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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  2015 Altima- new transmission at 10k miles - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By dendy - April 8 - 9:52 am

  Purchased a new 2015 Altima SV with convenience package. Had to have the CVT transmission replaced at only 10k miles. Nissan does not offer new transmissions, only remanufactured units. Nissan consumer affairs offered me some free oil changes, something I was already getting from the dealer, as compensation for my inconvenience. Will not buy another Nissan.

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  First and Last Nissan!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By stonejrw - April 5 - 4:09 pm

  Ive had this car in to the dealers 5 times now for low end rumble/shake, popping noises coming from the front wheels, tire pressure indicator not working correctly, seatbelt light coming on when passenger is in the seat, radio problems, engine light on several times and back up camera not working. I have just over 11,000 miles and this car feels like it has over 100,000. Stuff rattles and shakes. Popping noises coming from the front end again and now brakes sounds like they need replacing. This is the worst car Ive ever owned.

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  Poor Brakes - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By LC - April 5 - 10:16 am

  I purchased my 2008 Altima in March 08 and I have already had to have my rear brakes replaced and rotors filed down. Mind you I have only 10k miles on my car. I really like my car a lot however I dont know if I am too thrilled that I am having brake problems already.

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  Immobilization Problems - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Lorenzo May - April 3 - 10:40 pm

  I had the vehicle for just under one year, when I started to experience power drain problems and complete "shut-downs". I have used roadside assistance four times in the last five months, since the car was completely dead. The dealership has tried to fix the problem, but they havent yet. Other, than this major problem, I loved the car: great ride, great power for a four cylinder, great design, great fuel economy. I have had four Nissans in the last 10 years. This is the only one with a major problem, however, this one is fully equipped with navigation, back- up camera, heated seats, and everything possible.

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  Great Car! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Andrea - April 3 - 5:13 pm

  I bought my 97 almost 4 years ago for $2800 with 162,000 miles on it. Its up to 215,000 now and is running great. I did have some major repairs the first year but since I switched mechanics I havent had any problems. Definitely worth the money.

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  Excessive noise in Altima 3.5S - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By crypton - April 2 - 4:40 pm

  I own 3.5SE 5-speed manual Altima for two weeks and I really enjoy it’s performance. However, I had to visit dealership two times due to excessive noise problem coming from back suspension. It is some kind of rolling-metallic-hollow noise, sometimes reminding kicked-basketball sound. It occurs at any speed and its frequency is not related to speed - just the volume which peaks at around 90km/h resonating and piercing ears. Dealership so far was not able to fix this problem

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  Wow! What a car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Just Marsha - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Very surprising car. I previously had a Toyota Celica (2001) & was unsure of the performance this "family" car would deliver. What a pleasant surprise it has turned out to be. I have had the opportunity to test the handling on some of the curviest roads in WV & it has risen to the challenge. It also offers a very comfortable ride. I have taken it on several long trips this summer & have been very comfortable through out the trip. Gas mileage is just starting to come into its own, currently only 6000 miles, but getting over 30 mpg on long trips, should continue to improve.

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  My 3rd Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By NickoleB2 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Altimas a 93, 02, and 05 and I love these cars. When I got my 02 it was pretty basic but I fell in love with the performance, stupidly I got rid of it for a truck which I later regreted. Which is why I decided to get my 05 and I am so glad I did. Unlike my 02 my 05 is loaded and its beautiful. I am very pleased with it

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  My 2005 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Girraud - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I really love the power seats, sunroof, audio control on steering wheel and the smoothness of the ride, but I can find that on other vehicles. What I dont like about the 2005 Altima is the fact that it is actually too roomy for me. Another is the new cell phone recharger connection for the battery found in the middle arm rest compartment. Im unable to close it while on the phone because the line for the charger prohibits this. It wouldve been nice if Nissan wouldve included an outlet or hole that would channel that wire through while the compartment is closed for access.

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  altima 2006 se - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By altima driver - March 31 - 9:30 am

  nice all around car. a very nice ride. performance is good and 5 speed auto trans is also nice. mechanics are improved over 2003 maxima that I had. other manufacturers do not offer the performance in this price range. with rebate ($1500). paid $23k. standard stereo system sounds better than the bose i had in my maxima.