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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  Runs awesome - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - June 24 - 8:26 am

  I have 83,000 miles on this car and it has served me well through college. Many people said I had the nicest car theyve seen on campus although mine wasnt the newest or best by any means. The interior of the car is unlike what you see in cars of this price range nowadays. The drive is ok, its enough to get you by. The wind/road noise is not what I would expect in a near luxury car - you can solve this by simple soundproofing. The Clarion sound system - standard on the GLE, is extremely clear and balanced - although the front is tuned a little shrill [might be the Boston Acoustics that I have there now] once you get some decent speakers on it. Better car than the competition by far.

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  Excellent Used Car Value - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By David - June 24 - 6:03 am

  Ive had my eye on an 05 or 06 for a while and finally bought one. I owned a 00 before this, was looking for same reliability, quality, and engagement. The 05 doesnt disappoint. Has all that plus more gadgets, more power, more room, and more style. There are a few lower quality bits, such as the storage nook doors on the dashboard, steering wheel and radio switches. The center console levers are flimsy and the upper storage area is really cheap. However, places you touch most are soft and quality-feeling. Im satisfied with my Altima. Im averaging 25-30 MPG per tankful (its a big tank at 20 GALs). It falls short of perfection in the details, but it doesnt keep me from liking it.

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  Sloppy culture, poor build quality - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By russ2013 - June 23 - 8:19 pm

  The experience buying this Altima is truly unique - I normally dont test drive much, only trusted my research. Served me well til this time. First new car (28 mile) had a seat belt light malfunction at delivery. Car back to dealer and seat occupancy sensor had to be replaced. Dealer agreed to swap another new car (29 mile). 3 days, front panel showed system error, car had to be towed back to dealer, took 1 week to repair. Nissan needs to improve QC!!!

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  Good design...No support from Nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Morteus - June 20 - 1:03 am

  Love the engineering. Fun to drive. Way too many recalls (6) I brought the car in to the dealer for a fuel system recall and they left the engine cooling fans unplugged. Drove around for a couple of weeks until the engine overheated. Left me stranded and couldnt get an answer from Nissan Roadside assistance. I had to pay for a tow. Called Nissan customer care and they refused to get involved. Told me to go back to the original dealer to have the car looked at. I told them that they are asking the negligent dealership to determine if they caused any damage. Dealer said no damage was caused....6 months later the radiator cracked. Called Nissan customer care again. They couldnt have cared less.

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  Best Of The Pack - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - June 18 - 7:50 am

  Just bought our second Altima 2.5 cvt 2008 had 2006 2.5 and loved it. The new body style beats Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitshu, VW etc.. This is one fun car with a sports car appeal! Buy the convenience pkg! Color winter frost. I am a truck guy and bought this for my wife I cant wait each time I get to drive it it is an absolute pleasure. For the money you get one heck of a car and features! Buy it and dont look back!

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  room with zip - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By DCrane - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Planned to buy a Passat until I saw the first one of the new Altimas. Checked it out and was very impressed. The handling is incredible, changes lanes as fast as my race tuned Datsun 2000! And if you are over 6 feet tall, this is the sedan for you. More leg room front and back than my wifes Volvo. The car has some great, well thought out features normally found on more expensive models. The key fob that opens the windows remotely is a great feature I didnt give much thought to but use daily, and the Bose stereo has got to be heard! Be prepared to find onlookers gathered around the car when you come out of the grocery store.

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  Great - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Mike78543 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  great car

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  Almost as good as my hubbys Infinity - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By lexpat - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my Altima SL on 3/29/02 but have found it to be a wonderful car to drive and look at. The following day, my husband bought a new Infinity I35. Although his car is a bit more luxurious, my Altima shares many of the features of his car. Although my Altima is a 4 cy., it has a good pick up when I need it. Smooth ride is great. It just took one drive and I was sold on the car. The dealership where we purchased the car was top notch. All car buyers should be so lucky to have the professional, caring salesman we had.

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  XMAX - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By csrmax - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Having owned 3 Maxima SEs, I never thought I would consider buying an Altima. I was looking at the Acura TL Type S, Jaguar X type and pre-owned BMW 330 series.On a visit to my dealership, they had a silver/black leather on the floor,and I couldnt believe I was in a Nissan dealer!The Maxima was starting to look very dated,but the Altima grabbed my attention,especially after I spent a day driving it around. Needless to say, I now have a Silver/Black leather parked in my driveway,and feel that I received great value for 30K!

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  hmm - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By carguy2011 - June 16 - 12:46 am

  It looks great and probably the best for the money, but. Question the CVT transmission, it sticks going up or down hill. Has issues after a sudden stop. It stays in the gear that it was last in... Windshield and paint dont hold well and chip easily.