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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  In Love w/ 07 Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Alvin13 - February 7 - 2:30 pm

  I usually dont purchase new cars. I went into the dealership thinking to buy the Sentra until I saw and drove the 07 Altima. The car is like Woo! The sound system is awesome and it rides so smooth. Ive recently been promoted to a new position that will require a lot a road travel. I am so looking forward to traveling between sites. The metallic Jade w/ blond interior is beautiful. Be careful, you can never tell the speed youre going, watch the speedometer. You can easily be at 100 mph and dont know until you zoom pass another car going 80.

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  Very pleased - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jevon - February 6 - 2:40 pm

  I had an SUV for 15 years and I wanted to go to a sedan with good gas mileage and comfort and of course style. I researched quite a few cars and let me tell you the Altima is the best value for the price. I know there have been some reports that the seats were not comfortable. Well I just dont get it, the car seats are fine and not uncomfortable at all. The ride is great and the 4 cylinder is powerful. Im not going to miss my old SUV at all. I just love the gas mileage Im getting.

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  Hesitation on Acceleration - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Gary Nadeau - February 5 - 3:56 am

  When accelerating the car hesitates significantly. This happens primarily in going from slower to faster speeds and around 2000rpm. Then when you give it a touch more gas, it takes off. It borders on being dangerous. Im currently trying to get Nissan to recognize that there is an issue. I feel like Im getting the run around.

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  Dependable - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Cindy - February 3 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased my Altima in 2001 with 12,000 miles. Today it has 158,000 and still counting. This has been an extremely dependable car. I have the 5 speed manual and it is very fun and zippy. The exterior paint has always been poor. The car is not the best looking but if your looking for dependable transportation, you just cannot beat this car.

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  Trouble Free - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Barracuda - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought the GXE new in 1996. I have not had any problems with the car in 7 years. Ive owned a Camry and Corolla and the Altima is far superior in terms of reliability and quality. The car feels and acts solid and dependable. The only things Ive replaced are the tires. Otherwise, just routine maintenence.

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  Excellent Nissan car! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Mike-I - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my wifes car but I drove it maybe 5000 miles and all I can say is that is very reliable, never had any major problems (bought it new), great performance overall. Gas mileage is one of the best, good power, handling, comfort, good resale value. I highly recommend it to everyone.

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  HOPE 2010 ALTIMA IS BETTER - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By HOPE 2010 IS BETTER - January 31 - 7:16 am

  2007 Altima 2.5SL, 6 CD Boss System, 53200 miles on it - I get 26.3 miles per gallon combine city and highway, not quite 32 as they claim. The road noise if terrible, it seems Nissan decided to build the door panels, and entire car with as little or no sound insulation, very cheap. The seats are very uncomfortable on long drives 30 min. drive. I hope they have improved these areas and other areas consumers have complained on since the redesign in 07. Otherwise, what is the point of reviewing this vehicle. Nissan invest some quality material on making a good product and dont rip people off with cheap products that are not worth more then 24K, even at 24K the Nissan Altima is not worth it.

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  Great Car - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Jan F - January 30 - 11:06 pm

  My car currently has 205,000 miles. Have replaced the alternator twice. I dont think the 1st one was that good, but hopefully the second one will be better. My mechanic tells me the car is still in great shape - not leaking any oil or anything. I have to say I have been extremely pleased with the reliability and dependability of this car. I have driven a lot of highway miles on it and I think that has helped emensely.

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  Love the Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Nathan - January 30 - 3:20 am

  I bought my Altima on lease through the great lease special that was on the Altima. Its been a great car. I love the huge trunk, audio controls on the steering wheels and I can squeal tires with the 4-cylinder. That is crazy. I love the features for the price.

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  My car go everywhere no matter what - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By mexican86 - January 25 - 6:39 am

  My Altima 2.5S is amazing. Good mileage I average 25-28 mpg combine and with a bigger 20 gallons fuel tank I can drive up to 450 miles before refueling. The car is responsive when I press down the gas pedal but it makes that drone noise which kind of bother me every once in a while. Huge roomy backseats good for 2 adult full size, not recommend for 3 in a long trip. Currently has 50k miles already, yea I drive a lot.