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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  Just Test Drive It !! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By baller - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This car i awesome. I test drove the Camry XLE V6 and then went to the Nissan dealer and drove the 05 Altima 3.5 SE w/Nav. No contest. If you want a powerful V6 with style and loaded with features this is the car. This car performs as good as it looks. Comfortable heated leather seats in front and a rommy backseat. Cost me $28k for a loaded 3.5 SE w/Nav & TCS/Side Airbags.

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  I love it/I hate it - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Chayce - February 7 - 6:30 am

  This a very fun car to drive and my wife and I both enjoy the balance of comfort and performance. However, the navigation package is practically useless because many of the features are not usable while the car is moving. It drives me crazy. So, either dont buy the navi and get a Garmin or buy a car that has a functional navigation system.

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  Excellent Package - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By jblaze13 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a really nice car. The 4 cylinder has plenty of power for most needs. In comparison to a similarly equipped camry, you can see the difference in materials used on the interior. The camry has better interior materials. The light color for the readouts is a bit weird but you get used to it. Overall, this is an excellent vehicle. The leather seats are very comfortable. The ride is excellent, very similar to the camrys ride that has been hailed so much. Im very happy with my purchase.

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  Better than an Accord or Camry - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ron - February 5 - 12:43 am

  Look forward to driving this car every time I get into it. Sweet engine with lots of power. Bose radio display on dash hard to read while driving. Very roomy interior. Same platform as Maxima. Large trunk space. Style of tail lights takes getting used to. Only looked at Altima, Camry & Accord because of reliability history in this class. My wife loves to drive this car much more so than our previous Subaru Outback. Needs dual climate control for driver & front passenger. Outside temp. display should be mounted where other than just the driver can see it. SL model should have 17" wheels like SE model. Rear wheel road noise does enter cabin area, needs improvement. Ive listed all nit-picky.

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  Black Betty Is The Best - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Tom E - February 4 - 6:13 pm

  I have loved Nissans for years but have never owned one until now. This car is awesome. The power is great. I went for the 3.5SE with the CVT and it is the best ride I have ever had. It looks so sleek with the black on black that I chose. Nissan blew the competition away with this redesign of the Altima. I have only had the car a little over a week but I know this is a car that will last me for many years to come.

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  love my ali (altima) - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By brandi garcia - February 4 - 1:20 pm

  this car has been nothing but motivating it handles well responds well has lots of power. The engine is quiet the ride is smooth great standard features windows doors locks seats cruise control just and awesome car to own

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  Sweet ride - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By boarder315 - February 3 - 12:16 am

  recomend to anyone who wants nice ooking saden that can blow the doors off of a mustang gt

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  2005 Altima 2.5S, beats Accord or Camry - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Dude in Bergen Cnty - February 1 - 10:00 am

  hands down, NO doubt. Got the car July,2005 with Convenience Plus Package! Car is so easy to drive, nothing harsh about it. All around spacious, including a sizable sunroof. Steering wheel and stereo looks more updated and pleasant than last years model. Interior door latches wide enuff for big hands. Bluish tint on windshield helps against sunglare. Seats feels comfortable for long vacation drives. Tires are decent even in sudden down pours doing 75mph.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By KEPOLA - February 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Nissan. My first was a 1982 200 SX that went to 260,000 miles. I still have my 1995 200 SX that has 250,000 miles on it and still running. I know this Altima will run just as strong. I love my Altima! Its fast, fun to drive, comfortable and looks awesome! It just hugs the road and when you need an extra boost, it will not fail you. You will not be disappointed with this vehicle.

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  Old man having a blast - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Gordon Lanning - February 1 - 3:53 am

  First time to own a foreign designed car. I car pool to and from work I cant wait for my turn to drive. Its like when we were kids you just could not wait for your parrents to ask you to go to the store to purchase something for the dinner table. That same feeling comes to me now after owning my car for nearly a year. I do my own maintenance and my vehicle has yet to go in for service of any kind.