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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  Tired of visiting the dealership. - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Frustrated - December 12 - 3:43 pm

  I purchased my 2008 Altima new in 2008. This is one of my mistakes. I like the style of the car. I have spent more time in the service department than I would like. Recently my car is making a whining noise while driving over 60 mph. It stalled on the interstate and I had it towed to the dealership, they kept my car for 3 days and said they could not find anything wrong with it. I am doing research online at this time.

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  2002 altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By donovan robertson - December 12 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever own man cool awsome nice beautiful fast

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  Fast sleek looking car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Thomas Conlin - December 12 - 2:00 am

  The revised Altima looks like a more expensive car such as a BMW or Volkswagen. It is fast and good lokking. People turn their heads and ask what kind of car is it? I probably sold three others by them looking at mine. The only problem is it is not a car for snow country. It is too light. My older Dodge Intrepid is a lot heavier and plows through the snow. Maybe it needs studded tiers in the winter?

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  Very comfortable and fun to drive - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By MDS5254 - December 9 - 5:56 am

  I bought this car 2 days ago so take it for what its worth but Ive been an altima owner for over 7 years now. I just traded my 00 Altima SE for this 07 Altima 2.5 S with the SL package. I really liked my first Altima but all I can say now is WOW!. What a difference. If the 00 Altima was the epitome of playing it safe, dependable, all around family sedan then the 07 is all those things but on super steroids. This car is awesome. I wanted something safe and that had seating for 2 adults and 3 children comfortably for those family times but that also had the get up and go and sporty look so as to be fun to drive. This Altima does it all and does it well. I couldnt be more satisfied

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  Excellent car - great quality - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By dsinnreich - December 8 - 5:26 pm

  I bought my 1999 Nissan Altima SE brand new in 1998. It is now over 6 years later and I have never had any problems with this car. It is incredibly well engineered and very well built. It zips around quite nimbly around the city and drives very solid on the highway. In the 6 years I have owned it Ive replaced the brake pads and tires once each. Oh and a turn signal burned out at one point. When I got married we had to choose 1 car since we live in the city and only own 1 parking space - we sold her Audi A4 and kept the Altima since we knew we would have much fewer problems with Altima. Great job Nissan. This car is so good were now buying another Nissan.

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  Altima Leaves others In The DUST!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Stanmanh - December 7 - 8:20 pm

  Nothing gives you more bang for the buck. The four cylinder is quick but the V-6 is lightning FAST and RESPONSIVE! There is a large difference in performance and features in the models. Gas mileage 22 city, 26 highway. The only part that I changed was the air filter. I replaced it with a K&N air filter ($40), this is a MUST HAVE since cars from the manufactur come with basic parts. The filter improved my overall gas mileage and added a few more horses thus a bit more torque.

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  Best car Ive ever owned so far anyway. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By coppersmith - December 7 - 3:21 am

  2013 Altima SV- Smooth ride, averaging 30 mpg overall, steering better than many other sedans, no problem with wandering, maintains a straight line well, engine is smooth with no shuddering, much less noisy engine than earlier Altimas, comfortable seats, controls are easy to operate, excellence all around.

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  Puts the "fun" back into driving! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By DP - December 6 - 7:33 pm

  Excellent performer. After 25,000 KM it is as smooth and responsive as when it was first driven. Wonderful interior with a small car feel, but big car look. Great interior details which set it apart from other competitors, particulalry anything from the big 3. Not even in the same ball park as some of the other pretenders: Impala, G6, Grand AM, Fusion, etc.

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  Chose A Winner - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Lou - December 6 - 7:33 am

  After shopping and comparing the same class vehicles this car won hands down! Its looks, power, handling and quiet ride together with the price is unbeatable. I bought the base 3.5 SE with the sport package and I might say there is nothing else I need in a car. Bottom line buy one and enjoy this winner.

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  Fun New Ride - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Nissan 2009 Owner - December 5 - 11:36 pm

  Owned the car for about a month now. Overall it is a good experience. Very smooth ride because of the CVT. Nice interior and exterior design. Fuel economy is good. Average mpg is about 25-27 mpg 60% city/40% highway driving. The only complaint is the engine noise when you hit the gas. But that didnt bother me too much.