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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  . - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Donna Scott - February 23 - 12:11 am

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  I love my Altima - a great car to drive - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Alex - February 21 - 1:26 pm

  I have had my Altima for over a year and love the way it drive and feels. It the best car in its class with a sporty feel. 0 to 60 mph in under 6 second. No other car in its class can boast as much speed. I would buy a Nissan or Infiniti again because of how fun they are to drive. I love just hitting the gas and flying buy everyone on the freeway and not even realizing I going so fast cause the Altima drive so smooth.

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  Reliable, fun car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Valerie - February 21 - 3:00 am

  For a 4 cyl, this has a lot of pick up, which is why I only avg 21 mpg. I like a powerful car and it is fun to drive. Very comfortable car. Smooth ride. All the controls are where you would expect them to be. On a winter day of 13 F, the drivers window was stuck down after going to an ATM. The dealership replaced all 4 window motors for me under a recall. Had to replace the intake manifold gasket at 32K. I would buy another Altima - especially if I got the stick shift. That would be even more fund to drive.

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  The Most Honest Car Review of 2015 - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Michael Williams - February 20 - 11:43 pm

  This car is a chariot of your dreams. The best ride in your life since well, KINGDA KA at Six Flags. The kind of car that when you get out people wonder if your a celebrity or really just good at your job. Thats it.

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  Its the alternator folks. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Beth - February 20 - 4:11 pm

  I bought mine in October used at a Nissan dealer with 11,000 miles. I test drove it and it seemed fine. Looking under the hood the battery had a lot acid deposits and the history report indicated that the battery terminals had been replaced. The dealership said it was a faulty battery and replaced it. After driving the car a month I noticed the rumbling at slow speeds. Took it back to the dealer and they replaced the alternator at no charge to me. Rumbling sound gone and car was performing so much better. Fast forward to June of the next year I start using the AC and I started having a few intermittent incidents where the AC compressor does not come on. I was still learning the car and thought maybe I didnt have the controls set properly. In August it quit altogether. I took it back to the dealer and they replaced the AC compressor, again no charge. At this point the car is out of warranty and the Certified Used Car Warranty does not cover AC components. The original faulty alternator had destroyed the internal workings of the compressor and it failed at 15,800 miles and it had caused the battery issue too. Now with a new alternator and new ac compressor the car is as it should be and I love it. It has the most comfortable front seats with fantastic lumbar support. It handles well, get great gas mileage, is roomy, easy to get in and out of, including the back seat as the roof doesnt slope so much as other models in this range. It has many safety features found only in high end cars. The CVT gives the car a smooth quiet ride. The original factory installed alternator was under powered which caused the battery and AC compressor issues. Hopefully it was replaced in time to not damage the transmission. Nissan knows and the dealerships know its the alternator and a good dealer will replace it and the components it damaged without charge for their customers. My dealer told me that Nissan paid for the replaced parts and labor.

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  Transmission failure - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Walt - February 20 - 6:03 am

  After 2 years 46,000 miles my nissan altima 2014 transmission failed. Dealer will replace the transmission but still feel uncomfortable with the transmission.

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  A Few Good Qualities - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By qwnbk - February 19 - 10:00 am

  the side panel on the interior of the drivers side door has almost fallen off.If you close the door it sounds like the whole door is going to fall off.Also, in hot weather, the CD player skips and I get an Error message almost everytime.The cup holders are 3ft deep!I have 3 dings in my doors that I can imagine came from someone leaning on my car since it is made like a tin can.The trunk door is cheap and the hinges take up a 1/3 of your trunk. I do enjoy the power of the V6 but I have never driven a V6 before so I have nothing to compare it too.I should have test drove more cars

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  A Real Sweetheart - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By steve j - February 19 - 9:53 am

  incredible performance that easily outshines the competition. I currently have 2200 miles and car runs and rides great. Only minor problem is the rear door locks have been sticking. Im 62", and there is plenty of room ,and great features. I drive a lot, and a power lumbar support would have been nice.

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  GREAT! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By anonymous1 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This car has great power! There is plenty of interior space, though the materials could be better. The Bose is good, but not completely to produce great sound.

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  Drive an Altima-Nice Road Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By datkin02 - February 15 - 5:56 am

  This car shines on the highway. The 4 cylinder is more than adequate for passing. Car holds the road much better than my 2 Camrys of the past. In town, my only complaint is that the 4 cylinder tends to be loud when you start up from the stop sign. Engine smooths out and runs like silk. I have a bit of air noise around the doors I dont like. Seat comfort is much better for me than my Camarys (I am 5 foot 8)Shift is easy to handle though startling at first. Turning radius is not as sharp but presents no big problems.Compared to my Camary-I miss my leather,thats all. Fabric is good and cleans well. LOVE MY ALTIMA!