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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  Nissan should accept their mistake - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Andy - March 29 - 6:04 pm

  Bought my 2013 Altima SV 2.5L in May of 2013 considering all the features and low price. Within 2-3 months of driving started to hear constant high pitch noise and the other roaring noise from the engine. Overall driving experience sucks considering vibration coming out from the CVT and person on the passenger seat also feels it. Complained about noise, vibration and CVT feel twice during warranty period and tech said everything is NORMAL(as if I was stupid to complain). At 50000 miles went back as the engine noise became more lauder and frequent. Dealer found issue in the alternator and replaced it-cost to me was $700. It should have replaced while It was under warranty. Engine roaring noise has been fixed but driving experience is still same considering CVT vibrations and high pitch power steering noise. Tech at the dealer says the high pitch noise is normal... Every single car makes it and nothing can be done about it. I mean common guys.... its 22k dollars for [non-permissible content removed] noise..!! For the price of the car I got damm good features like... moonroof, navigation, bluetooth, backup camera, remote start, keyless entry and climate control but the real feel of driving car sucks big time. Real bad job on the CVT and other engine components. Probably they made so many people fool selling all these feature really cheap covering their huge defect on the engine noise and vibration. I have 1997 nissan altima and I prefer driving that car over 2013. I am a huge fan of nissan.... but considering recent experience I wont just blindly trust the brand anymore.... !!

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  Outstanding - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By kon - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Good body style, classy, fun to drive, good acceleration. smooth ride.

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  reliable car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By BigPoppa - March 25 - 10:00 am

  so far so good with this model. Bought it used and performs great. I put about 100 miles a day on it and its been fun to drive. Good highway accelaration also.

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  Nissan Altima 01 - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By r - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great Car for the price

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  I Like It! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By SteveY - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great performance, power you can feel in the small of your back. Compliments from everybody on the looks of this sporty sedan.

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  Excellent car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Ken - March 24 - 12:16 pm

  My wife and I were looking for a new vehicle that got good gas mileage and had ample performance. We test drove Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans. The Altima was far and away the most fun to drive, had good gas mileage and surprising performance for a four cylinder. After over 4,500 miles including 1,000 mile trip the mpg on the road was averaging 34 and around town 27. We couldnt be happier with the car.

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  Worst Engine by Nissans Ever - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - March 23 - 1:16 am

  Only consider purchasing a 3.5L engine do not buy a 2.5L 4 cyl lemon!!! These engines have problems with pre-cat manifold, bolts from intake manifold can potentially enter the cylinders, crank/cam position sensors go bad, heating/AC problems. Other then that the car is great, really liked brakes and suspension, and gas mileage which varied from 21 to 27mpg. I bought the car around 75k-80k miles and it was already loosing oil since I fortunately noticed it right away after I bought it. Car had pre-cat replaced under warranty right before I bought it but the damage to engine from intake bolts or pre-cat was already done. The car mysteriously was losing 1qt of oil every week, after full

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  Great car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Erik - March 22 - 9:52 pm

  2nd car I ever owned. Have had only one alternator replacement, valve head gasket replacement and some sensors as major repairs. Other than that, the car has been super good. I have spent a total of about $7000 for all repairs AND maintenance, including tires in 11 years of ownership. I have put over 200K miles on it and it has NEVER left me stranded. 70K of those miles were in NYC and those roads and the stop and go destroys the car. However, the car is still going strong. Of course, I have done most of the repairs and maintenance myself. So I have same a VERY large amount in labor.

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  steering vibration, GAS TANK PROBLEM - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Ge - March 21 - 2:16 am

  This car is the worst car I have ever owned. I WILL NEVER, NEVER, BUY NISSAN AGAIN. I have so many problems: LOUD gas sloshing inside the gas tank. It is like driving with a small ocean in the rear of my car. I hear wave of splash side to side, specially, driving on slow speed, slowing down to a stop, putting in reverse. After my car is parked, I still hear the splashing inside the gas tank till it settles ( for a minute or two) I have had vibration to steering wheel, seat, pedal ever since I had my Altima, I was told by my dealership ( MOSSY NISSAN IT WILL GO AWAY IN TIME) what a bunch of bull....! It has not gone away! it only got worst. Gas tank problem, nothing they can do, it is up to Nissan. other problem continues: transmission very noisy, I feel jerking , bouncing while driving on low speed and want to slow down or stop. It makes noises down hill, RRRR noises. I want Nissan to buy this car back. I only have 3,800 miles cannot stand driving this car. it is a piece of junk. I had to give a star to write the review ... it disserve -0

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  Happy owner. - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Gabriel - March 20 - 6:26 pm

  Ive considered Accord, Sonata and Camry. Im happy I made the right decision. I had the car for 2 months so far. Very good engine power (forget the 6 cyl) and brakes. Very fun to drive. Mileage about 20/28 mpg with 1,300m so far. Roomy interior. On one hand, disappointed with some creaky plastics on the door panels and below the driver seat. On the other hand, the dashboard is very attractive and made with very good plastic quality. Nissan should use a better plastic quality for the door panels. Overall very nice car! I would recommend this car to a friend.