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:

• 

  I like my new Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Guruno - January 27 - 9:30 am

  Have only owned a week, and came from owning a 97 Jeep Wrangler for the past 10 years, so my auto experience is rather limited. Needless to say, I love my new Altima. Very roomy - am 6 and have plenty of leg/head room. The back seats have comfortable space as well. The clutch is shorter than my old Wranglers and the response is worlds better. The 270 HP is nice on the highway. Steering feels good at high speeds. The fuel economy is OK, but wasnt expecting much with the engine size. I like the layout of the internal controls, very intuitive.

• 

  Unresolved problems - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By dianne - January 25 - 3:43 pm

  Brakes squeal. Popping sound from front wheel area sounds like the strut when turning engine clatters as if out of oil. Steering wheel and passengers seat vibrate. Stereo has cuts in and out, speakers have a lot of static at times. There have been times radio would not come on at all after a car wash. Dash and front right door rattle.

• 

  Sharp looking sedan, fast - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Gratefulphred - January 25 - 1:20 pm

  I needed a 4 door car, but wanted a performance car. This car is both. Roomy, 4 doors, and a engine that packs a punch. This baby will leave many sport cars looking at my tailights! Fun to drive, lots of standard features, and more attractive styling than Accord or Camry.

• 

  After a year of ownership... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By PhurballDJ - January 24 - 2:00 am

  ...I couldnt be happier. The Altima has given me no complaints thus far. The only times Ive been in the dealership have been for regular maintenance/oil changes. I love the engine -- plenty of punch for a 4- cylinder -- and the handling is great. And the amount of room in the interior and the trunk is terrific. Sure, they skimped a little on the interior materials, but they spent the money on the right stuff. This car truly is built for drivers!

• 

  Best Bang For Your Bucks! - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By vikingsfan3 - January 22 - 11:12 pm

  I have owned my 2014 Nissan Ultima for 2 weeks now and my wife and I are (extremely pleased), I have had my eye on this car for about a year. I wanted to purchase a vehicle that would give me the most overall value, quality, for my money and a vehicle under $25,000 with all the features I like. And that was the 2014 Ultima. We test drove the base model and that was nice. But I wasnt going to leave the lot without having a spoiler and remote start. After a little haggling and negotiating about those two features, the salesman found one with the Sports Value package. Spoiler, Remote Start, and 16" Alloy Wheels. We walked away with that added package for the price of the base model.

• 

  You Should Buy an 06 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Terry - January 22 - 1:33 pm

  The Altima is very under-rated when compared with the Camry & Accord. It is better than good on gas mileage, very spacious inside, beautiful outside and a pleasure to drive on long trips or around town. Im proud to own this car. (Please note that this is my 2nd. Altima, Ive owned an Accord & currently own 2 Corollas).

• 

  Luxury - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By jbesad01 - January 21 - 6:36 pm

  I got mine for 3,200 from a private seller who had taken good care of it since the day it was bought. The inside of this car is beautiful. I felt like I was driving something I paid $20,000 for. Great combination of power and mileage. I got 33mpg once on a long trip. I love this car.

• 

  It is a smooth quick runner - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Timothy Howell - January 21 - 4:43 am

  I have owned it 2 weeks and I think this car will be the best in all areas. I have owned 12 autos (54 years of age)

• 

  More Bang for your buck - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By goodcarfinder - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Im guessing people who are in this market of buying this type of automobile have already looked into the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, BMW 5-series, MB E-Class, and Volkswagen Passat. Out of those cars only the BMW was the best. It had better handling,design, and of course a good reputation. However, the price is not appealing. The Nissan though, more moderately priced does share some of the BMWs characteristics as its ride is very stable (no bumps felt) and the car itself it breathtaking. I highly recommend this car for any person in the market of buying a mid- size auto. Dont go domestic and dont go for the V6 (eats too much gas).

• 

  Slick Car - Why pay more - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rwdl60 - January 17 - 6:03 am

  Purchased the 3.5 SE Sports Package plus with Xenon lights, Sun-Moon Roof, Spoiler & Bose 6 disc 8 speaker system a month ago and all is well. Though about leather seats, but did not want the cold or hot buns. Very fast and response car. If a engine makes a car, youve got a winner here. Great exterior styling, have gotten several thumbs up. Interior is nice. I professionally installed a portable Nav system (upper glove box) along with a hand free Moto V600 phone, and now the Altima has just about as many features as any BMW 3, Acura TL, Audi A4, but thousands less. The car looks bigger than Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat, and is the sportiest of them all. Slick car.