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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  SE-R rocks - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Lex - November 7 - 7:33 pm

  Hey, This car is the bestcar we have ever owned!! Its fast and really roomy. It has the Z engine and it hauls. I love this car!!

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  2001 altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By mr. x - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new in aug. 2001. Selected Nissan because we wanted a mid- size car with a manual transmission. Already have 22,000 miles with no problems. However, in cold weather, noticed that when shifted into neutral, the engine revs to 1500rpm before falling to idle rpm -- contacted the dealer and was told all cars are designed that way with the 5 speed (I dont buy it, though).

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  My 2003 Altima 2.5S - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Lil Person - November 5 - 2:00 am

  actually this car was purchased 10/31/31 of 2003. It is everything that I wanted in a car. My husband sold a 1986 Nissan truck with 489,000 miles on it and I was quickly sold on the Nissan name and dependability. My first choice was a Honad Accord, but after looking at the price of the Accord and the standard equipment in it I found that I got more bang for the buck. Also one thing that strayed me away from the Accord is the accord is the number one STOLEN vehicle in America, not to mention that nearly everyone has one.

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  5 years, 60k miles - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By stevewaclo - November 4 - 1:56 am

  Noticed only one other review for a Coupe with some miles on it, so thought Id share my experience. Took delivery in January of 08 and other than a broken limit strap on the driver door, the car has been flawless. Fuel economy on the V6 has been as high as 32 @ 70 (Hwy, measured several times at fill-up and around 20 in town with combined in the low 20s. Although designed for premium, Ive used regular. Performance is excellent with some torque steer on hard launch. One track day, with VDC off, was a hoot. Excellent for long trips and plenty of room for skis, with the back seats down. Plus, it takes someone who knows the car to know an 08 from the current model.

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  2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Nouky - November 3 - 4:16 pm

  When the car works its great, when it doesnt, its such a hassle. Had problems from the beginning, bought it the first year they came out with the new body style. In winter, back doors wouldnt shut until the car warmed up. Had TONS of recalls! Very inconvenient. Car still has problems starting, something about the gas flooding into something, and I have to sit there with my foot on the gas holding it down until it does start. And supposedly theres no way to fix this problem. Such a headache. The car isnt worth all this trouble.

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  I Love My Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tracy K. - November 3 - 12:40 pm

  Over a year later and nearly 32,000 miles, and I still look forward to every time I get behind the wheel! The car handles well in any kind of road condition, accelerates quickly and stops on a dime – a plus when it comes to Nashville driving. FUN to drive (though I got to watch out for those blue lights)! Such a comfortable ride both front and back, and for a fairly tall woman (with back trouble), I am seldom stiff when I get out of the car. It is a beautiful car, inside and out.

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  Get out of my way with the 3.5SR - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By az66bug - November 3 - 6:18 am

  We bought this brand new and always get a new car every 3 years - I can say this one we are keeping longer. Love this car, especially over the re-designed model that looks like a Camry. I was completely sold on the Acura TL but wasnt 100% happy with the bold body style change so decided to check out the Altima after I drove in my buddys 2010 3.5SR. This car saved me thousands compared to the Acura and besides the savings I love this powerful rocket. Have had it 3 years now and not in the least bit sick of it, will continue to enjoy my Altima for years to come (I hope).

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  Too Sweet!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Reese - October 31 - 12:20 pm

  Nice sporty car for the money!! It looks great and drives great. Great acceleration, sporty, and decent fuel mileage. Very nice stereo from factory. If youre in the market for a awesome car that is affordable,sporty and that will turn heads then you have found it.

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  Excellent choice - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Exxxxcellent ! - October 29 - 8:53 am

  I traded in a 01 Maxima for my new 05 Altima. Besides losing horsepower, I think this is the best decision Ive made in a long time. This car gives great gas mileage and is very comfortable to drive. I would definitely advise anyone to make the same choice.

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  Problems from the start - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jjhood - October 26 - 9:40 am

  No room to type --- drove it off the lot and heard a rattle right away. Three days later discovered it was the sunroof. Took it to the dealer, they said that had it fixed after an hour and I was pleased. Drove it back off the lot and immediately heard the rattling. Looked up and saw grease stains all over my headliner from the service men. Took it back and had to leave it for the day. They said it was fixed and of course it isnt. Now it is scheduled to go back in for a third time. Then I was washing the car and noticed I have spots all over the paintwork on back door. Looks like water droplets underneath the clearcoat. This car is already full of problems!!!