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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  Best Vehicle on the Market! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By alventura160 - July 8 - 3:06 am

  My wife and I needed to trade in her 2001 Nissan Xterra that had 95K+ miles on it. We were looking to purchase a 2008 Pontiac G6, but decided first test-drive the Altima before purchasing the G6. We both loved the Altima so much after our test drive that we purchased the vehicle that same day. We also own a 2007 GMC Envoy, but the Nissan is a much better ride. I was fairly sure that the next car I was going to purchase was going to be a General Motors vehicle, but Nissan makes too superior of a vehicle. I encourage anyone that is shopping for a safe and comfortable car to test drive the Altima. You will not be disappointed.

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  I used to think my Supra was fast - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By SimiDave - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Great looks. You get a lot of car for the money. Really moves and fun to drive. My SE handles a lot like my old 85 Supra. Miles per gallon is very good. 27 to 28 on long trips. 18- 19 stop and go city driving. Fun car to drive, people always looking at it in parking lots. Glad I got the SE with the Maxima engine instead of the 4 banger.

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  Love My Nissan! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By greenpuppy - July 1 - 9:57 am

  I was really dead set on a completely different sedan - but the lease cost was astronomical (and the other cars MSRP was actually lower than the Altima), so I started looking elsewhere. Hated almost every other car I test drove (Accord, Sonata, Camry) - but LOVED the Altima! I got the 2.5 SV with no navigation, and its just amazing. Its so quiet, even at highway speed, I often find myself drifting up to the 70mph range without even noticing because it drives so smoothly. The bluetooth features and ipod connectivity are great (even displays album artwork) and I really like having the two screens (one in instrument panel, one in radio). MPG has been great too!

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  Fun to Drive! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By nissan driver - July 1 - 9:40 am

  This is my first Nissan and I didnt know anyone that ever owned one. For that reason I was a little cautious before I bought it. I did much research and finally went for it. It was one of the best decisions Ive ever made. I love this car.

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  I love This Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By LOVE MY CAR - June 28 - 4:23 pm

  My mom bought this car New 2001 in Ct. In 05 the car became mine. When I got it it had 35,000 miles on it, my mom took very good care of the car with all the regular maintainable. I drove the car to Miami and stay for 9 months driving. Then I drove it to TX. This car has needed some work, but the car is 10 yrs old, manifold gasket @ 95,000 structs & shocks, hoses, and tire rods.. The rest of the stuff regular maintenance. This car runs great, The seat motor just went out the stereo system & speakers could use a major upgrade. I have 99,000 miles on the car and just wanted to know how long I can expect to drive.. LOOKS LIKE I GOT WAYS TO GO. Ill definitely buy another NISSAN!

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  NO problems, awesome car - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By mikeanddawn - June 28 - 1:15 pm

  this is my wifes car, we got the coupe with ALL the option packages. it makes the car pretty awesome to look at and to drive. people admire it all the time. we have about 25,000 miles on it and have had not ONE issue !!!!! pretty amazing for $27,000 with FOUR option packages !

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  Test drive this baby - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Diana - June 27 - 11:20 pm

  The car is hot. This is my third Altima and they keep making them better. I went for the top of the line this time. I recommend a test drive of the V6. The new Altima will give its competitors Honda and Camry a run for their money. Test drive it and you will see.

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  Amazing Car! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Christine - June 27 - 7:16 am

  Originally I was not looking at this car and Im so glad I bought it! I did get the convenience plus & premium audio package which is worth it. Everything about it wonderful! It is a smooth drive and I was driving 90 and it did not feel even close. The technical features are amazing including the back-up camera that works like a dream, bluetooth is an awesome feature and the smart key is so convenient; I do not ever have to take the keys out of my purse. It is comfortable and very roomy. It has huge trunk space too! The MPG does not seem as good as it stated but it is still brand new to me. I only have 500 miles on the car and Ill do another review in a few months but so far A+!

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  Keep Out The Noise - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Tour1 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2003 Altima. I like it except for 1 thing...Cabin Noise. If you are not playing the radio, you can hear everything...The street you are riding on, when you stop you can actually hear engine noise. Spend a little money and insulate the noise from the engine compartment and the rest of the car so you cant hear the road noise....Or turn up the radio

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  When looking over the fence... - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By cyndie raposa - June 24 - 2:12 pm

  you know the grass is always greener on the other side.