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 Initial Assessment - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Archman - August 16 - 5:20 am

  My wife and I were looking for a midsized sedan since we have a grandchild coming in a couple of months. We considered the Altima, Camry, Legacy, Mazda6, & Sonata. It must have the following: good comfortable ride, quiet, good fuel economy, & roomy. That was the dilemma. All of the cars that we considered as noted above can meet those requirements. So we dug deeper. We loved the CVT and the quietness it brought. So it was down to the Subaru and Nissan. Then July 4th weekend sale sealed the deal with the Nissan with up to $2k off with your own financing was great. Additional feature that we love is the smart key and push button start, absolutely wonderful. Highly recommended.

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  Altimas are not reliable and Nissan does not support customers - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By kathy90 - August 13 - 4:06 am

  The air compressor clutch failed on my Altima with only 52,000 miles on it.The cost to repair it is $1000.00 and Nissan has refused to cover the cost of repair because they say that my car is "outside of its warranty parameters." Two reputable mechanics have informed me that it is unheard of for a car with such low mileage that has been impeccably maintained to have a air compression clutch failure.Nissan is not willing to look beyond the warranty parameters and see this as an ethical, good business, customer service issue.They are basically saying that even if the mechanics of the vehicle fall apart after the warranty period, Nissan will not stand by its vehicle.

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  Poor mans Infinity - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ron - August 12 - 10:10 am

  I now have three Nissan vehicles and find my 2004 Altima 2.5SL to be the best $20K luxury car on the market. I have over six foot tall and there is still room for adults in the back seat. Reliability has been flawness and gas mileage for my daily commute averages over 28 MPG.

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  Sporty with a touch class - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By CHUCK ESCOBAR - August 11 - 10:23 am

  I use to own a mustang cov and it was a fun car to drive but lacking space,in the trunk and interior,but when i got into the altima wow a whole new experience.I never though that a sedan can be fun to drive with out spending big bucks, i found a lot of aftermarket accessoiries, for the exterior making the car look very classy.It handels well for a sedan, i got the convenience pakage plus which includes a sun roof,trip computer and a lot of other fun stuff, the color satin white very classy and the best thing is a 20 gal gas tank and great gas milage 21 city and 28 hwy.I realy do not have any thing neg to say only that evry where i look i see an altima.Test drive one see for your self.

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  This is my second Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By DALE - August 11 - 2:06 am

  I purchased a second Nissan Altima last December replacing my 1997 that had been hit and totaled. The 2005 has improvements that show Nissan listens to its customers. The windows can be opened and closed without turning the engine on, the back seats fold down wider allowing larger items to fit into trunk, the trunk opens wider and lower, a larger "donut tire" is given, the key lock on trunk with sliding Nissan cover has been eliminated. My logo cover on key lock on my 1997 fell off long ago and all the other ones I have seen on other cars are broken also. They got rid of those plastic hub cabs that cracked and fell off. Plenty of compartments to hide stuff.

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  Through thick and thin - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By BX - August 9 - 6:43 pm

  I have been hit twice by other negligent drivers and my Altima has kept me safe each time with little damage while the drivers at fault suffered major damages. This only confirms to me that my Altima is a tough cookie. I have been complaining about all of the cosmetic things such as boring interior and basic sound system. However, I have realized now that safety is more important! One downfall would be that Im a petite person and the head rest and seat is not really comfortable for someone short like me. Other than this, my Altima is a gem. It rides smoothly, has good pickup, pretty decent gas mileage, and has a great design. Thank you Nissan!

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  Bad Gas Mileage, Quality, + Depreciation - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Eddo - August 9 - 4:16 am

  I cant stress it enough, horrible gas mileage. Much lower than what is displayed on the sticker. Brakes lock up too easily causing unsafe conditions. Poor handling in wet and snowy weather. Gas door latch doesnt work very well and fails to open. Notice the amount of these doors bent open or taken off of Altimas on the road. I only noticed it after mine started not opening. Funny, no recall. Nissan must not be taking responsibility for design flaws. People are prying them open to get gas into the tank. Seating is uncomfortable during long trips. Premature Rusting. Trim popping off for no reason. Again, no recall. Poor Warranty. 36 mo. Bumper to bumper, think again. Overall quality is poor.

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  Love My 06 Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff - August 8 - 5:56 pm

  I Just traded my 1997 BMW 528i in for a 2006 Nissan Altima, and let me tell you that was the best thing I ever did. I love My car. Its bigger inside than my BMW, with more leg room its very comfortable. My Altima is the Satin White with tan interior. The interior is clean lined with so many compartments I had to buy stuff to put in my car. Ive loved the new design of the Altima & couldnt wait to get one. The engine is a 4 cylinder, but it is fast & has pleanty of power I work in Three Rivers & it climbs those mountains like a Hummer. It is also great on gas wheather your driving in town or freeway. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a great car that has style,comfort,performance.

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  Great, dependable Car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By auntieannie2 - August 7 - 2:16 pm

  This 1998 Altima GXE was my first brand new car and, after owning a series of VWs, I enjoyed the reliability and sporty looks of this car. I now have 176,000 miles on it, only ever needed tires, brakes, tune ups until two months ago, when the engine finally went out, ONLY because I got very lazy on the oil changes, mind you! I put in a used Japanese engine and it runs like a charm again but it now has a steering fluid leak that has to be fixed. I think its to be expected at 176000 miles. Its been a fantastic car and I would highly recommend it.

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  My 3rd Altima SE - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jack*ss1 - August 5 - 1:10 pm

  This is my 3rd Altima SE since 2002 and I have to say this one beats my 02 and 04 altima SEs hands down. Its faster, more stylish, more comfortable, better on gas and you can see and feel the Infiniti side of Nissan in this car. Fuel mpg is about 22 city 28 highway (note I like to drive fast). I test drove a Mazda6 v6, Honda Accord v6, Toyota Camry v6 and some Ford and Chevy cars and I must say the Altima was the best all around car in its class.