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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  This is the best car I have ever owned! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By P.N. - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car for a week and I already love this car. I have no complaints, the car handles and looks great. Every day people are telling me how great the car looks. I cant think of a car both American or Asian that is a better value. I was debating between a manaul and automatic transmision, Im very happy with the automatics performance. I would definitely recommend this vehicle.

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  Awesome car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By roushfan5 - September 29 - 2:27 am

  A lot of people are complaining about their cam shaft sensors. Well my check engine light came on for the exact same problem. Turned out I was just using the wrong type of oil. Make sure you are using 5-30W oil to avoid this problem. After a couple hundred miles with the correct oil in the car the problem went away. Our car is the V6 with a 152,400 miles on it and to date the only problem weve had to fix is replace the seals in the engine, oil cooler and the rear value gasket. The interior is a little cheap Ill admit. But the car def. makes up for it with that fantastic engine. A great car but it has to be maintained

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  It is what it is. - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Mr. Ed - September 27 - 4:31 am

  I have had mine six years. It has 160K on it. Other than what you would expect - a set of brakes and a serpentine belt. Not a single repair, just routine maintenance. It is a basic model, cheap interior, not overly comfortable but I knew that when I bought it. It is extremely reliable and it was not expensive. It has been paid off for years. I plan to drive it until it drops - I think that is going to be a long time. ..--About 2/3 of them are highway miles.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By vandalizers - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We just bought our Altima 3.5 SL one week ago. It is loaded with everything except the navigation system, which would be great for some people, but for me it would be to distracting! I have never enjoyed driving a car as much as I do this one! It is comfortable, has a smooth ride and is FAST!! Im afraid I am really going to get in trouble with this car!! I would encourage anyone looking for a new vehicle to take a look at the Altima. I started out looking for a Pathfinder. After I drove the Altima, I knew it was "the one". I cant wait to take a road trip in this car!

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  Stay off the Highway - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By 13altimaowne1 - September 25 - 4:12 am

  We recently leased a 2013 Nissan Altima, 2.5SV and it is, for the most part, an outstanding car with many improvements from the 2009 that we had previously. The ride is great, the features are impressive, the engine has great pickup and the gasoline mileage of 28 City and 38 Highway seems to be accurate. The car would be a dream except for one flaw. At highway speeds (60+) the car gets “squirrely.” It wanders off of the straight course and requires constant correction of the steering wheel to keep it on a straight path. If you do all of your driving under 60 MPH, this is a great car – buy it. But, if not, make sure that you test drive one at highway speeds and determine if you can liv

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  Frustrated with Nissan headquarters - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Frustrated - September 24 - 12:33 am

  I absolutely love this car! This is the first Nissan that I own. I waited about 4 years to get this car and now that I have, the radio went out. Now, with me preferring the factory look, I asked Nissan to back me up with this, obviously, its a defect. Nissan made me wait 3 weeks and then finally told me that they would not replace or even discount a new radio. I think this is crappy since the car is a 2008. This will definitely be the last Nissan that I own, not for the product but for the service! It seems like they would want to back up their products but once you purchase, its in your hands!

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  I LOVE it! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By gogo - September 22 - 10:53 am

  I traded in my 2000 Saab 93 convert. because it was just time. My wife has the Murano and we love it and I just needed something to get me to and from the train station everyday. This car has better pick up than my Saab and handles better overall. I used to drive 5 spd for many years so the +/- shift is fun to drive from time to time and I found it works great in the snow/ice to avoid breaking when going down hills. I went real basic on all the features and I dont feel like I am missing anything. The steering is a little loose compared to what I have been driving before (Saab 93 and VW GTI), but it is really a nice car inside and out!! The stereo is pretty good without the bose upgrade.

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  Great so far......... - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By kinger_111 - September 21 - 6:06 am

  Purchased a 2.5SL to replace a 97 Civic coupe and have been very happy thus far. Car looks great, is comfortable, gets good gas mileage (28 mixed through 800 miles...mostly freeway), is quiet and has good pep for a 4 cylinder engine.

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  Dont buy if you use for travel - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Uncomfortable - September 21 - 1:26 am

  Took our new Altima SL on its first out of town trip. Very uncomfortable passenger seating, especially the poorly designed front passenger seat. The seat is only 8" from the floor, and seat dimensions are too small for someone over 510". Unfortunately, we spent too much time worrying about engine performance and options, and the test drive was not long enough to focus on this serious problem. We bought this for in town driving (which is fine), and for some out of town trips. It is physically painful to ride more than an hour. Very disappointed -- wish we had stayed with a slightly less responsive, and a little more boring Accord or Camry that we considered.

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  Needs improvements!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tough Critic Nicky - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The 2005 Altima looks smooth and luxurious. The things I dont like, its only because after driving this vehicle for a few months now. They are the display to the radio, when there is sun, you cant even see the radio station and numbers. Needs running daytime lights. The side mirrors needs to fold back, but dont. The temp controls are a bit outdated- I like the digital readout of the Toyota products, like the Camry, Lexus line. The radio reception is very static and poor. the passenger seat needs to be powered. I also dislike the horn sound of the keyless entry system as one review referred to. Thats my pet peeves on the Altima.