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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  stand out from the pack - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By altima fan - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 weeks now and I love it. I cant wait until it hits 1200 miles so I can really open it up. I have the black interior. If you scotchguard the seats and carpet you can avoid the lint problem. I noticed a bad seam on the door panel. The dealership has already ordered a replacement door and it will be replaced next week. The car is very roomy, great looking, and so fun to drive. I dont even get mad when I send in my 360 a month.

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  Extremely Happy - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Kathy - December 16 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle on 7/3 best buy great deal I couldnt be happier. I didnt start out looking at the Altima but I kind of stumbled upon it in my search and I am so glad I did. This car has so much class and style Im amazed at the performance. I purchased it in Navy Blue with the blond leather interior and I gotta tell you its a head turner.

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  Dream Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By tami - December 15 - 9:56 pm

  Great gas mileage, fun to drive, sporty yet roomy, love the sunroof and to be able to swith from automatic to maual if I chose. I just love this car.

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  Cars the way they should be - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Wifes car - December 15 - 10:43 am

  After reading the reviews of others I thought I should add my two cents. I currently have 183,000 miles on my Nissan Altima and planning to go at least another until 250,000 before giving it to my niece. The car has been trouble free just change the oil and brakes along with tires and keep driving it. Wanted to put this out to other folks with less miles so they know their cars still have a long way to go, keep on trucking. Don

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  Great Car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By ddemlong - December 13 - 8:36 pm

  I was out looking for a new family car after selling my sports car from my little girl being born. I looked at several other brands but also at the Sentra. I found the Altima to be big enough on the inside for the large rear facing car seat we had trouble fitting in other vehicles. The steering response on the vehicle is great, I get an average of combined 26 mpg. The car feels peppy for the 4cyl and the CVT is very smooth. Interior materials seem of good quality and buttons and knobs are conveniently placed. Standard all disc brakes and ABS is a nice feature and the safety features cant be beat. Great 5 star safety ratings. Its the highest in its class. I also really like the exterior looks.

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  Price vs. Quality - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By investorjoe - December 13 - 10:00 am

  in terms of performance, Altima SE could be among the best of its class. I am driving a 5-speed manuel model. It doesnt have a good pick up, but it has a fast mid-speed. Once, I drove it at 190 Km/Hr and it seems very stable. Beside, it has a good stereo with excellent speakers. However, the quality is my concern. The leather seats look cheap. I would sugesst Nissan should do more wind turnel before releasing theirf future models...... the car is very noicy on a windy and running on highways. Also, matellic noice comes from the timing chain.

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  a poor mans BMW - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Ravi Viswanathan - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the very few who bought this car when it was available from Oct02. I compared this car against Acura 3.2 TL Maxima 2002 and decided that this car is the one for me. When I test drove the car I was amazed @ the pick-up and handling.I have driven BMW 3&5, Mercedes c-320, Cadiilac CTS, Acura 3.2 TL, Audi 4.5. This car for the price you pay, offers about 80% the performance of these cars @ about 55% of their price. My friend who bought an Audi 4.2 for about 55000 dollars had this much to say. "My car is twice as costly as this Altima, but it does not give twice as much performance as this".

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  WOW says it all.. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By JD and AD - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I just bought our new Altima today. As an ex auto sales rep (Infiniti), Nissan has created a car that rivals its luxury line. The power of the 4cyl. was impressive and the interior ride was smooth and above all...the road noise was inexistent.

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  Great Car! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By B.Hill - December 10 - 7:23 am

  My Altima has been a great car - very reliable. Pros: good gas mileage for size, comfortable ride, sporty feel. Cons: trunk design - opening is very small for such a large trunk, both front speakers have blown out even though I dont play loud music. Cost to replace each one at dealer is about $170. I replaced one but am doing without the other for now. Overall, though, Im very pleased with my car and plan to drive it until it falls apart.

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  Fun economy car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By chris - December 7 - 9:03 am

  Ive had my altima for a few months now. Its comfortable and powerful. Averaging 28 mpg (30% city/70% highway) which is what I expected. The transmission is excellent though it takes a bit getting used to. The seats are comfortable and I can fit my 3 kids in the back (3 car seats). I compared it to other similar models and found it was more fun to drive than your camry, accord, fusion, sonata, etc. Between that, the looks, fuel economy and price, I found it was the perfect combination for my tastes.