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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  Our Marshmallow Car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By MITZI - July 18 - 9:43 am

  My grandkids call this the marshmallow car, because its white & looks like a big marshmallow. Ive replaced the CV joints on it and thats about it. I have fun driving my car, it has got me out of some scary jams on the freeway. It accelerates rapidly & is easy to speed in. I got my last ticket in it about 3 years ago going over 100 mph as I had neglected to set the cruise control. I hadnt even noticed. I have 128,000 miles on it & almost feel like its a pet. Ive never been one to attach to material objects but this one has inspired emotional attachment. Ill keep it until its ready for the scrap heap. Ill never trade it off. I willing to paint it or whatever, its a keeper.

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  Why cant I get options without sunroof - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By NewAltima - July 17 - 9:06 pm

  I am tall, need to sit upright, need a 6 cylinder car and thus value headroom (eg no sunroof). Since the Altima has the most headroom of 6 cylinder sedans, why oh why do they require the sunroof (sports package) before I could order the premium package (leather seats, backup camera, auto climate control..things that I wanted) Strong suggestion: Please do not mandate sunroofs before other options can be added!!! Otherwise, this is a nice car for a tall driver (first 100 miles).. I find modest road noise and a more US car-like ride than the "harsh" ride in some reviews (less harsh than my 2003 Maxima)

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  Reliable--just keeps on going - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Patricia - July 17 - 8:03 am

  I have had few problems. The air bag light had to be repaired;luckily, it was still under warranty. Also, there was a gasket something-or-other which was repaired also under warranty. Otherwise, it has been super--extremely reliable. The manual is great, too. The yummy grey velvet upholstery is still in excellent condition as are the dashboard and all the compartments. Still running great at 65,000 miles!

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  2002 Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Buzz - July 16 - 6:20 pm

  The new Altima has a beautiful new exterior, powerful engine that pulls to the redline.

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  Beware! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Nathan - July 12 - 9:03 am

  When test driving this car I thought it was peppy and cornered very well. After having it for 3 months I had to replace the camshaft sensors, ignition coil, and spark plugs. A month later I was told my catalytic converter was shot. Now that Ive owned it for ten months i need to have the tie rods and power steering pump fixed. DO NOT BUY THIS P.O.S.!

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  Fun and Functional - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By JPS49 - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I have driven the 2000 Altima SE for 34000 miles in the three years I have leased it. It has been fun to drive every day. The five speed, excellent cornering and very responsive engine make it a great car to lease/own. I have changed the oil and put two brake pads on in that time. Im sorry that my lease is up. If Nissan would sell it back to me for a decent price, I would buy it.

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  Excellent - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By gh81 - July 10 - 7:43 pm

  I brought my 2006 Altima 2.5 S last year with 76000km on the clock, now it is just off 100000km. So far Im impressed. Its been 100% reliable and great to drive. Its not a ground breaking car but I like it, and look forward to driving it every day. I would have purchased the 3.5 had I been able to, but the 2.5 has enough guts to make it fun to drive. If I could change anything about it Id make the engine and transmission a bit smoother, and put more feel in the steering. I would completely recommend this car. When I eventually sell it I will almost definitely be buying the 2007 onwards model.

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  The new Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Terry - July 9 - 1:46 pm

  very good car just hard to install low beam headlights. But other than that it is a good all around car and i would recommend it for anyone

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  Love This Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By romegirl - July 9 - 12:26 pm

  This is my second Altima. I had an 1998 and it was a great car. I love my new 2008 Altima. Beautiful styling and handles great. Very good gas mileage and comfortable since I commute 120 miles round-trip. Highly recommend. I finally got the color of car that I wanted (Sonoma Sunset - Ruby Red), heated leather seats, and sunroof!

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  Unsatisfied after 3 years - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Steven - July 8 - 5:13 am

  I just traded in my Altima after 3 years and 57,000 miles because of a few fairly large issues in my opinion: 1) Loud Road Noise 2) Rough ride over bumps 3) Replaced front breaks at 35,000 miles 4) Replaced back breaks at 45,000 miles 5) Replaced bent rim at 35,000 miles 6) Replaced battery at 56,000 miles 7) Very wide turning radius If you want a FUN car to drive, this car will do it for you. The 3.5 engine is simply unbelievable. Its also a very attractive car. However, if youre looking for ride quality, steer completely clear of this vehicle because you will be very disappointed.