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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  Good Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Hitesh - June 5 - 8:43 pm

  We have had this car for 7 years now and it has been great all along. The car is very smooth in running and the handling is great as well.It is a great family car. Though it doesnt seat 5 in the most comfortable manner it still is a great car. Of late the fuel economy has been a bit on the disappointing side. I also am a bit disappointed with the trade-in value of the car as I am looking to trade-in this car for the new Altima later this year. Overall a great car.

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  Grownup style, with a rocket for a heart - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By O. Ludlow - June 4 - 1:33 pm

  The Altima is a lot of fun. Its the first new car Ive ever owned, and its neat to chart how it feels for the first thousand miles, and the next. I use the cruise control for long straight freeway trips, and get 32 MPG. In town, more like 24. Im 63" and it fits me well. I think it really comes down to the rocket under the hood. Ive never been happier to get behind the wheel and GO somewhere. Its really a great ride and I wholly recommend it.

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  Excellent Buy - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Kyle - June 3 - 4:20 pm

  At first I was skeptical about the new Nissan but after test driving it, the car surprised me in many ways. I bought the 2.5 SL package and I love everything about it. It is a nice quality ride with great sound (if you get the Bose). It looks sharp and runs even sharper. I really have no complaints so far either. For a four door sedan, Ive recieve many compliments for its sporty look and great looking interior. The new Nissan also gets great pick-up for a four-cylinder and has excellent gas mileage. Excellent choice of a car for the price.

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Bill - June 2 - 8:40 pm

  2.5 SL CVT, with the connection package. I have never written a review for anything before but after all the helpful advise I read here before I purchased, I had to return the favor. I cannot be happier with this car. Have owned 1 yr, right at 17K miles, still just as excited about it as when I drove it off the lot. Looked at Camry and Accord, never even thought about this and then decided to check it out and something just stuck with me. Excellent performance for a 4 cylinder. Never been starved for power. Avg 27-29 mpg per tank with mixed hgwy and city, and I dont hold back on the peddle. Smoothest transmission I ever felt. Love all the extras too. Great car for the money.

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  Looks great but some problems - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By speedy52 - June 2 - 5:21 pm

  Had a 2010 altima that avg 31 mpg. Purchased new 2013 altima avg 33 mpg. Passenger seat vibrates when empty, also seatbelt hitting against seat. Brought in for sevice dealer said seatbelt causing noise and there is no fix yet. Driving home from service the red brake light goes on. Too busy to bring in light has come on two times since. Wish I waited until 2014 altima model to come out. Have 8k on car now but wondering about nissan built quality.

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  Great blend of style and substance - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Steve R. - June 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car! Used to drive Honda Civic Si but needed room for three car seats in back. 4 cylinder has plenty of power (though the 6 is amazing as well as my brother-in-law has an SE), good fuel economy but does drop in town a bit. Comfortable on the road but can handle the curves when you want to. Some of you people are incredible nitpickers. Sure there are a few minor things (power seat a little strange, CVT takes getting used to) but what car doesnt have this? If you are a car performance nut who is on a budget with kids look no further. Would buy another if our van goes to hell.

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  Beautiful Car - Roomy, Stylish, Reliable - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By MC2006 - May 30 - 5:16 pm

  This is a great car. I love the handling and power it has for a sedan. Very quiet inside (very little to no outside noise). Roomy and comfortable with lots of storage compartments. Nice interior. Bought it used in 07 and have had no problems. Also, I get very good mileage to the gallon.

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  Great value - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By social worker vince - May 29 - 2:06 pm

  I purchased my 2004 from a rental company and it already had 25000 mi on before I got it. 5000 miles later it still runs like new. Much quieter and much better fuel econ (27-28 mpg) than the Sable I got rid of.

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  bad engine 1200 miles - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By joe - May 29 - 6:30 am

  Bought this car new. Coolant leaked into cylinders from top down on this new engine. Needless to say, Nissan had to replace the shortblock engine. I am still without a car 9 days later. I dont think the car will be the same when I do get it. Maybe I can trade it in for an Accord or Camry.

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  03 2.5S - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By hadanaltima - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I like the styling. Interior layout is pretty good, but you will notice that Nissan just doesnt use very high quality materials on the interior. Ride and handling is pretty darn good in this car. The 2.5L has plenty of power, but the automatic transmission was not all that great, but ok. Fuel mileage is good, 28-30mpg on the highway. Overall, this is a pretty good choice considering I got mine for a little over 18K. I ended up trading for a Toyota 4Runner. I would recommend the Altima, but would also encourage considering spending a little more on a Honda or Toyota as I believe those cars are of superior quality and have better residual values.