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:

• 

  Just this one thing... - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By George Streat - November 6 - 4:51 am

  I have a 2015 purchased about 3 months ago. I find the 4 cylinder is quite noisy. It sounds like a snowmobile when accelerating and the road noise on the freeway is LOUD! Seems to be coming from all four wheels right into the cabin. This shouldnt, and probably doesnt worry Nissan, because of the great design of the vehicle and the other features. Sadly though, the road and engine noise belies the great appearance. You would expect a much better ride judging from the cost and appearance. Fix that in this 4 cylinder, Nissan, and you will have a real winner! I heard the 6 cylinder is better, so if you want a better ride test the 6 cylinder and compare..

• 

  Happy Altima - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Patricia - November 6 - 2:43 am

  Its a Great comfortable car. Spacious, and quiet. Very happy with this car.

• 

  Good Used Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By 2001_AltimaSE - November 6 - 2:43 am

  Purchased an SE preowned for $7k with 61k miles, sunroof, manual tranny, 6 CD changer. Reasonably refined with quiet engine and few vibrations, absolutely no torque steer, very little wind noise, and the interior is well executed and looks sporty in black (love the seat fabrics). The steering is well weighted but could offer more feedback (might improve with better tires), the 4 wheel disc brakes are reasonably powerful, and the engine has more than adequate power in low gears (esp. with the 5- speed). I dislike the exterior styling, particularly the rear, but have had good experiences with other higher-mileage Nissans. I didnt buy the extended warranty, but Im optimistic :-)

• 

  Problems with CVT - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Alex - November 5 - 5:30 pm

  Dont buy Altima with CVT if it does not have ABS. The issue occurs at speeds over 45 mph. If you slam breaks so they lockup until car comes to complete stop transmission locks up and throttle is stuck for up to a minute at a time. Nissan refused to correct this issue saying that this is intentional to protect transmission. It happened to me at intersection and I was able to duplicate this every time at will. I have traded my car and bought a new one.

• 

  wow what a car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Frederic Gordon - November 3 - 11:56 pm

  Well here it is the end of March and i have 5500 miles on my car.What a great experience it has been.This 2007 Altima handles the road even better than i had expected a true pleasure to drive and own.

• 

  Sweet Ride - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Perijt - November 1 - 6:20 am

  What a sweet ride! I just wish my wife would let me drive it more. I researched for weeks which car to buy, started out with Camry in mind and then moved on to Accord. In the end we decided to test drive an Altima just for the heck of it, not really having considered it in the beginning. We immediately fell in love with the smooth quiet ride, power off the line, smoothness of the CVT, and push-button start! After reading owner reviews of all three models, most of the Altima owners showed a genuine enthusiasm for their new cars. I can definitely say the same!

• 

  the 2002 altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By hazel - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the first brand new car that I bought. I really liked it at first until problems started coming up. when it was about 7 months old, it had to be towed due to crank sensor problems.while just a year old, car at times wont accelerate despite pressing down gas pedal all the way --- now in dealer to check problem. steering wheel used to shimy, transmission gets stuck at times, too.

• 

  Disappointed!!!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By pbattle - October 31 - 10:00 am

  We bought a new Altima (4 miles)in Mar 03. In June, the car would not start. The dealership sent a tow truck to pick up the car. The tow truck guy told us that we had to press on the gas while trying to start the car. He did this for 5 minutes and the car started. The dealership tells me that the keys lost their programming and thus the car could not possibly start w/o being reprogrammed. Nissan is full of crap. If the keys were the problem then the car should have never started. Anyway, the car couldnt start again in October. Nissan was not as accomodating this time, so I am getting rid of my Altima and never again will I buy a vehicle from Nissan.

• 

  Fun while it lasted - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Zidanet2 - October 30 - 9:46 am

  My 1999 Nissan Altima was a very nice car. Ii had some work done to it, like a full ground effects kit, a cold air intake, and some subs and new speakers, beside the tranny giving out on me at 55,000 miles and battery dying at 62,000 miles it was a fun, reliable car to drive. It had the power to smoke Honda Civics and Acoords and a lot of other 4 door middle grade sedns. It was a safe car as well, I totaled it after hiting a guardrail doing 75 mph and it kept togther very well. It was definitely repairable, but my insurance company just totaled it because it experienced some frame damage. I reccommend this car to any one who wants a car they can trust and have fun with at the same time.

• 

  Dont ever buy one - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By No Happy - October 30 - 7:43 am

  I bought the car brand new in June, it had to be towed to the dealership because of the sensor (1) in October 2003, in September of 2004 the car stalled out at the light and an 18 wheeler was approaching fast, I thank Jesus for answered pray, the car started up enough to get it out of the way, I had to get another sensor (2) replaced. 2009 all three sensors (3) went out and there was a recall on two of them (Midas found them) but Nissan never sent the notices out nor did they honor them. I fought to get the cost down to $3,000.00 for them to be fixed and 7 months later the crankshaft sensor (4) went out again, they replaced it because it was under the 12 months or 10,000 miles.