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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  2006 Altima Special Edition - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By mearish - August 9 - 10:50 am

  Great car and excellent customer service. As a previous GM owner this cars quality and customer service at the dealer and on the phone is amazing!

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By ksweets - August 8 - 10:00 pm

  I love this car because although I dont have a family or a lot of people in my car always, the space is always there when you need it. and even though you might have guests in your car, the space is still there. It is a great car to travel in. You dont have to worry about being uncomfortable on a long trip. Im only 23 and its my first new car, and so far I love it!!!

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  I love it!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Jennifer Holbrook - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Altima. It has new styling that I love. It is fun to drive; I dont mind running all the errands for our family business because my husband bought the car for me. Everyone looks at it and other 2002 Altima drivers I see give me the thumbs up sign and have big smiles on their faces like me. It has a lot of pickup when I need it and a lot of people mistake it for a Lexus. I always get great compliments from people and they always ask if it is as fun to drive as it looks. I say Hell ya!

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  Cup holders? - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mikek - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car from my dad, who purchased it new. Its got a nice ride, but a bit light feeling in rain. I did have to replace the "cam sensor" 2 weeks after taking it home. It simply stalled on the way to dinner. A tow, and $198.00 later it was running fine. I really enjoy the exterior the most. The interior is a bit cheap.. but its not a $30K pricetag.

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  Nice Car - 2010 Refesh in October - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By James - August 4 - 5:36 am

  I test drove this car, the Toyota Corolla S, and the Honda Accord Coupe. I liked the Altima the best because it was a bit smaller than the Accord, and felt a bit more sporty. Simplicity also comes to mind. The doors felt sturdy and the rear of the car is very attractive. I think the headlights need a bit more work though (needs to be more like the 370z). I wish there were LED tail lights as well. It would also be nice if there was a remote trunk release. My 1999 Nissan Maxima has folding side mirrors, so why is this feature NOT included on a 2009 4-cylinder model (it is standard on the V6 model)? Overall very nice car, but has the potential to squash the competition with some adjustments.

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  Well balanced car for the $$ - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Brenda - August 3 - 1:35 pm

  We were not in the market for a new car, but after driving a 2015 Altima S for a week as a rental, we fell in love with it and decided to get one. We opted for the 2016 due to the sportier design changes. Also the the back up camera came standard now with this model (previously was an option). For the price, the S had a perfect balance of things we were looking for: Great gas mileage, smooth quiet ride, large trunk, exceptional acceleration for a 4 cyl., great visibility, and we loved the way the dash was designed with all the key features (electronics, warnings and entertainment screens) were laid out. We have not had the car for more than a couple of weeks so cannot comment on maintenance and repairs, but so far we are pretty happy with our purchase. Seats are very comfortable, although I almost liked the fabric on the 2015 better (they have upgraded to a different type of fabric and design). We average 29-30 MPG commuting to work mixed city/freeway driving and long freeway trip netted 39, but Im sure we could do better if we maintained the minimum speed limit the entire time.

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  Had high hopes - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By hoffenhausen - August 3 - 12:27 pm

  I wanted to like this car. The electrical system has been very shoddy. The key fob malfunctions frequently and the remote doesnt work if it is below freezing. The car squeaks when going over bumps and the dash vibrates at 45 mph. The seats in the car have worn very poorly and look like they have been in the car for over 100k miles. Great looking car, very poor quality. I would buy another Nissan but would steer clear of the Altima

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  My First New Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By CFMesq - August 3 - 2:00 am

  You could imagine my anxiety, I had never before purchased a car. Much less a Brand New Car. Originally, I was in love with the Camry. I new I wanted a reliable sedan that, if I chose I could drive for the next 10 years without a problem. The car my wife and I shared, a 95 Nissan Pathfinder was still in excellent condition, and never had any mechanical problems. Thats when I test drove the 2003 Altima, and that was all it took. Other than the front panel, which I think looks cheap and can use some work, I was in love with the car. I would recommend it to anyone, and have.

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  Poor mans Mercedes - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jackcosteau - August 1 - 12:20 pm

  Incredible performance and quality for cheap price. The CVT allows for amazing highway acrobatics , literally leaving every one behind passed 60. the acceleration is not heart stopping but so smooth passengers cant notice wen u step on it to top speed. The handling is very responsive and rigid. great ride

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  Hard to Please Happy Driver - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By jmbduke - August 1 - 7:50 am

  I wanted to wait until the I had some time with the car before I gave my review. All i can say is that I really enjoy driving this car. The engine is sweet and quite responsive around town and on the highway. The gas mileage is where I though it would be (average 26 in mixed driving) and it has been increasing with each tank. No car is perfect, but the SL has all the features I was looking for at a price that didt leave me car poor at the end of the month. I test drove all the competition...Fusion, Accord, Camry, Malibu, Mazda6....and I kept coming back to the Altima. Im glad I did.