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 best Ive owned!!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Fitchick - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I sold cars for the last 3 years. I sold Fords, Infinitis and BMWs. This car is by far the best value for your money!!!

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  Bad ride & suspension system - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jerry - March 23 - 1:10 pm

  I am really not happy with the ride of this vehicle, my driving is mostly in the city and the vehicle does not take the pot holes & various bumps that you find in most Cities. On the freeway the ride is very good. I had complained to Nissan Northern Regional in Canada and they referred me my dealership locally and they inspected the suspension system and said nothing was wrong with it that is how it was manufactured, well I sort of expected tho, to no avail! But on the more positive side the car is really a nice car, nice styling and the engine is a little noisy but runs good it is too bad that its suspension is not adequate to give a more comfortable ride overall.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By CJ - March 18 - 11:33 pm

  Since purchasing this vehicle in August, I have had it at the dealership 3 times for the same problem. Which I am told the vibration and shaking I feel when taking off and at low speeds is normal. I was told that the shaking and vibration is coming from the engine. What a total disappointment.

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  A Great Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - March 17 - 11:00 pm

  I was looking between the Camry and Altima. Altima is the right choice. I like the design and the technology used in the car, Smart key, dual exhausts, MPG, MPH, distance to empty, etc.

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  awesome - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By paul ward - March 16 - 10:53 am

  awesome vehicle, superior styling in comparison to the other vehicles in its class, plus very comfortable, great performance, excellent safety ratings, all around awesome car!

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  Liking My Altima - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Farkles - March 15 - 11:10 pm

  I am leasing an 09 after my 94 Camry finally broke down. I looked at Camry, the Aura and a slightly used Milan, but the Altima was more fun to drive, with lots of interior space and a more eye catching exterior. My Altima has been problem free and enjoyable from day one. It handles well, has easy controls, and gives some refinement along with fun.

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  A Family sedan car for REAL - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By doppel_110 - March 15 - 5:33 am

  We love our Altima, everybody drives it cause its give good MPG. I fillup and takes me everywhere, farther places and still last a week. Im a truck guy so I use to seeing the fuel gauge needle move daily but on this Altima it takes awhile. When I dirve I average 28-30 mpg combine with 40 city and 60 hwy. The cabin is roomy specially the backseats. I never seen a roomy back seats car like the Altima. The trunk is massive can probably fit 2 full size adults with some space to spare. Love the suspension not noisy and handles very well. I can park easily and maneuver around corners, remember Im a pickup truck guy so driving this car is mere child play.

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  Lost that lovin feeling - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By BassHz - March 14 - 4:03 pm

  the 2002 Nissan Altima is definately worth a test drive. This car majors in straight line acceleration and looks sweet from the rear. These are the two main reasons that I bought it. I thought Id get over the things I didnt like...odd looking grill/front end, cheapish interior materials, front-end wheel gap, mediocre handling despite a punishing suspension, wind noise... The newness has worn off and Im ready to trade but Im finding it hard to match the Altimas overall bang for the buck. Nissan built one heck of an engine and the car has gobs of space in the cabin and trunk. Id put it up against any 4-door car under $35,000.

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  Good overall - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Brill - March 14 - 12:06 pm

  Needs a better reading of the clock and radio stations, there is not enough light behind the numbers. The numbers should be in readable color, like green or red, not black on a dark background. It is a major drawback in this car!

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  Great car for the price - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Colleen - March 12 - 2:00 pm

  I bought the car then drove from Florida to California and everywhere in between. I logged over 13K miles and no problemo. I was on the road for four months, drove in every kind of weather possible including needing chains to make it through the mountain passes yet, it holds its own without them. I absolutely love this car.