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:
Showing 2251 through 2260 of 3,673.00-
Never buy a Nissan - 2007 Nissan Altima
By Roy Johns - January 25 - 4:05 amI purchased a Nissan because I believed it was a reliable product. The CVT transmission went out on my car. I am going back to Toyota or Honda! I warn other consumers dont buy this product!
-
I did 130 mph in this car and could have done more - 2008 Nissan Altima
By greogory - January 25 - 1:31 amThis car is awesome
-
I LOVE this car - 2008 Nissan Altima
By Bren - January 23 - 7:50 amWe took delivery of our car about a week ago, and from the moment I sat in it, I was thrilled. Its fast, its sporty, its fun. I love the acceleration and the CVT is perfect for this car. Its got enough gadgets to satisfy the geekish part of me, and the gas mileage seems to be pretty good so far, although I havent driven it much yet.
-
"A drivers car" - 2006 Nissan Altima
By bed21 - January 19 - 6:00 pmI bought the Altima because it is very exciting to drive. There is never a dull moment, even with the four-cylinder. It accelerates very quickly, some would say fast, and I can really FEEL the torque that Nissan has squeezed into the engine. The engine BEGS me to drive it hard and fast and it has a race-car like sound to it when I open it up. The handling is tight, not spectacular in corners, but fun enough and the steering is light and fairly responsive. Overall, the designers of the Altima had performance and excitement in mind, not Camry-like ride quality and comfort. It drives as sporty as it looks and I am so glad I own this car. If you enjoy to drive, give the Altima a look!
-
Great car for the $$$ - 2002 Nissan Altima
By flyboy730 - January 17 - 10:00 amGreat car for the money! Fun to drive and very reliable. Mine has 2600 miles and has never given me no problems yet. This is a great vehicle to own!
-
It works hard for the money! - 2008 Nissan Altima
By bigcody - January 16 - 10:20 pmOwner of this sweet altima for three months. The v-6 combines excellent power and decent fuel economy when mated to the CVT. The car looks more compact and muscular in person than in photos. Driving in city or highway is enjoyable with the smooth VQ engine and refined handling. the ride feels like a blend of comfort and sport and is well suited for the daily commute. The seats are comfortable and the ergonomics are excellent. Fast like a muscle car but more refined. Engine note suits the car well - quiet at idle, aggressive when pushed.
-
GTO= Gas, Tires & Oil - 2007 Nissan Altima
By Jeff Green - January 15 - 11:06 amI owned this car for 9 years and had minimal trouble with the car. Performance was great, gas mileage is so-so.
-
Great Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
By jawme - January 13 - 10:00 amThis is the best car I have ever driven. Its big enough for my family of 4, but at the same time it doest make ya look like a soccer mom.
-
Good car, great price - 2004 Nissan Altima
By NJ34 - January 13 - 10:00 amPrice wise, its a lot of car for the money. Could not ask for a better ride ... very smooth. I work at a car dealership (not nissan) and can appreciate a great car. This is it.
-
First Time Nissan Buyer - 2004 Nissan Altima
By Speedyredh - January 13 - 10:00 amLove it. This is the first time I have ever bought a Nissan product and its great. Couldnt ask for a better car for the money. I previously drove a Intrepid and loved that car but this handles much better than that car and it is fun to drive. The only flaw I find is that on a windy day the car is a little lighter than I am used to and doesnt handle as well as a heavier car.
