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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  SAFE car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By R L - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car inside and out. Unfortunately, it was totalled because a semi, my Altima,and cement wall. The car is total loss, but I survived without a scratch! I highly recommend this vehicle for the safety features and all crupple zones worked as advertised!! I am currently searching for a new and improved 2003. Thank you NISSAN!

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  No Regrets - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By John R. Poirier, Esq - March 9 - 5:03 pm

  I love the new car. Have had it for a week and it is every bit as fun to drive as Id hoped. Best of all, since I sprung for the window security etching and the lojack, the discounts we got on our auto insurance makes it no more expensive to insure than what I was paying for my corolla. I havent really pushed the engine much, but I can tell that if I did punch it, Id be pressed back into my seat. It rides and handles very similiar to my wifes more expensive BMW 325is. In other words, it corners like its on rails. Ride is stiff (sport suspension) but the roads here are pretty smooth, so no big deal. Steering is very precise, not mushy at all. Id definitely recommend the car.

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  Nissan Altima SV 2.5 - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Michael - March 8 - 9:33 am

  The car started to shake when I parked or stopped at a light 3 days after I leased it . When I took it back to services the fixed the problem. Now it been 3 months and I just hit 30,408 miles. The car is comfortable and reliable. But the only problem I have is the car getting dirty quickly. I Pray for 5 years

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  Great performance but terrible comfort - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - March 7 - 3:51 pm

  My 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5s has a great engine and transmission compared to the Hondas, Hyundais and even Chevrolets that I have owned. Nissan really has it down when it comes to their drive trains but I have never had front seats on any vehicle that I have ever owned, including my 1956 Chevrolet pickup, that were as uncomfortable as my Altima seats are. After less than one hour of driving my rear end is more sore than it would be if I was riding my mountain bike. The seats look good but they are so stiff and lack any kind of suspension what-so-ever. I havent tried fixing it yet but I think that I am going to try changing the foam cushioning in the seat bottom and see how it affects my bottom. The window controls on the drivers side are also poorly positioned. They are so far back on the door that I cant reach them without contorting my left arm to a crazy vertical position. Ive found it easier to reach across my body with my right arm to hit the switches. The controls were ergonomically positioned for someone with very short arms. Besides the uncomfortable front seats and the placement of the window controls I really like the car. I get about 28 mpg around town and 37 mpg on the highway, it has great brakes and handles good for a midsize sedan. I would recommend the purchase of an Altima except for the granite front seats and the position of the window controls.

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  Better value than Honda and Toyota, Pleasantly Impressed! - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By hbgmama - March 7 - 2:00 pm

  I was in the market for a used car because I didnt think we could buy new with our budget. But we stumbled upon the Altima on sale and 0% financing. I love this car and am so happy with our purchase. The maintenance is inexpensive (previously drove a used Suburban). The car drives so nicely and gets great gas mileage. We bought the basic, basic model, but it still has A/C and power windows, which are luxuries in my opinion. The seats are microfiber-ish and after almost 2 years of owning the car, the light grey upholstery is not stained (thank you, OxyClean!) I bought plastic floor mats (a must with kids). We installed our own stereo and 4 speakers. Great job, Nissan!

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  Just Great - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Franks - March 3 - 1:20 am

  This is a great car. A lot of interior room with great handling. I have problems with the heater blower. It makes a whistling sound and have not been able to get it replaced due to shortage in parts. Otherwise ZI love to drive it and take the car everywhere. Better fuel economy on the highway then in the city. Premium gas is a pain but is worth the extra dollars for the performance.

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  Cheap at an expensive price - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Bruce McShane - March 2 - 10:00 am

  The car looks good and has a decent mechanical reputation. The paint is rough the clearcoat is thin the dealer even made it a point that the car should not be washed except by hand or pressure washed. Putting on a coat of wax showed a porous uneven surface. The inside is appointed cheaply the cloth seats are a course mesh rough to the touch. Someone must have decided to shave a few yen off costs by shortening the seat backs and narrowing them. Anyone over six foot will need to duck down in the back seat and find a way to get in and out without hitting their head on something. The ride is sensitive to any and all bumps and roadway transitions

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  Fun Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Laxcamel - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my Altima a week ago and I love it! A fun, fast car, however, at 670 miles it almost broke down. I stopped to get gas and it wouldnt start up again for five minutes. Im hoping this is a fluke, and otherwise than that, I am extremely happy.

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  Love my 2013 Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By 2kats2 - March 2 - 6:47 am

  Bought the 2013 Altima 2.5 SL 4cy CVT automatic middle Sept 2012. I love the car. The finishes in the interior are top notch. The controls for radio, heat/AC, cruise, and such are easy to use and figure out. I activated the blue tooth for my smart phone in seconds. The mileage has been spot on. I drive a mixture of city and highway and average 33.5 MPH. The readout on the car shows 33.2mph. I am very happy with my purchase. The reviews I read mention the noise from the CVT. While I have heard this, I dont consider the noise intrusive. I like hearing the low growl when accerlerating on the interstate. Bose sound system is awesome. The seats are so comfortable.

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  $25K car with non-deploying airbags - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By hoopee - March 1 - 5:18 pm

  A car recently started crossing into my lane. I swerved to avoid an accident and the pavement had erroded and my car went in the ditch. After going in the ditch, it launched me in the air, doing $20,000 on my 2month old Altima. My car was totaled. Nissan and their Air Safety Bag rep was all over me, then would no longer take my calls, nor would the dealer that I my car. Over 1.1 million Nissans have been recalled. I bought mine on March 15, Car reccalled on March 25. No one ever told from dealer to manufacturer. Dont trust your safety to Nissan or a nice looking car. I was almost killed.