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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  Very Pleased, so far - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Brad - April 30 - 10:20 pm

  I switched from the Murano (which I loved)to the Altima, due to gas prices. I avg.30.5 per gal. and cant believe how far I can go on a full tank. I do miss the storage room, although its generally good. The nav stinks compared to a Garmin at a fraction of the price. The design of the black console is just ok. On long drives my leg leans against the center console and becomes uncomfortable. Generally though, its a nice drive. The car should have a rear wiper.It does have a Great sound system.

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  Not recommended - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By mackyd - April 30 - 4:27 am

  Ive been living with my Altima 2.5 Sedan for over a year now and I will never have another. I can only describe it as a car for people who dont like driving. Dangerously underpowered, the most uncomfortable front seats Ive ever encountered in a modern vehicle, many rattles and squeaks from the interior and exterior, very prone to understeer due to the poor weight distribution, I find the CVT annoying, the - augmented by limited windshield wiper coverage - blind spot at the drivers A pillar is terrible. The trunk hinges are the invasive kind which is unacceptable to me. There is no mechanical key hole for the trunk. I have many more complaints about it but no room to include them all.

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  Its a Nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ButaS - April 26 - 10:30 am

  It sure is very fun to drive. But the cup holder broke the first week I own it, and it took them 1 month to get the replacement part in. Power window actuator failed before I hit 3,000 miles and it took 7 trips 3 dealerships 5 calls to Nissan HQ & 6 months to identify and fix the problem. Mysterious rattling sound in the dash since 15,000 miles and a replacement of AC vent still didnt fix it. Did I mention the 5 or 6 recalls? Its not for people who dont have the time and patience. And the road noise is unbearable when travelling at high speed after two years.

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  Nissan Altima - Worth Considering - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By MAD59 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall I have had a good experience with this car. No major problems. I would recommend this car for someone in the market for a used car.

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  my new ride - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Judy L. - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I really love my altima. I love the body and especially the back. I love the back lights. Boy does it have power! when you put that pedal down you better hold on tight. I have really enjoyed my altima, i have only had it for 2 weeks but so far so good. The only thing i kinda dont like is the side panels, they look kinda cheap. Like they were cheaply made. But overall i think its a great car and its very roomy.

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  Great features, great value, great car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - April 24 - 10:36 am

  The 2.5S with convenience plus package gives all the "must have" features at a reasonable price. Great bang for the buck. The CVT engine is very smooth. Mileage is great, 28-30 mpg so far with mostly city driving, yet the car has plenty of pickup to accelerate onto the highway with ease. Keyless entry without having to take the key fob out of your pocket and push button start is great novelty feature that comes in very handy. Both front and back seats are very roomy on inside, seats are very comfortable. Could not be happier with our new Altima!

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  Love/ Hate Relationship - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By keb - April 23 - 11:06 pm

  I have been a Nissan fan since I can remember. However, I am sad to say that this is my last Nissan. I have had nothing but problems with this 03 Altima. I must admit that it is fun and peppy to drive (manual) but that is where it ends. I have had numerous issues with it starting in all types of weather. It has been in the shop 7 times for this issue. Also, the entire sub-frame corroded and had to be replaced. There has been all sorts of loose bolt noises ever since. Lets not forget the "rocking seat," constant squeaks, rattles and shimmy. Theres lots of outside noise (even with new tires). I just dont feel safe driving it. Finally, its extremely easy to be broken into. Hope this helps!

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  Great little every day car. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Rick M. - April 22 - 12:50 am

  This is my first Altima and it is a good little car. Its reliable and looks good. If you need a quality car that handles fairly well for a stock vehicle and would like a reasonable price, this is your car. If you are looking for massive power, dont look to this car. Go up to the Maxima which is also a great car.

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  Great Car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Brendan - April 21 - 4:43 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I have had it 10 years and other than gas, wiper blades, tires etc. I have only replaced the front brake pads once. So non routine maintenance for this car in 10 years has been under $200. I have other vehicles now and dont drive it as much as before but it is just too good of a vehicle to get rid of. I will definitely buy another Altima when I am in the market for a car.

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  Excellent - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By staceykoz - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Beautiful design. No problems at all.