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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  Lemon - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jsara - March 3 - 2:45 am

  First off this is my first AND last Nissan. Ive had my 2013 Altima in for three sets of brakes, the Aux has never worked, the speakers rattle at a volume of 12 and the CVT transmission is a piece of junk and now needs replacing as there was metal found in the fluid by the dealer, nice. I paid $24k for this thing and have not been happy with it at all. The 38 mpg is complete b.s. I drive literally all highway miles and this thing hasnt even come close. An utter failure for Nissan.

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  Love it! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Andrea - March 2 - 7:13 am

  This was a birthday gift from my husband. My first new car! Love the interior. The iPod hook up is perfect! The homelink is awesome. No more clunky garage door opener. The power isnt as good as my old Ponitac GTP, but this gets twice the gas mileage! Overall I am very, very happy with the vehicle. Stylish and young looking, yet its a great family sedan.

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  Pretty from the outside ugly in the insi - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mayra - March 1 - 8:46 pm

  Well let start off by saying that this car is a very nice lookin one and I could have not been any happier to buy the car. As long as I can remember when I first saw it..I was like "wow I have to get one of those!!" But now that I own one; its so different from what I really thought it was ......to what it really is. Not only this car made so cheap from the inside and but it also cheap from the outside. Our top of the line "Bose" radio hasnt been working right. Our car has shut off completely while we are driving on the road. Has Nissan fixed it? Ya like 5 times. But guess what it still happens. Many our car was just one bad apple. I should have stuck with Honda.

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  Update from Sept 17/06 - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By The Ice Man - March 1 - 7:10 am

  My wife and I took a two week trip to Vegas, Phoenix then back to Canada. We put on over 4,000 miles. In all areas the car performed very well. Handling and performance threw the mountains was great. The car accelerated very well on the long climbs and it cruised at 75-80 mph very nicely and a quiet ride. We found the seats surprisingly very comfortable on the long trip. Over all we are very pleased with this purchase. The only thing I noticed during this trip was that the speedometer appeared to read incorrectly. After several checks it was determined that it was out by 6.6%. I took it to the dealer when I got back and they ordered a new gear for it. Note: I would have yours checked.

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  This is one AWESOME vehicle - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Leena - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Nissan Altima after owning 3 different SUVs, all 6 cyl. This 4 cyl. Altima outruns everyone of them and they were some pretty expensive SUVs, we are not talking Rodeos here. This vehicle made it to Disneyland, CA from Las Vegas, NV in a little over 3 hours! Incredible.

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  Nissan worst car Ive ever purchased - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Gipson - February 27 - 6:56 am

  I bought this 2009 Altima with 40,000 miles on it. Within a month the tps sensors went out. 600$ to repair. Less than 2years later those same sensors go out again another 600$ to repair. 4Years into the car the transmission is going bad and Nissan does not repair or even troubleshoot the transmission they only suggest replacing it when they feel it might b the issue. HONDA HERE I COME!!! I also have a 2003 honda that has 180,000 miles that Ive had over 8years no issues at all with it.

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  Good Car for the Money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By marc - February 26 - 12:50 pm

  Really Good Car, for the money! Interior in the 05 is a big improvement. Nissan with a few more tweaks this car would lead the pack. Hopefully the redesign will improve, and I will try it again.

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  The best car we ever bought!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By brendan - February 24 - 7:56 am

  I started looking for a new car and when i came across the 2006 Altima 3.5 Se. I really liked the way it looked and then i drove it that was all it took wow what a fun ride that was i could not belive the power it had and how the 4 door altima was so sporty looking my wife just love the car the only problem i have with the car is trying to get it away from my wife so i could get behide the wheel .. Wow what a car it looks great and drives just as well as it looks . I am thinking of trading my truck in for another one . If you want one hell of a fun ride then two words for you"nissan altima" p.S get the 3.5 Se if you want power. Thanks brendan

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  Sweet - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Valeriy - February 23 - 10:00 am

  When my dad first allowed me to drive his 2000 Altima, I was impressed by the performance of the car`s braking ability and sudden increase in speed. The car can be easily brough up to the speeds of up to 100 milies an hour.

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  2002 Nissan Altima 3.5SE - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Levicki - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent power, lots of room front and back for folks over 6 feet tall. I am 64" and have plenty of room even behind the drivers seat with the seat positioned for me to drive. Great visibility, good handling. Would handle better if RWD or AWD. Cup holders are not real convenient. Turning radius is not tight. Guages are hard to read in certain lights.