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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  Return to a sedan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Three - July 3 - 1:20 am

  Having come from a gas-guzzling SUV, it is nice to have a car that gets excellent gas mileage.

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  Awesome! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Awsome! - June 30 - 1:53 am

  I got my 3.5SE manual about a year ago. I love this car. I was a Honda fan before owning my first 05 Nissan Altima 3.5SE back in 04. Since I have owned this car, I have been in love with the styling. Great performance that comes instantly when you push on the gas. Smooth shifting, and pretty good fuel economy for 270 horsepower. The keyless start is another great option, as well as the lock and unlock feature that just requires the push of botton on the door handle. I put alot of miles on my cars and get sick of them quick, but I dont think I will get tired of this one anytime soon.

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  Altima 3.5 6-Speed - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Neal - June 29 - 6:33 pm

  I love my 2007 Nissan Altima SE with the 6-speed transmission. It handles like a dream and can accelerate as quick as anything that I have driven. I am getting close to 27 MPG even though it is only supposed to get 19/27. I love the fact that I could get a reliable mid size sedan with a 6 cylinder engine and a manual transmission. It truly is a sports sedan that Honda and Toyota dont offer; a 6 cylinder with a manual transmission.

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  Outstanding Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Jessbabe - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since 1998. Never had to do more than routine maintance on it. I have had two major wrecks in this vechile and it still runs like a gem and I never got hurt. I will never buy anything outside of a Nissan. Coming from someone that changed cars every year till this one says alot. You will never regret buying a Nissan altima.

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  ALTIMA SE 3.5 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By JEEP110 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. The performance is there every time you need it just waiting to be released.

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  V6 is the way to go - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brayton - June 27 - 2:00 am

  28k in just over a year and absolutely no problems at all. The VQ engine is reknown for reliability and the 240-hp is a tremendous workhorse. In day-to- day driving, the engine is smooth and pulls well. Passing acceleration at highway speeds is a breeze. The interior could be a bit better (make it like the Maxima), but fine for the first model year.

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  Better than a Ford Explorer... - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Rowdy - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2003 model. Ive had this car since Sept. 2003 and love it. Handles extemely well, plenty of power. The styling is sharp.

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  1/2 price Beamer - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By MJ - June 26 - 1:00 am

  20 MPG in city and 30 on Highway, 3,000 RPM at 80 MPH. comfortable for 5. Special Edition Package great bargain. Sun roof works smoothly and quiet. Fun car to drive. Wish it would have been a 6 speed in 2006.

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  Not as good MPG as I thought - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By bk_furman - June 24 - 8:00 am

  Compared several midsize cars before I bought an Altima 2.5 S in Ocean Gray. Something about the design and drive of the car won me over. Also add in the fact that JD Power gave the 2009 the nod in quality and Consumer Digest gave the 2010 its top honor in midsize sedans. The vehicle is deceptively roomy. Back seats have plenty of space for my teenage sons and I have plenty of leg room to drive. I fit in the seat like a glove and the new changes for 2010 make the Altima feel like a sports car. My only complaint is the gas mileage. I am not even at 20 MPG. I am now on my 3rd tank of gas and hope to start getting at least 25 MPG, but I dont think I will get it. Not sure why.

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  Screwed up on the door handles - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Newy - June 24 - 2:50 am

  A beautiful car that is fun to drive and hard to catch! Just one thing, it is so hard to reach out to close the doors in the front once you are seated. They should have put a handle closer to the middle of the door.