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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  Love IT! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Love IT! - August 23 - 3:40 pm

  This car is so much fun and so smooth! I love the look, the 4 cylinder has plenty of power and when I took it on the freeway it got 35 mpg. I have been averaging about 24-25 MPG on my daily commute which is short and mostly city. The back seat is small but my kids are grown and I really dont care. I folded the back seats down to use for storage.

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  disappointed - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mudd - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The car has been in the shop 15xs so far..nissan service blames the problem on the driver and takes 2 or 3 tries to fix it..I am already looking to buy the new Mazda6.

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  pricey, but worth it - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By brian - August 19 - 9:06 pm

  car handles really good and feels stiff enough to not annoy you. gas mileage could be better, as i avg 15 in city. the car has power to pick up and go. turn radius could be better. the navigation is good, but i preferr hondas navigation as its easier to use and overall better. no complaints about my navi though. my car came with xenons, and the only thing i dislike about them is the lack of projectors in them. lighting just doesnt match my 04 mazda3 or my brother bmw as far as lighting goes.

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  nissan 05 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By s-somarriba - August 14 - 2:26 pm

  I got my Nissan with zero miles so far in the past five years I somehow put 184 thousand miles. Have been everywhere in California, very good on gas. At 140 thousand miles four sensors went out do to factory defect after Nissan preformed the recall I have had no problem other than a speeding ticket. Overall an awesome car probably can still get another 200 thousand miles before I get another car.

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  Extremely Nice machine - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By rktrex - August 13 - 8:28 am

  The fully loaded 2013 2.5SL, It is 100 percent perfect. I thought I was dreaming when I test drove the fully loaded Altima with every available option. The sticker price was way out of my budget. But the dealer/incentives made it happen at 26k. Who knew? At 1,000 mile mark, it is really nice and the blind side warning and rear view camera is awesome. The leather seats are sweet -Nav & XM radio and all these other features work very well (after learning how to run them).. The value proposition (Price vs Features) - is unbelievable. The build quality and finish is perfect. It isnt an infinity - but close enough for me. Wow..!! Im happy. Good work Nissan!!

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  2001 Nissa Altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Robbie - August 13 - 1:00 am

  I purchased this car 2 years ago and I actually like it a lot. I do not speed excessively, my tire pressure is where it should be and its recently been serviced, in town I get 14 mpg at best. I might have sold it, but its been reliable for the most part.

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  perfection! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Vice - August 12 - 10:16 am

  where do i begin on how great this car is to drive? the comfort? finish? handling? the ample power even on the inline-four? i love this car so much. so far in the 11 months ive owned this car, ive only had 4 oil changes. nothing more and nothing less. nissan are great cars, as long as you do your part in getting service done on time, this car will last you.

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  Annoying whining sound - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By myaltima15 - August 11 - 9:39 pm

  I recently purchased a 2015 Nissan Altima after my 2012 Altima was declared a total loss. A few days after my purchase I started to hear a loud whining sound when walking to my car after using the remote engine start. This noise is so loud that I am even embarassed to use the remote engine start or drive it in my parking garage at work. I took it in to a Nissan dealer and they stated that its normal. This is what gives you that extra gas mileage. But honestly, I would much rather loose the gas mileage and drive a quiet car. This is pretty ridiculous. Not a happy camper!!

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  Constant Transmission problems from day 1 - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Bill N - August 10 - 5:45 pm

  I own a 200- Nissan Altima that I had pretty good luck with that my kids drive so when the time came I bought a brand new 2013 Nissan Altima again with the 3.5 liter engine. Almost from the beginning I would get a shudder in the car around 2000 RPMs when the car downshifted. When you press on the gas it goes away. If you come around a corner at 10-15 miles/hour and step on the gas the car downshifts and will shake all the way down the street until you step on the gas. The dealer replaced the transmission and it was fine for about 2 months. One day I turned a corner and went up a slight incline and it started again. I took it back to the dealer and they reprogrammed it which did nothing. Each time I bring it in they cannot get it to do it and say there is nothing wrong. After a long day of driving it will do it repeatedly and violently. The car only has 20,000 miles on it at this point and I dont have time to run 45 minutes away to a dealer every time it is shaking. It is very frustrating that Nissan acts like this is not a systemic issue when on line the complaints are consistent and frequent. I have filled out 3 surveys from Nissan asking to be contacted and never heard back. I like everything else about this car but if the transmission does not work correctly, the car is junk. After 2 Nissans I will never buy another one. Not sure what the issue is with this company, but making quality cars is no longer a priority.

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  Great Start now improve it - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By barry eline - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Negatives: A problem is developing in the drive train. Has a lag or looseness while in drive (D) between 40-60 mph. Cup holders too deep for small cups. The stereo/climate display useless in day time while wearing polarized glasses. Too much road noise, Get the window washer nozzles off the hood. No hood prop. The positives: A vast improvement over 2000 Altima. They improved everything. Great acceleration. Outstanding fuel economy! I can get 30 + mph at 65 with no trouble.