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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  2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By aprilshowers15 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Had a leased Pathfinder.Recd an offer from Nissan early termination.Accepted and leased an Altima. The performance is good to excellent. Disappointed to discover hood & trunk lid are molded not metal. Had to replace rear bumper damaged because it could not be repaired during Hurricane Ivan. Discovered trunk lid was molded when I tried to affix a magnet. I feel the safety of the car is in question if hit from the front or rear because of the molded hood and trunk lid.

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  love this 15 altima s - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By shannon - April 20 - 7:39 am

  Well i had a 2011 altima sl and liked it alot and did not wanna buy anymore new cars but after my daughter was born i thought we needed more room so i looked at pathfinder and traded for a base model but soon after realized i made mistake . i really did not need the room and the gas and features on base pathfinder was not that good , no bluetooth ,camera, satelite radio,automatic headlights, or intelligent key you had to pay 3000 more to get those features. And i had chose black with beige interior which was not a good choice because both would stay dirty all the time. So iwas able to take it back and the dealership paid it off and i got a 2015 altima s with backup camera and power seat, which i think is the best value and i love the intelligent key and bluetooth, and the text messaging assistant that talks to you and nissans easy fill tire alert you dont have to have a tire gauge it blows the horn when you reach the correct pressure.And the gas mileage is excellent i avg 31.5 but i went out of state last summer and i got up to 41mpg on hwy. And i got a very low .90 interest rate for 60 months less than one percent so this loan i will have it paid off quick

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  Great car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Alejoa - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Up to now the car is excellent. Good price for what you get. Great pasenger space.

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  2.5S: underrated joy - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By yankee - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I went shopping for the most car for under $20k. American cars were out, I have a very low opinion on thier quality. European cars offere very little under $20k. Toyota, Honda and mitsubishi offerings offer sedate performance at this price. The 2.5s gets mileage like many entry level econo-boxes, but has excellent punch, handling and acceleration for a normally aspirated 4 cylander. There is an urgency to its movement, and a fun to drive factor at a bargian price. i feel the fit/finish/quality is topnotch in its class.

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  Shop Around..... - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Ryan Young - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Exterior design is very nice with very nice features and lines. Other than that, if I could get rid of it without losing money, I would do so in a heartbeat.

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  I love my Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By F.K - April 18 - 11:53 am

  ive looked at honda accord and toyota camry and test drove them but there was something about their brakes and the way they ran .. but when i drove nissan altima for the first time it felt just right .. everything about it was just perfect .. from the interior and exterior .. plus i drive it a lot .. it is already up to 40k miles .. no check engine lite , tires still look new ..

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  Best car I have owned yet - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By jhogan - April 17 - 9:43 pm

  Great car. Bought used and love it. Good weight for snow and rain, have had no problems slipping, spinouts, or traction problems. My brother borrowed it and said he almost totaled it in the snow, but he is one of these drivers that drives to fast and to close to other cars. Decent mpg for an engine that is 175 hp. Plenty of pickup for ramps and highway traveling. Enough room for me and the family. With trunk space to spare. Wont be my last Nissan. Good car for the money.

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  Excellent Ride, Nimble Handling - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By James The G-Man - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car Oct 02 and it has performed superbly. I have no complaints for my Silver 2.5S. I feel the acceleration is the best in its 4cylinder class, its body style is sharp and sleek, and it does very well on gas.

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  great car so far - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By erin - April 13 - 2:20 am

  I bought my 2.5 SL used a few months ago after trading in my hummer H3 (i know, big change), and have not been disappointed yet. Fun car to drive, gets great gas mileage. average around 28 mpg. Only problem was 3 days after buying it, came out of a store and the battery was dead. Got a jump and called Nissan and they told us to either call and have it towed in (they would reimburse us), or go buy a battery and they would reimburse us for it, which they did with no problem. Have no problem driving in the rain, car does great but have yet to drive it in the snow... i know thats a big complaint with a lot of people. Has a lot of wind noise in driver side door. Other than that, great car.

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  my altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By charles jacobsen - April 10 - 12:53 pm

  car has outstanding power, good handling, and decent fuel mileage,interior could use more style, but bucket seats are very comfortable and supportive. best car i have owned in years!