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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  NO BUYERS REMORSE HERE!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Arizona - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I searched for a year, to find a car I could love for 5 years or more. The Altima 2.5S was that car. I looked for a 2002(checking for a deal), and couldnt find one, cheaper than a 2003. Whoever, says they are not holding there own on re-sale, try looking in Arizona. They are hanging in there with the Hondas and Toyotas. Which there body styles are in no comparison to the Altimas. I got my Altima - I absolutely love it. It drives like a dream. The interior is a little "plasticy" but what do you except for a car in that price range. Honda wasnt any better.

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  Best car I have ever owned. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By sheer - August 4 - 12:07 pm

  It really is the best car I have ever owned! I basically just drive it. I bought from a friend six years ago with 50,000 miles. Now I have 276,000 miles on it and all I have done is basic maintenance, struts, and one sensor. It never breaks down. The motor still runs smooth. Its still peppy, though I dont push it like I did when I first bought it. I expect to see well over 300K miles out of this one.

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  Very Pleased with the Altima - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By ghowe3 - August 3 - 3:16 pm

  Just leased a fully loaded Altima (except for navigation) after leasing a 530i. Not as bad as a drop off in car as I thought. The Altima is sporty, quick on the highway and gets excellent gas mileage. The interior is roomy and sporty with a big advantage over the BMW - there is much more storage space and cup holders.

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  Not perfect but close - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By R Woods - August 2 - 9:00 pm

  Im in sales and purchased my car in oct of 05 and have put 33,000 miles on it and it has done great for me. Other than a squeak in the hood and the fact the bottom plastic panel inside the door is scratched from my shoes it has held up. Gas mileage has averaged 28.6 and I drive it hard. I can put 700 miles a day in it and feel fresh when Im done driving. Other improvements are offer cloth seats not just leather, the air conditioning system is too loud and when I first got the Altima I thought my turn signals at night were on but it was the glare of off the crome rings around the dash board.

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  nissan altama - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By joe byars - August 2 - 3:36 pm

  my experience with this car has been excellent. i most like the style and the way it is built and its features

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  Great Sedan - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Kelly - August 1 - 12:26 pm

  I just got my 2007 Altima in January and so far Im impressed. The interior and exterior is revamped from the older models and is really nice.

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  27,000 miles and always in the shop - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Tyler Johnson - July 31 - 7:14 pm

  Ive owned Nissans my whole life. Ive loved them and the company until I bought this car. Ive had so many problems, though, I took a loss just to give it back to Nissan. I submitted three buy-back requests through Nissan and they denied me all three times. The car was still under warranty when I had all the problems, but that warranty was nearing its end and Nissan wouldnt work with me, so I was too scared to keep it. In the first two years and 27,000 miles, the radio backlights flashed like there was a short and the radio kept restarting itself. The dealer replaced the radio and the new one kept doing the same thing. They wouldnt replace it a second time because they couldnt duplicate it. The steering wheel controls stopped working intermittently. Again, couldnt duplicate the problem. The O2 sensor stopped working correctly and the car started running rough. It was working fine and I accidently reset the check engine light before they could fit me in... so, couldnt duplicate the problem. The transmissions computer stopped working correctly and wouldnt go into higher gears. They replaced the computer but the second computer is doing the same thing. And heres the best one... When youre out of windshield washer fluid, the blind spot monitors and lane departure warnings wont work. I researched it and its a known bug. I mean, it makes sense. Why would you need to check your blind spots if your windshield washer fluid reservoir is empty? The car is stylish and comfortable. And thats pretty much where I end the positive. Dont buy this - or any Nissan. I get that every manufacturer has bad days and makes a lemon or two, but I would expect them to take responsibility for the problems. They wont buy back and they wont fix documented problems because they cant see them in the shop. I had videos of the malfunctions proving they were happening but it didnt matter.

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  Glad its gone - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Peter_wobowitz - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Many problems when bought, dealer never did an inspection. Repeated calls to the General Manager did nothing. Nice engine, smooth ride, and looks. Everything else not good! Tons of paint chips, arm rest starting to loosen, CD storage door never works right. Clunking noise in rear. Traded for a civic and miss the power but nothing else! MAJOR hit on resale! Pay more for Honda and Toyota! I could have had an Accord in the first place...

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  Good Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By D Scott - July 30 - 4:36 am

  Purchased this car used with 31,000 miles on it. Have had it for 3 months now and am really happy with the car. Great styling inside and out. Rides very smooth and no wind noise. I stand 6 foot and I am very comfortable in this car, my knees are not pressed into the dash. The only complaint I have is the stereo, the sound quality is awful. I assume its the base stereo option. Im thinking about upgrading the whole stereo system because of the sound quality.

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  Will buy another one! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Bill Rabe - July 29 - 8:06 am

  I had a 1994 Altima & it was great. Sold it in 1996. I bought the 4cyl. for gas mileage & have gotten as high as 38 mpg on the road . City 25-30 mpg in decent weather. A little more road noise than my 1994 Altima, its liveable. My driving is split between city & highway & I average about 30-32 mpg at weekly fill ups. Nice car & we get alot of compliments on the car & factory chrome wheels. We will buy another Altima in the future.