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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  I love my altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Bill Elder - November 17 - 11:03 am

  This is the first car Ive bought new and I absolutely love it. Its fun to drive, quiet, good on the highway and in traffic. The only complaint I have is the gas pedal is a little touchy and its easy to go fast.

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  junk, junk, junk - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By junk - November 17 - 1:00 am

  I bought this car new. Had no problems with it until about 8000 miles. Since then, it has has a new radio and about to have a new rear view mirror. This is all I can get fixed. The transmission is junk and the motor runs like a diesel. It knocks and rattles and seems to get worse. The tranny is junk. Any load and it slips and I get ready to call for a pick up. The air bag sensor on the passenger seat is defected. Making matters worse, customer service says nothing is wrong and the car is old and is going to have these problems at 9000 total miles. I will never own a nissan again.

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  im bored with it... - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Maverick600 - November 11 - 7:16 pm

  I thought this car was going to solve my car buying woes...i was wrong. Its and okay car if you just want something to drive. I want personality in the car. Buy a civic coupe. Its cheaper. It gets really good gas mileage. The trunk is really small. I can fit 1 golf bag and a duffle bag...thats it. The sound system has good speakers for just the base model. If your gonna buy get a manual trans. Its gonna be more fun than the cvt...its boring. smooth ride. i will give it that. the interior is built around the driver and i feel comfortable when in it. Just really bored with car. Would be awesome as rear wheel drive.

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  Awsome Vehicle - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Lance - November 11 - 7:03 pm

  I was an SUV person and decided that is was time for a car. I tried the Dodge Avenger, Toyota Camry and the Altima. The Altima won out on Power, and comfort of ride as well as space. I am a big guy and I feel really comfortable in the Altima. I think I actually have more room in this car then I did in my Chevy Blazer. I love the performance too, for a 4 cyl. this car has a lot of "get up and go".

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  Average Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Blair - November 11 - 9:30 am

  I bought this car after trading in a 2001 GLE Altima that I had numerous issues with, purchased new. Still decided to give new Altima a try. Car is very cheap looking inside and not comfortable. Im a average size female 55 and 125 lbs. The seats hurt on long distance trips. After 2 weeks I traded this car in.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kelly - November 10 - 9:40 am

  I love my Altima and would encourage anyone to buy one too. It is sporty, comfortable and has great highway gas milage (for a non-hybrid car). I was also considering the Toyota Camry, but felt the Altima was the better choice for a person in their late twenties.

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  What a let down - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Disappointed - November 9 - 4:23 am

  If you value safety, dont buy a Nissan. The car is all over the road. Ive never experienced something like this ever before. Also, there is no seat belt chime to remind you to buckle up! Its too bad they dont have the same policy as GM (if you dont like the car, you can bring it back).

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  Very impressed-SMOOTH - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jasonbum - November 8 - 2:44 pm

  I am very impressed. This is my first Nissan and have owned many cars including BMW, Honda, Toyota, Mazda, Lexus and most recently Mini. I would most closely relate this 2013 Altima with Lexus. It is the 2.5 s but if I didnt know it was a 4 cylinder, I would sweat that it was a 6. The transmission (CVT) acts seemlessly with the engine and feels like one unit. After hearing many negative reports about Nissans first CVTs, I was a little worried. This is an improved version of the CVT . Power is available at any speed without the typical transmission that needs to hunt for the right gear. Bluetooth is standard. What I can really say about this car is that it is incredibly SMOOTH.

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  Lemon - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By rbrion - November 8 - 1:58 pm

  My transmission issues have completely ruined my ownership experience. Nissan is in cahoots with the dealers to deny there are very serious issues with the CVT transmission. I am in the process of forcing Nissan to buy back this junk as they have done NOTHING to try to resolve this issue on their own. This is my second new Nissan in the past three years and it will definitely be my last.

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  This car ROCKS!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By biener777 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after a neighbor bought a 2.5S. I had a decked out Focus that I was planning on slamming till I saw his ride and found out it came with a 3.5l V6 w/ a 5 speed! I got the car a month later and paid the same price I paid for the Focus with 100 fewer horses under the hood. Needless to say it was icing on the cake when I test drove the Altima and found I wasnt rubbing elbows with my passenger and my daughter was no longer able to kick the back of my seat! This car has ROOOOOOM to just "be" and enjoy the drive! It is surprisingly easy on the gas too. In fact, I get 24 city and 28 highway.....slightly BETTER than the Focus!!!!