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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  The Mac Daddy of Family Cars - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By lghtskndymnla - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Nissan out did theirselves when the re- designed the Altima. The performance is excellent, Braking distance is outstanding, fuel economy could be better but is still better than that on the Accord. You get alot of great features for the money unlike Camry and Accord. This vehicle is fun to drive and can hold up to alot of daily driving abuse. THe only Problem I have is the shift boot that keeps coming aloose during swift shifting action.

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  Good, but needs design improvements - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By jkl458 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Overall good car for the money, especially compared to others in class. Rides really well overall, but feels a little big around fast corners. Exterior design very nice, but interior needs improvement with materials, ie flimsy and too much plastic. Biggest issue is $8 headlight bulb burning out and not being able to fix it myself: Was quoted $120 by dealer because of labor involved. This is to fix a simple light bulb!

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  One Mean Machine - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Altima Man - May 13 - 7:53 pm

  I do mostly in town and short highway drives with my Altima. It looks and drives just great.

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  Disappointed...again - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ian - May 13 - 4:56 am

  I made the mistake of purchasing another Altima. I bought the 2.5 with SL Package Feb 08, and although the leather interior is one of the most comfortable Ive ever owned, the other problems have made me regret my decision. Ive had it serviced at the dealership for creaking and rattling noises in the drivers door at least 3 times. The 1st time, the service manager said that a squeak/rattle kit would fix the problem. It fixed 75% of the noises, but in 2 weeks, they had all returned. The next few times, the technician couldnt reproduce the problem therefore couldnt fix the problem. The drivers seat moves side to side even after the dealership "fixed" it too. I cant recommend this car!

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  Re-think_problems - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Re-think_Problems - May 7 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car about 5 months a go. I was enjoying this car for first 2 months. It was fun to drive until I had to take it in for driver side seat movement. The driver seat moves left to right when you do any type of turns. It even moves when you move it by hand. Dealers last note on their service paper "Fixed the broken bushing, seat still moves." I have called their customer support number. They keep telling me that they are working on this problem. No resolution. Finally, I got hold of Lemon Law ATTORNEY and filled a LAW SUIT with Nissan. I will NEVER BUY NISSAN AGAIN.

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  sues car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By hermit - May 7 - 2:00 am

  An exciting and powerful car, reminiscent of the 1970s

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  A blast! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mark Mayes - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Loved the abdundance of thrust and power throughout the rev range. The engine was sweet. The torque steer was kind of scarey though especially when the roads were damp and one had to tred lightly as a result. The manual stick was vague and made rowing the gearbox somewhat a chore and I had trouble making smooth changes .The build quality was chintzy and cheap especially the interior with the manual boot and cup holder needing replacement before 8000miles. At 9000miles the clutch gave out and needed replacement.

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  Excellent third-time buyer. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By fred - May 2 - 10:00 am

  My 3rd Altima and am devoted. Has power like nothing before. Very comfortable to drive.

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  nissan altima 2003 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By lisa1972 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i love this car, i have a 5 speed manual and i have only had the car since march 2003 and the leather in the stick shift got a tear in it, besides that i am happy with it. can you suggest how to get it fixed?

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  Joy To Drive and Own 4Cyl Drives Like V6 - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jason - May 1 - 3:10 pm

  I have now owned this vehicle for approximately 1 year and my experience has been fully satisfactory. I cannot think of a better sedan that offers this much power, style, great handling - all at a reasonable price! ENGINE: This vehicle handles like a V6 sedan, but uses gas like a 4CYL. It still surprises me that this 4CYL CVT engine can produce 175HP with powerful torque, and gets about 27MPG combined city highway driving - translates to about 530 miles to 20GAL tank (600MI all highway). HANDLING: When taking tight curves on the road, I have no fear to take them even faster, as the steering is responsive and accurate. >>> Extremely happy with my first purchase of any car! Highly recommended.