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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  luv this car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By blu - July 31 - 2:00 am

  im not one bit sorry that i bought this car! it is worth every penny

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  2002 Altima a Winner!!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By SUZYQ102 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR!!!! LOOKS FABOLOUS AND IS A REAL HEAD TURNER. I GOT AT LEAST 20 compliments the first week I had it. The drivetrain is excellent. The 4 speed performs without flaw. Fun to drive!!!! I got the "plus" package which adds a power sunroof. This feature is a lot of fun. It also adds the alloy wheels which are nice and it adds a couple other amenities.

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  Wish I could have a "do over" - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By ginger29 - July 30 - 1:34 pm

  We bought our 2013 Altima S in Dec. 2012. Big mistake. It has been back to the dealership 3 times. Trips to correct passenger side airbag and seatbelt warning light malfunctions. This Altima is one that has the high whine from the power steering pump. The dealership said it is "normal". If this is "normal" why are only some affected? They refused to even attempt a resolution. I opened a case with Nissan customer service; they refused to do anything. The whine is so irritating! Nissan is aware, but does nothing. The transmission is extremely noisy; unfortunately that is a trade off for better gas mileage. If you like a noisy car and want a constant annoying whine, buy the car.

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  Great car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By vman - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is very stylish, reliable and fun to drive.

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  This car is a lemon. - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By chrisbuck1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been in the shop for 4 days out of the 21 that Ive had it. There is a thump/rattle that they cant find, a vibration when the AC is on and car stopped, and the other day the remote entry stopped working and the doors would randomly lock and unlock themselves as I drove around.

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  Great Buy, performance for 5 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Formula - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my Altima less than a month ago, I just hit 1000 miles and am already getting 28 miles/gallon. I have not owned anything but German since my 91 300z but this car brought me back. Nothing like passing the BMWs with three of your friends waving. I was looking at AUDI but you can not beat this car for the price.

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  Will never buy a Nissan again! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Outraged - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The transmission went in this car with less then 3,000 miles on it and left me stranded on vacation. I wanted a new transmission they said no it had to be repaired. The car now gets 13 miles to the gallon city and about 20 on a trip compaired to 22 and 30 prior to this happening. I spoke to both the dealer and Nissan and they both pointed the finger at the other and were willing to do nothing about it. Worst customer service I ever dealt with. Save your money!

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  Reliable - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Rob - July 28 - 4:06 pm

  Bought this vehicle used with 50,000. Have not had any problems with this car. Only noticeable problem is the clear coat is peeling. Very reliable car. Would purchase a Nissan again.

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  A Great Starter Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jackal225 - July 27 - 6:30 pm

  This car was my first at 17 years old. Its a silver 2008 Nissan Altima coupe 2.5S with 2.5S convenience package. For those, who are looking for a decent car for decent money, buy this car. It looks epic on the outside and spectacular on the inside. I bought it because it comes with some things that the Toyota Solara doesnt. Drives well, very powerful for a 4-banger, 175 horsepower is definitely enough for a starter car. Has 6 standard airbags and great crash test ratings. Intelligent Key is outta this world. Radio puts out a good crisp and clear sound. CVT manual mode is a definitely blast for those looking a little something extra. Gas mileage is okay at 25-28 mpg. Great car!

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  unreliable and annoying - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By abelanger - July 27 - 2:10 am

  First car I ever bought new. Had fun driving for a few years, but had 1 serious engine problem (a screw came loose and fell into the piston chamber, would have destroyed the engine if not caught. Had many many many problems with body interior and exterior. Gas cover bent so badly I couldnt open to fill my tank anymore. Replaced, and a year later it happened again. Gave up replacing and now I just drive without the cover... Looks ridiculous. Inside everything is falling apart: standard shifter cover broke within months, doors and glove comp. Rattle, moldings fall off and break... Body not only looks and feels cheap in/out, it really is cheap. I will never buy Nissan again.