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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  2 years and 20K miles - no major problems so far - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Harris - July 17 - 5:43 am

  So sorry about all the problems I see from other owners! Mine has been really nice so far. Ride is very comfortable, especially on the highway. There is a bit of road noise from the rear that bothers me on rougher roads, but Im very sensitive to road noise. I think most all newer sedans are geared much sportier than 20 years ago, with stiffer suspensions and lower profile/larger tires, so the Altima had equal to lower road noise than the 2014 Accord, Camry, Sonata, etc. Granted, I did not test drive a Buick : ) Anyways, the Altima is quite a cruiser and handles pretty well also. But it was a great value. I got the SV 4yl for $21,500. Hope mine holds up a bit better than some others on here

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  Never Again - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Aaron - July 15 - 4:02 am

  I have never had a vehicle that has had as many issues as my Altima. In the last year Ive had an exhaust manifold crack, suspension issues, cracked axle, seized brake caliper, rusted exhaust covers, window switch go bad, key fob fail, cracked windshield, and intermittent starting issues that several mechanics have failed to figure out what the problem is. This car is a money pit. All of my american made cars were much older with higher mileage and I never had nearly as many issues with those cars.

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  bought 1st week released - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By kcaples - July 13 - 10:04 pm

  We just bought the new 2013 Nissan Altima, bot off the presses so to speak. The first week they hit the lots! It is very comfortable to drive. It is surprisingly not a sluggish car. The thing I am loving the most is that I have put 150 miles on it and have not even burned through 1/4 of a tank of gas!

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  I love the car; however... - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By katydid - July 13 - 3:33 am

  The car drives wonderfully with great pickup. Around town driving got 20 mpg on the first two tanks and 21.8 on the third. Lots of well-designed storage space. The basic radio/cd player sounds great and picks up far-away stations. I love the fold-down back seats. Heres the however: My cars taillights leaked when I got the car. The sensor on the passenger side airbag turns the bag off sporadically when a 160-190 lb adult sits on that side. The dealer cant find the problem. There is no manual override to force the airbag to function, so my passengers are sometimes in danger. The "youve left your key in the car" alarm sounds when my key is in my pocket outside the car.

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  Rock Solid and Reliable, but Boring - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By bills01se - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I recently sold my 98 Altima SE after driving it for 65,000 miles. I am happy to report ZERO mechanical problems. The only maintenance I paid for was front brakes and 4 tires at 50,000 miles. The car was economical, peppy, and most important, reliable. I would highly recommend it for a student or 1st time car buyer. The value is there. The only problems were wind noise, and some minor build quality issues in the cabin. Yes, it is rather boring, but thats exactly what some people need.

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  What a BLAST to own ! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Psyched Out ! - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This being my first car was not on my list because I didnt think I could afford it. Not only could I afford it,I would never have known what I was missing out on. Performance,luxury,style,class,etc. Nissan is good,this cart is great. It is the Lexus of Nissan. Who needs a Maxima! Hurry,go buy one,so you too can write your review.

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Satisfied - July 9 - 9:23 pm

  We bought our car almost as soon as they went on sale. We chose over the Camry and Accord because of its style and driving characteristics. We have had a great experience and after nearly 4 years it still feels like a new car. Great performance from the 4cyl and auto trans. We would definitely buy another one but we dont have to because our 2002 is still so great.

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  Could have been better - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By tabaks - July 8 - 3:56 pm

  The car is a fun, good looking drive I never regretted buying. However, there are few issues I believe Nissan should have addressed better. before that, praises. Car accelerates nicely, almost too sensitive at first. Turns are handled with a heart-stopping precission! It loves the open road, achieveing road/city mileage ratio of 1.5! It feels wind a bit too much, with an uncany feeling "oops, this wind is moving me around, i guess..." Being the first-year car, I noticed these glitches: something is clicking under the dash when accelerating/braking, service had NO CLUE what it is. Doors resonate with music a bit too well. A bit difficult to get in if youre a big driver.

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  2002 car of the year... NOT! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 1969iggy - July 8 - 2:00 am

  So many things have gone wrong, and the dealership (Armory Nissan in Albany, NY) is not what youd call "customer friendly:...

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  Not the Greatest Economical Vehicle - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Jessica - July 7 - 6:30 am

  inherited this car from my grandfather in early 2004. The car only had 13,000 miles on it! Ive put a lot of mileage on it driving to school and to work, and the car now has about 44,000 miles. Anyway, this car is nothing compared to a Toyota Camry or a Honda Civic. The cloth seats look like shower tiles! The dash looks quite cheap as well. The gas mileage is awful; I get about 23 mpg and most of my driving is on the highway. The body style makes it look like its from the mid to late 90s. The hubcaps make these awful noises. I recently had the brakes changed, and they still make awful sqealing noises. The passenger window slides down a little, so you hear the wind blowing against the car.