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:

• 

  perfect car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By albundyz - December 3 - 8:26 am

  Bought new in 2006, after 102K miles, I cant say enough good things about this car. Granted, my wife and I are in our late 50s and were pretty "easy" on cars, but we just wanted a reliable car. Weve had NO problems. Only maint was rear brakes and 4 new tires and 2 new batteries. The fact that my wife is willing to drive this car at 102K miles says a LOT about the reliability of this car. She has NEVER driven any car past 95K miles. Looks like well keep it for a while.

• 

  MY NEW NISSAN - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By CHRISTY - December 1 - 10:00 am

  MY EXPERIENCE WITH MY NEW ALTIMA HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD ONE.I FEEL THAT I MADE A GOOD CHOICE BY BUYING IT.IT IS A 3.5 WHICH MAKES IT THAT MUCH MORE FUN TO DRIVE AND LET ME TALL YA IT HAS THE POWER TO MOVE AND HANDLES THE ROAD VERY WELL.TO ME THE ALTIMA HAS COME ALONG WAY I FEEL LIKE IM DRIVING A SPORTS CAR.

• 

  New Surprise - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By G Peterson - November 30 - 3:16 am

  I own a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder that now has 125,000 miles. It is my baby that I love but since moving to SC from NJ I wanted a car with good mileage for our travels. While only owning the car for a few months I find it fun to drive, mileage is good and I love the way it handles. It is almost like a sports car. In two weeks it will be taken on a drive to Florida and I cant wait to get it on 95 where I can really see the mileage it gets. For a 4 cylinder its has great pick-up.

• 

  Too new for problems - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By lorit52 - November 29 - 5:38 pm

  I have 4,700 miles on my 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL. Its been great up until now. My first problem was a grinding sound on my right rear brake. Took it in immediately and found there was a caliper problem causing brake pad to have worn down to the rotor. Needed entire new hub, pad, rotor and caliper. As soon as I got it out of shop, I heard a squeak in my steering that wasnt there when I put it in the shop. Took it in next day & found out the entire power steering rack needed replacing! Hoping to get the car out today but I am not very confident in this vehicle now. Maybe its a fluke, but this is not a good start with my first brand new Nissan. Anyone else with these issues?

• 

  Altima is Good not Ultimate - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By dcurbelo - November 26 - 3:16 am

  The Nissan Altima is a good car. It doesnt do anything bad but it doesnt do anything great eithier.

• 

  The best for less. - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By dean_car - November 21 - 4:13 pm

  The four cylinder is quick and responsive. The handling is great. The interior gives you lots of leg room. The trunk is huge. Great car for the money.

• 

  Fun to drive - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By P.J.R. - November 21 - 2:36 pm

  I bought Altima 2.5SL with all rings and bells. It was worth it! This is my first Nissan. I wish it was 3.5 lit but the saving on fuel prevailed. The car is zippy, great acceleration up to 100 km/h. Over 100 km/h, I wish I had 3.5 lit. The car is great looking - people often make a comment "Cool car!"

• 

  Somewhat disappointed - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Daniel in Florida - November 20 - 5:03 pm

  Ive driven this car for 2 years. Plenty of power, very pretty car to look at from outside, feels pretty plush inside. Corners well. But unfortunately I have had a spat of maintenance problems. Ive had to go to the service 4 times in the last 6 months, for a total of $2500, for various things the car computer reports. Had to replace the A/C compressor at 80K and 4 years of age, but that seems too soon. I was faithful to Nissan having had a new Sentra for 10 years, a used Maxima for 7, both performed well and required minor maintenance. But this last one has left sour taste, and I will now try another brand. I think the 3.5 motor in Altima frame is part of problem.

• 

  One year old and... - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By wnyguy2003 - November 20 - 12:46 am

  Still in love with it. I have the 6 speed manual and have gotten as high as 42 mpg, and this isnt a hybrid. I usually get around 35-38 mpg and that is combined city/highway. I do see that the cruise control helps a lot with the mileage. Love the way the car looks and feels. Could handle a little bit better in the snow as we get lots in the Buffalo area, but it isnt that bad that I wouldnt drive it or dont feel safe. I tried many cars before I bought this, like the Accord/Civic, Jetta (which was my 2nd pick), Madza3, Impala, G6... wasnt looking for a certain size, just what I liked. It has over 14000 miles on it now and cant wait to put on another 15000 this year!

• 

  Greatest Car Ive owned! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By BB - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is reliable, comfortable and and overall joy to drive. Ive had the car for 3 years, purchased it used with 39,000 miles and have never encountered a mechanical problem. I would recommend this car to anyone!