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:

• 

  reliable car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By kab - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We leased the 99 Altima,and as for our family,the car has been very dependable.We have had no problems with this car.I dont know about a used one,but this one was brand new,and an excellent car.

• 

  Ok First Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Kimberly - May 23 - 10:35 am

  This was my first car and I fell In love with it right away. I bought it from a buy here pay here 100k on the dot an had it for two yrs. The first yr of owning it It was a great car no problems. I loved the speed of the car an the way it drives real smooth. When I first bought it the sunroof quit working properly but it was an after market an was put in from a previous owner I never bothered with it after I just didnt touch it. But my second year of owning the car I started having problems first thing was my head lights went out an only way to change them is getting either a detailer or Nissan to get inside an change it which would of cost some money but luckily my father in law changed it an all I had to pay for was the bulb itself. Next the alternator went out and I decided to put a used one in by my grandfather. I had to replace the battery TWICE and my gpa couldnt figure out why it constantly needed a new battery. Then two sensors went out and cost me a little.. Then shortly after that my radiator had busted while I was driving and after 100$ of replacing that we figured out the head gasket blew. I was officially over the car an sold it 2015. Overall maintenance wise I wont even lie with this being my first car I didnt keep up with oil changes to good not sure if that had anything to play with anything that came from but this car is a much older car look for something at least 06 or 07 an up with less than 100000 miles. I wont talk bad about Nissan and I still love Altimas but maintaince is a big key to a great car the way you treat your car is how great it will be I believe. But I have read similarities on here so wouldnt recommend the year of this car

• 

  A Satisfied Customer - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By genius163 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  In general, I am very pleased with the performance of my 02 Altima. I have already put almost 80k miles on it, mostly due to commuting in Los Angeles traffic. I have had only one repair that wasnt due to maintenance. One year ago, after a long road trip in the middle of the summer, the oxygen sensor needed replacing. I dont know if the trip had anything to do with it.

• 

  Just Awsome!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By VQPowerBaby - May 20 - 1:56 pm

  I have owned my Nissan Altima 3.5SE for over 2 years now, and have had nothing but FUN in this car. I test drove a 2.5 and a 3.5 at the dealership when I was buying and after experiencing the thrust and power of the 3.5 I had to have it. The car now has just over 50k miles on it, and have had NO PROBLEMS at all - that being said I have only ever used Mobile 1 Synthetic oil, and 91 Octane fuel and the car has purred without hiccup for me through the duration of ownership. I have taken multiple long distance road trips, and I really just cant get enough of the performance ride. Seriously no matter at what RPM or speed you are at there is plenty of power to spare-I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CAR

• 

  Great value!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ive - May 20 - 6:43 am

  The ride is excellent. Its fun to drive, a much better vehicle against its competitors, however Im doing 19 mpg in town, instead of 24. Ive not been driving fast so I can get the best gas mileage. But overall is a great car. I have been enjoying it very much!!

• 

  Still Lovin It! Whoosh on! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Raven - May 19 - 1:53 pm

  Bought the 3.5 SE 10 weeks ago -- still a great ride! Do see the tire light when it gets cold but that seems to resolve when weather warms up again. Otherwise, no problems yet. Recommend you spring for the compass mirror with integrated garage opener -- available as an add-on from dealer.

• 

  Oh, You Gotta Love It - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By grieman - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive been raised to love Hondas, but once I sat in the Nissan and took it for a spin, I knew I was now a Nissan man. I love this car. Its quiet, its beautiful, its comfortable. I could not be happier with the purchase.

• 

  15K and still purring along! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - May 17 - 4:27 pm

  I am a first time owner of any Nissan vehicles. I have owned a lot of cars and I have read the reviews about Nissan vehicles in the past. People are correct that Nissan did have major issues with their CVT transmissions in the past. All I can say to anyone as a suggestion is that whenever you by any new vehicle or slightly used is buy the EXTENDED WARRANTY. My mother passed away in May 2015 and this was her vehicle and I took over on the payments and decided to take ownership of it and sold my amazing 2003 Infiniti I35 (Nissan/Infiniti are one) to keep it. Unlike the cars before 1999 all these new cars have a lot of sensors and computer crap and does go bad. More importantly if you see issues with your vehicle check online for recalls and check with the NHTSA (register your vehicle and they will send you complaints and recalls on your car). Research online for technical service bulletins that recommended service needed for the vehicle. When I purchased my first newer car ever in 2013 (never drove a car pass the year 1995) it was an amazing Infiniti FX50 S I got it from a private owner who had passed away and his wife was selling it. I got it for $10-$15 below book value so I thought I got it for a deal. First thing I did was research on the vehicle and though it had only 28,000 miles I was told an extended warranty was needed. Thank god I did it cost me $3,000 for the 7 years 120,000 coverage but in 5 months the Infiniti dealership did over $5,000 worth of work. Why? I found online thru NHTSA complaints from consumers about the vehicle and I found some of my own issues since I been working on car for some time. I also registered my vehicle thru Infiniti and called the corporate office and had a case number assigned to my vehicle forcing the dealership to fix the vehicle. Ironically enough you would think they would want to fix it since Infiniti corporation pays the dealerships when it comes to recalls or defects. Hope this has helped some of you out there. Reality is they dont make the cars like they use to. I love the cars from the late 80s and early 90s because they were simple now they manufacturer cars so you cant work on them and force you to go to the dealership.

• 

  Buyer beware - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By fmosoy - May 17 - 1:30 pm

  Purchased this car after considering Acura TL among the usual suspects in the same price range. I wish I had sprung for the extra 5000 dollars, as it seems like a bargain after five months of ownership. Nissans interior quality is shameful to be generous.This car has more rattles than Mazda I traded in. Panel gaps and sagging interior pieces are too numerous to mention. It is very fast and reasonable handling/ride and provides good 24.5 miles per gallon. Nissan has now gone on my never will buy again list.

• 

  Not a sports car-but okay - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By jeo - May 16 - 7:26 pm

  I have found ownership of my Altima having offsetting pluses & minuses. Yes its reliable and gas mileage around 25-28 mpg. But when parts wear out they are quite expensive. The seats are hard & uncomfortable, it has the turning radius of a truck, the stereo is no Bose.