Glass in the drivers door is shaking when rolled down. I like the car even with these problems, but my patience is running out. My second car(truck) is Nissan Xterra (3 years old) and not a single problem. NISSAN. WHAT HEPPENED WITH YOUR QUALITY???

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  Great car and great purchase! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By prpapichuloman - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Feel like a came away a winner. Kind of feel as if I cheated somehow since I feel like I am driving a much more expensive car and I see people in their Beemers and Mercedes and feel as though they have nothing on me or Nissan! Truly a great car!

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  AWESOME CAR!!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By papichuloman - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Test drove ALL other competitors and this one BLEW them all away!!!

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  Y2Ks One Fun Machine..! - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By HiSam - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great model to buy.. Its a lot cheap for its built in features..!

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  great car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By thomas lee daugherty - May 13 - 10:00 am

  i replaced my 92 lincoln town car that i had for 9 years. being 75 years old, my wife was concerned that we were buying a young persons car. love my altima. the four cyl. performs great and the gas mileage is awesome. just as roomy as my lincoln even though the car is smaller outside. had to raise the passenger seat 3/4 inch to please my wife. wish the inside looked as expensive as the outside, otherwise, no complaints.

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  Beautiful car - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Charles Werts - May 11 - 7:15 pm

  I really like this car. After owning 2 SUVs. I decided to buy a sedan. I bought the top of the line Altima with all the options available. I am very pleased. Mileage is great, 35 mpg for my normal driving (not highway driving). Very comfortable with great visibility. The interior is very nice, leather seats, moon roof, etc. Safety features are well designed and intuitive Very happy with this car

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  Look out Europe, 3.5 rocks - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Big Papi - May 10 - 6:06 am

  Ive owned the BMWs, Saabs, and prior to those, Maximas. Honestly, for the money, you cant miss here. The engine is very strong at all speeds, exhaust has a muted but otherwise nice growl. Does not handle like a BMW or Saab Aero, but will walk away from most with its 270 hp. Car has a solid feel and fresh design. Big enough to actually carry normal sized people! CVT is so smooth and has a nice manual mode - first automatic trans Ive owned in 22 years - its that good. Have to buy the option packages to get all the features youll want, but do it dude!

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  The ultimate - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By anthony8785 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The Best Car i ever driven....wanted the acura tsx...but when i drove the altima i was SHOCKED!!!!!!!!! true performance in ever way..

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  nice car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Aschultnt - May 9 - 2:00 am

  the nissan altima is fun car for all ages. the 17" tires on the 3.5 model improve the look and feel of the vehicle. acceleration from the start is quick. the only thing i would change is the dash board intruments and really only able to be looked at by the driver.

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  Altima Keeps Getting Better - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Drippingfawset - May 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Altima. The car just keeps on getting better with each redesign. Great value for the money.