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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  varooom - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By c.m. - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Altima is only two weeks old today. So far its been fun to drive. Gives you a sense of a muscle car with elegance. Solid built, sturdy and comfortable.

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  Outstanding - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Joseph Wain - August 18 - 3:58 am

  Great vehicle

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  Nissan Altima Review--an okay car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By tmagman1 - August 17 - 6:33 am

  I really didnt have nor did I want to spend a great deal of money on a car. I test drove the Mazda 3 and the Hyundai Elantra. The Hyundia actually did pretty well. I decided to give the Altima a shot. It wasnt a bad ride, and a decent value for what you get. My biggest complaint is the horsepower. I believe 175 hp is low for a car this size. The new Hyundia Sonata offers a 198 hp engine and will give the Altima a run for its money. In my opinion the engine is relatively loud during acceleration. While cruising the engine is quiet, but during take off this engine is very loud.

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  A Satisfying Purchase - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By smlly - August 17 - 2:06 am

  At first, the CVT is weird. But after a while, I got used to it and start to have fun. Semi-auto is responsive. I used to have a Prelude. The only different btw these 2 is one has V6, the other 4 cylinder V-tech, take your pick. Rear-view camara is very useful (at least for my wife). Plenty of power. 3 inches more head room than Accord & Camry given that I have a "longer" torso and its more comfy in this than in those 2 cars. I chose this over IS 250 because of the big interior.

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  Great Car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By MNguy - August 15 - 10:00 am

  My 98 altima SE has over 90,000 miles without any problems except for a spark plug coming out and I think that was my fault. this car is a great combination of comfort, reliability, performance and style. Lets not forget it cost thousands less than an accord or camry.

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  Great choice for a fun family car! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By sampson - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Although our experience is brief, (car purchased 8-31-02) we cant say enough about this car! The ride is so smooth, the interior very accomodating, and the extras are wonderful. Great trunk space for a stroller and the child safety options are great and up to date. The radio/cd player is more than adequate-we didnt opt for the Bose-and love the extra large cup holders.

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  What a Lemon! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By ammaiol - August 14 - 6:00 am

  Come on Nissan- whatcha gonna do for all of us? This cars SUCKS! And with so many of us having the same problems youd think they do something fast. How many does it take for a class action suit? I have brought the car back 5 times already. So far theyve supposedly replaced the entire transmission, replaced the torque converter, reset the computer and car still bucks, chugs, surges forward at exactly 25 mph. and vibrates when you come to a stop. And Ive been told the same bs as everyone else, almost word for word. Do they actual have a pitch they say to all of us? I have filed complaints with everyone- PLEASE file your complaints. We need to speak out.

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  Solid purchase - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Aemilius - August 14 - 1:03 am

  Having purchased a dealership test drive car with 3,000 KM (1,600 miles) I benefited from my White Altima coupe 3.5 SE Premium being broken in without being abused. Almost two years with the car now and Im still taken by the beauty of the interior and exterior design! Im in snowy Calgary Canada and appreciate the foul weather control of front wheel drive. I consider the Altima coupe to be a great balance of performance, comfort, style and practicality. A well designed car that sacrifices little and offers a lot.

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  Lower cost to own and fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By moon-buddy - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought an Altima 2.5 with SL package after comparing the Accord and Mazda6. Insurance rates was a factor that made the choice for me. Quotes for the Altima were way lower than the other two cars. Although there are features that the Altima lacks compared with the Mazda 6 (Traction Control, Dual exhaust ports, sport shift mode), the bigger cabin space of the Altima, outweighs this. Compared with the Accord, I find the Altima a better bang for the buck even if the Accord has a 5 speed AT. 175 HP engine speaks well of itself. The car just goes when I step on the gas pedal. Sometimes too much that I often exceed road speed limits.

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  Nissan got right this time - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By AD007 - August 10 - 12:13 pm

  The power and smoothness of the CVT is superb. This car has every feature I was looking for and everything works, except the Voice recognition could use improvement. The interior is gorgeous and very functional. The keyless entry/start is so convenient, I feel Im in the dark ages with regular keys in other cars. Handling and ride is extremely confident and planted. Brakes are great, almost too powerful. The biggest plus for me was NO torque steer. This is what kept me from buying the previous generation car. Gas mileage could be better, but considering the tremendous power, Im probably accelerating and driving faster than I need to.