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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  FUN SEDAN - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By SMILIN TOM - January 13 - 10:00 am

  MINE IS A 2005 THE FIRST SOLD IN KERN COUNTY CA. IT IS A BLAST TO DRIVE. THE ONLY DOWN SIDE IS THE CLOCK IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE DUE TO PLACEMENT ANGLE. THE POWER IS FANTASTIC IT IS JUST FUN TO DRIVE. OURS IS BURNISHED PEWTER AND A BEARTY. THANKS BUY ONE NOT THE FOUR BUY THE SIX BANGER CAUSE IT DOES BANG.

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  Great value for a used car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mark in Texas - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I was very surprised with the torque of the 3.5L v-6 w/ the 5 speed manual trans. it is really fun to drive, but it is hard to keep it under 80 on the fwy as I commute 60 mi. per day I am getting about 26 mpg and that is not being gentle with the accelerator either. Great car!

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  A great car!!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bwc64 - January 11 - 10:46 pm

  After 7 months and 9700 miles, I still love it, its great car and Im very happy with it. Fantastic gas mileage 30 to 32 mpg combined city and hwy 38 to 39 in all hwy. This is my fourth Altima and the best one yet. Love the new style, quality and it is alot more refined over previous models its very quite and I love the upscale trim and smooth ride. The handling is great and I love it for long drives. I gets lots of compliments on the car and it style. Its very Infiniti like in the styling and Im not complaining about that. I had read about the issues the early models had so I waited and made sure I bought one produced later in the year, Mine was made in July 13 and Im glad I did!!!

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  Review from a test driver only - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Bett1e - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Nissan Altima 2002 today (8/31) and I have to say I was very impressed. The car looks awesome. The paint looks questionable though - how long will it last? The V4 hesitates like most 4 cylinders. The V6 more than makes up for it. The car is definitely fun to drive.

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  I like my car more than a beemer I had - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By greogory - January 8 - 3:56 am

  Must get a 3.5 to fully enjoy this car but the styling alone will make you like it. Cool and well done inside and out. When I see Infiniti G I think the Altima coupe is nicer looking.

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  Nice cockpit - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By vadim_st - January 7 - 10:13 pm

  The car feels light for its size, and quite agile. Only one concern: the engine started to run rough already (some kind of knocking or ticking noise along with rpms).

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  CVT Performance Needs Attention - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Shelly - January 5 - 2:30 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for over 2 years. Love everything BUT the CVT Transmission! It hesitates upon acceleration, it jerks (like a manual transmission that needs shifted) at 35-40 mph. To me...its EMBARRASSING, I feel like I am driving a sub par vehicle when I have a passenger with me. Hello Nissan, 35-40 miles an hour in the city is the speed limit! Please, please fix this issue...it is making me CRAZY! Love the sportier feel over my previous Camry, but with Nissan aware of this issue and not having a fix for it yet is just ridiculous. Thank goodness this car is going to be passed down to my 16 year old soon so I can get another vehicle.

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  Death at 163 miles - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By MADCONSUMER - January 4 - 7:30 am

  Picked up 2010 Altima with 4 miles on it. Car dies on the way home with 163 miles total. I know that this can happen, and Im not mad about the car breaking down as much as I am about the warranty company not helping me. I am responsible to pay for the rental. I am responsible for any miles over 35 towed and I am 100 miles away from home. The dealership will not give me a courtesy vehicle cause I did not purchase it from them. No rental company open. Basically Nissan proved to me that they will not stand behind their product and since they left us 100 miles away from home without a care, I will make sure that everyone I know never goes with Nissan.

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  My First, But Not Last Altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Mukul - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a Honda Accord, but when I drove the Altima I immediately changed my mind. The 4-banger in this car is much more lively than the 4 in the Accord, hands down! This car is a pleasure to drive. A good car for long trips as well, especially commuting on the 405! Very reliable, so far!

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  2003 3.5SE Altima Review - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By sllewis73 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! Fast, fun to drive, very roomy for a big guy (64, 300lbs.)