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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  Excellent design - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Robsails - February 15 - 2:50 am

  Bought January 2007. Have only driven a thousand or so miles due to other travels, but the 4-cylinder engine is exceptionally well matched to the CVT transmission, giving it as much pull as a much larger engine. The bluetooth connection is the best I have ever heard; it almost completely cancels road noise for the listener and allows great range control for volume within the car. The seats are comfy for the short drives we have taken it on and our one highway trip averaged in the low 30s for mpg at 70+ mph. My experience with other new cars tells me this will increase as it the mechanical bits loosen up a little. She jumps off the starting line with an amazing amount of kick for a 4-cyl.

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  Awesome - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By CgBlondie - February 14 - 10:00 am

  All around great car. Best car for the value to price ratio. It bothers me, and is the first time I ever purchase a Japanese car..previously owned American, and one German car. But, I am very happy with the purchase knowing that somehow, some American family made some money in this transaction.

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  Im in love with my Altima! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By NJ Girl - February 14 - 10:00 am

  When I sat in the showroom car I "assumed" I was in a Maxima (I was then driving a 95 Max)...my husband quickly informed me it was the Altima. I could not believe the roominess and the comfort of the interior. THEN we went for the test drive and I knew I was buying the showroom model that very day..and I did! I will never regret my decision. It is an absolutely fabulous car. Nissan has really outdone themselves with the 3.5 SR V6!

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  Like the Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Byranlady - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Very sharp looking car and good performance overall, would recommend as a good family car. Lots of room and large trunk area.

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  Honda Accord Owner for 15 yrs. - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By wright1308 - February 14 - 8:43 am

  I have owned 5 Honda Accords over the last 15 years. I was about ready to buy another when I test drove the Altima. Immediately I could feel the difference. The Hondas are very smooth, reliaable and actually boring. I found the Altima fun to drive. I like the car more every day even though Ive only had it for a month. The leather seats seem more comfortable than the Accord and I like the home link. Hats off to Nissan for finally making a car that I feel is comparable and even better than my reliable, plain Hondas.

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  performance - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Vickie Tubner - February 13 - 5:50 pm

  This has been a exceptional good car. I havent had any major problems and the vehicle has close to 120 thousands miles.

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  I love this car! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By jt041196 - February 12 - 8:17 pm

  I got my license in August 2013 and I immediately began shopping for a used car, when I found this one for $4000 at a used car dealership with only 93,522 miles on it! I was sold! Since then Ive gotten it up to 95,993 miles and its been my mobile best friend since I purchased it, and Ive been lucky enough to jazz it up with new air fresheners, a New York Yankees license plate frame, sports decals and fun bumper stickers.

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  9-year Review - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By romans10nine - February 12 - 10:22 am

  2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S, White with Black interior, 5-speed manual. Purchased new in October, 2004. Current mileage: 68,000. I have only needed one repair, and that was a crankshaft positioning sensor, which was discovered by the service engine light coming on. I have used Mobile 1 full synthetic from the beginning. The car literally drives like new.

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  Bad Start and Bad Ride - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Bad-deal - February 11 - 9:33 am

  I just bought. I drive to a friend place and want to come back home. I could not start the car. Tried and Tried finally pushing different buttons on remote key I was able to start the car. It was embarrassment and frustration. The car ride is ruff. I never seen a car so bad. I would want to return this car tomorrow. Ride is so bumpy my but can feel ever curve of the road. My Camry is smooth and takes the roughness of the road and gives me smooth ride. I am planning to return this car. I had 1999 Altima for brief time. The ride was good, I thought that I would get the same quality. Take a ride on side roads before you make investment.

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  Pain [non-permissible content removed] - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By BreAnna - February 8 - 3:22 pm

  Bought this car for $7,000 126,000.. First 2 months about 120,000 miles, the timing chain went out and was about a $3000 fix. Now at 175,000 miles Ive replaced the alternator 2 times. The engine covers most of the hood and fixing it is a pain in the ass, every time I bring it in its over $300 in labor just to get the engine out of the way. My winshild wipers go off randomly. And my radio stopped working and mechanics cant find out why. Time to go American made.