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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  Awsome car !!!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By newaltimaguy - July 31 - 12:00 pm

  I love this car!!! Rides like a dream, fast acceleration, awesome sound system and a lot of really cool gadgets. In my opinion, its a lower priced, not so flashy on the outside Infinity.

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  Altima vs. Texas Trucks - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By catstoy - July 30 - 8:26 am

  After a Saturn and Eclipse in the 90s and SUVs and trucks over the last few years, I was unsure about moving back lower to the ground (still have our Titan, but will use it considerably less) and am delighted with the sporty feel of my new Altima. Feels solid and responsive. Very fun to drive!

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  Do Your Homework Before Shopping !! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Erudite - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Buying a new car still requires mastering the "art of negotiation." The 2003 Altima clearly is several levels better than the 2001 it redesigned and replaced. Before buying a comparably price Honda or Toyota -- check out the Altima at your local Nissan dealer. The contemporary, up-to-datestyling and, above average comfort level are merit your consideration. Furthermore, youll appreciate the refined 175 horsepower 4 cyl. engine. The Altima is not underpowered compared to many other cars in its class. For under 20K the Altima is a worthy competitor in its class. Check it out !!

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  Reliable & Fun But Unsafe! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By webter - July 25 - 12:50 pm

  The integrity of the motor and many of the other parts are top notch. If you are looking for a base vehicle to fix to street race, this would be a great one. With that said, I was in an accident with this vehicle. The car was totaled and I had a head injury, which has left me with some brain damage. There isnt ABS on this vehicle and the air bag didnt deploy. There were fairly new Bridgestones on the car, so I cant blame it on the tires. Luckily the seat belt locked or else I wouldnt be writing this review!

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  So Far So Great update again - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By grampa - July 25 - 9:10 am

  Now have over 12,000 miles on our Altima in about 6 months since purchase. Still totally happy with it. Mileage, comfort, performance, etc. One of the best looking cars on the road.

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  Youll love this car!!!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bethany - July 22 - 7:36 am

  Everything about this car is awesome, wheather you are a 18 or 60 youll love the way that this car drives. It has every option that you could want... and its decently priced.

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  Review after owning car for one year - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By kitchen1 - July 20 - 7:56 pm

  I withheld judgment even after the numerous issues Ive had but now it needs a new transmission at 12,000 mi. Ive owned a 04 Altima and a 11 Murano. In a word, this 13 Altima is junk. Within the 1st mo of ownership I had a blinking navigation screen (replaced), leather trim on the center console backseat unfinished (replaced), heated seats wired wrong (new wiring harnesses both sides). Within 2 mos I developed the infamous "lugging" transmission (new torque converter and belts= no difference) Within 5 mos the driver/passenger windows = excessive wind noise (both outside mirrors replaced). Now clicking noise in transmission requiring new transmission. Im just a my 1 yr ownership.

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  Buy This Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Great Car - July 19 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my 2005 Altima and I have no problems with it I find it spacious and very reliable. I had a 1999 altima and got 140,000 miles so i bought another one. I recommend it its also great on gas.

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  CVT Transmission is JUNK ! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By catt66 - July 17 - 11:23 am

  I am driving a 2008 Altima 2.5L SL model. I have to say that it is fuel efficient and comfortable to drive. The problem I am having is that I currently have 128,000km on the vehicle and am going on my 2nd replacement transmission. My first was replaced at 60,000km after I noticed a whining noice when the engine was placed under load above 3000 rpm. I just turned 128,000 km recently and noticed the same noice again, they have ordered another to be replaced. I am very disappointed in the reliability here, Nissan sent a letter saying my transmission was covered under warranty up to 200,000km and at the rate mine are dropping off that wont get me through the lease, may be my last Nissan!

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  Worth Your Money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Angela - July 15 - 12:53 pm

  I like the handling of the car. I was able to get a really good deal on the SL b/c of the end of the year. The stereo sound system isnt as impressive as I thought. I like the daytime running light feature (but I recommend NOT using the Automatic Daytime Lights b/c of over usage). Those bulbs become very costly & are not covered in basic or extended warranty.