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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  Great car - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Chris rizzuto - October 6 - 7:54 am

  Best car for your money.

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  pretty good so far - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By cnn4eva - October 6 - 1:50 am

  This is the first nissan i have ever had. I came from a Toyota camry and I have to say the altima is much better.It is fast, very good pick up. The engine is quite loud for a 4 cylinder car though.One thing when you drive over 50 mph with the windows down you hear a seeping air noise coming from the driver side.

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  Good Ride - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By lewisb - October 4 - 8:00 pm

  I have had my 2.5SL for over a month. So far I am getting on average 30mpg. The car is very quiet and handles really well. The sound system is ok, could be improved. (I did not get the Bose) The exterior look sharp. Plenty of room for 4 passengers. I am 61 and find the drivers seat somewhat uncomfortable. I am still trying to play with the 8 way adjustable seat to figure out how to get comfortable.

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  Worst Nissan Car Ever ! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By rtat - October 1 - 11:39 pm

  I bought my 2.5 SV 40 days ago, I had a noise on the drivers headline, the dealer tried to fix it but the couldnt, I request to change it, Nissan gave me another one, before accepted me and the Nissan dealer manager did the drive test, it had exactly the same noise at the same position as well as the power steering noise, now Nissan looking for alternative car for me!!! I think this Altima will be the worst Nissan car ever.

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  My 2003 Nissan Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By dgzlz - October 1 - 7:32 pm

  I just felt the need to give special props to my 2003 Nissan Altima that is not at (372 THOUSAND MILES) yes I had to spell it out so no one would think it was a typo. She needs a new catalytic converter, but other than that she is still the greatest money maker I have every had. I drive 172 miles a day, 5 days a week. I have tried reading online to see if anyone else was running with this many miles, but it saddens me to see some have not been as lucky. A mechanic not long ago told me mine car must have came off the line on a Wednesday. I tried looking that up with no sucess.

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  Cant go wrong - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By J Cromwell - October 1 - 6:33 am

  I sold Nissans for about a year. I drove an Altima for a demonstrator for about 3 months and have never driven a better value. As soon as my wife graduated college we ran right out and bought one. There are nicer, more expensive vehicles out there but for the money you will not find a better buy. Any problems you find on JD Powers website are almost certainly the salespersons fault for not explaining fully the cars features and how to opperate those features. Remember that they only count "problems", which could range from a blown engine to how to open the fuel door. Dont fault the car for an incompetant salesperson. You cant go wrong with the Altima reguardless of trim level.

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  Great car in and out... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By H. D. - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I saw this car in the dealers lot while I was browsing through the Maximas, and I am glad I did. I always liked Altimas. Only turn off for me was the interior. This model has a interior just like Maxima, which looks very classy and sleek. All the controls and knobs are within comfortable reach. Exterior looks great. Interior is very roomy. Even after I test drove some SUVs, I felt very comfortable in this car. I purchased the 2.5 liter because of the price distance. However, I still think the engine performance, especially high speed, is wonderful.

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  Recently Purchased My 2016 Altima 2.5 SR - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Chris G - September 29 - 8:16 pm

  I purchased the vehicle on 6/25/16 and so far so good! Love the car, love the ride comfort, very roomy/spacious. Also test drove the 3.5 SR but decided to go with the better fuel economy. The 2.5 is has a bit more road noise at higher speeds, but nothing horrible. Will probably try a different set of tires when the time comes to see if it makes a difference. It has good acceleration and the car handles better than I expected. Love the new SR package with the sporty wheels, rear spoiler and interior (interior stitching is a nice touch). Still getting used to the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), but I can see how it helps with fuel economy. I also considered the Honda Accord Sport model and the Mazda 6 Touring, but I couldnt beat the overall comfort and value with the Altima. I went ahead and bit the bullet and purchased the extended warranty so the car is covered for 6yrs/100,000 miles. I plan on keeping the vehicle for the life of the loan so I wanted to have trouble free driving.. 1st oil change is free and then just $10 thereafter. Ive only driving about 1000 miles so far so I will try to write some more reviews as the miles keep adding up, but as I mentioned before.. so far so good!

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  Like it - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By sid - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice car.... but wish the fuel economy was a little better.

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  Black Altima SE - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Ricefan - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a great car for the money. Fun to drive, fast, comfortable, roomy interior, and great looks outside. Catches a lot of attention!