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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  LOVE THIS CAR!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By trek2 - June 13 - 11:46 am

  I have owned my Altima for 5 months now and it is by far the best I have ever owned. The mpg Im getting is better than advertised. When I stay at 60 mph or under I get near 42 mpg on the highway I thought I would be disappointed in its performance considering its a 4 cylinder, but I have been pleasantly surprised. The 4 cylinder is a bit noisy, but easily tolerable.

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  Car with lots to offer - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By gmo7092.5S - June 12 - 7:50 am

  Car is great. Looks really good. Like it in Silver the best. Handles pretty well. Lots of packages ..conv, conv plus and connection package. Looking forward to better reliability than I had with my Olds Alero v6. That was a fun car to drive, but too many issues with the head gasket leaking! Now I have a 4cylinder, but I am liking it. Coupe should have lights/design that sedan has! Love radio but does need quicker way to get from low #d station to higher without having to hold down seek and wait. Also, brakes are a bit touchy. Steering seems to not want to center for some reason. Wind noise is really loud with windows down on faster drive..super loud. Key fab buttons look alike

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  Solid Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By jay2008 - June 11 - 10:46 pm

  We have this car for almost 2 years without any issues at all, only regular oil changes. Wife loves the car and feels solid on the highway as well as great mpg 30+. Very happy with the purchase and will look at Nissan again for my next car.

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  ROOMY - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By JOYCE - June 11 - 6:06 pm

  the car seems to be reliable. when travling at a high speed car does not hold well. the interiro is very spacious. front passenger seatbelt lock to close to the body, its hard to get in.

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  Almost There - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By dave - June 11 - 4:00 pm

  The 2007 Altima is a considerable improvement over the 06. Intelligent Key, Push button start, Front side and curtain airbags standard. It has all the right equipment. The car is plenty powerful, and gets decent mileage. But... The center console and cup holder materials do not match the quality as the rest of the car. Also I would have liked to see trunk hindges like the Maxima on the Altima. Styling is great and the price is right!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Johnny - June 10 - 11:39 pm

  I purchased this car in October 2014 and have been very pleased with it.. Great gas mileage and the ride is very smooth with no vibrations or excess noise. I dont understand the negative reviews since I have had 2 Altimas now and no major concerns. I did have to replace a speaker cover that was defective and the engine was noisy at 40 to 60 mile per hour but I took it to the dealer and the engine heat shield was loose and once it was repaired the noise was gone... I have had the 3.5 liter engine and the 2.5 liter and both are very good. The 2.5 4 cylinder engine is very powerful and the gas mileage is 30 in town and 39 on the hwy.. I would recommend this car any day when you consider the price and all the extras it has. Like I said I dont know anyone that is unhappy with the Altima and still dont understand the negative feedback on this site..

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  very nice car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By lydfra - June 7 - 7:10 pm

  I owned SUVs , this is my first car. I thought down sizing would be difficult but with this car I am very impressed. It has a nice ride. The 4cyl is very powerful, cannot tell the difference from the 6 cyl.

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  Everyones Right..To a Point - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By PettisFettis - June 7 - 5:43 pm

  I researched this car for two years (and the Accord Coupe) before I got this one. The blindspots, the jerkiness, the "average" stereo, the A/C plug-ins behind doors, the hub caps, the small trunk, all of this stuff is true, but none of it is excessive, or low-grade. So for the price of this vehicle, Im very impressed with what I got. And the acceleration, handling, fun factor, and sturdiness are unmatched in this price range. Read all the Honda reviews (Ive owned three accords), and youll see that they will let you down too if youre expecting perfection out of a car under 20K. I can definitely live with any of this vehicles shortcomings, kinda like I can deal with my own.

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  Great Family Sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By MikeO - June 7 - 8:26 am

  First sedan I have owned in 25 years of owning vehicles, and weve been very pleased with it after 4+ months and 6,000+ miles. The SL is incredibly smooth, quick and quiet for a 4-banger, though the engine noise does come through upon hard acceleration. Have taken the car on 9+ hour rides serveral times now - no issues with comfort (we did get the SL version with leather seats). We have consistently gotten great mileage 34-36 mpg hwy (@ 65+mph) and 25+mpg City. We do miss sitting up high like in our SUVs, but otherwise its a great car. Virtually no torque steer, steering is responsive.

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  Still Happy With My Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By caliguy1 - June 6 - 12:12 pm

  Ive had my Altima since the first of February, 2013. Its now 8 months and 11,500 miles later and the car is great! My Altima is fully loaded except for the "remote start". I test drove the new Honda Accord, VW Passat, Kia Optima and Toyata Camry. For me the Altima had the most quiet and smooth ride with a bit of sports car feel...thanks to the 3.5 V6. I felt at ease in the seats and overall driving position. The V6 has plenty of get up and go, but if youre wanting fuel economy stick with the 4 cyl. For me, the CVT was to noisey with the 4 cyl. engine.