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 my Altima Coupe! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By STL.Owner - May 16 - 12:13 pm

  I originally drove an 03 Mazda Protege DX, which was my starter car. Got great gas mileage, however the safety became an issue with me after several close calls. I wanted to upgrade to something a little larger, with great safety ratings, good on gas mileage, and also, great style. This is everything Ive been looking for! I love this car! With the power seat, its pretty easy to get comfortable. The acceleration is beautiful for easy highway entrance, if you need to pass a vehicle its a breeze. Everything on this car, from the look, to the driving experience, is smooth!

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  Altimas are great cars! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Helen - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the Altima! About 2 weeks new, someone hit me from behind in her old jeep while I was in line for the stop sign. I couldnt believe how much damage it did to the other vehicas front as compared to my back, which had a very minor dent that you could hardly see. I got it fixed and it looks good as new, again! My tall friend couldnt believe the head space. I enjoy the little sound signals if you forget to turn off the headlights or forget to remove the keys. Everywhere I go, people are always staring at my car, asking questions about it, or telling me how much they like my car. I get compliments on its unique red color, too.

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  Be Careful! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Regretting Purchase - May 11 - 2:40 pm

  First hour off the lot, I already had problems. I looked up at the pillar on the drivers side (the spot where the headliner meets above the window), and I see a wet spot. Had to take it back to the dealer. Apparently there was a blockage in the drain hose from the sunroof. Next day, I get a call. The front of the car is soaking wet. The evaporator has also malfunctioned. So I bought the car Wednesday, drove for a total of 40 miles (20 miles home, and then 20 miles to the dealership), and will finally be able to drive it again Friday afternoon.

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  CVT - Beware - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Steve - May 9 - 12:53 am

  Just a word of warning for anyone wanting to keep the CVT Altima for any length of time. My CVT just imploded with 46,000 km on it. Maybe warranty they say, maybe not. Takes two days to do the paperwork to get the new transmission approved... if it gets approved. Not impressed. The car is very noisy when driving and lurches when going downhill. I will never buy another CVT again. I can only imagine the cost of replacement for this thing. This will be a real cash cow for Nissan as the trannies start to fail.

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  The last Nissan I will ever own. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By jalaniz4116 - May 8 - 3:11 am

  I bought my Nissan Altima new, and it has been a big burden. I had the car for a month when the transmission went out. I wish I was joking. The dealership took care of the problem pretty promptly. The Cam-shaft sensors went out, so the car would just stop on me at a low rates of speed. As one could imagine, it was not very safe due to that reason. I have had to replace 3 alternators. 3 of them!!!!!! I have had to replace all the motor mounts & the breaks way too often. After a year, I never felt safe in taking the Altima out of town.

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  fun and rommie at a resonable cost - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By tuller - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I test drove may cars (accord, acura,passat) and found this was by far the best car for the dollar. I first drove the 4 cyl. version and really liked it, but then I decided to venture out and try the 6 cyl. version and I fell in love, I had to have it. After 1 month I still cannot be Happier about my decision

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  Dont See the Issues - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - May 5 - 10:06 pm

  Compared to the Toyota Solara (4 cyl) Ive driven for the past four years (disliking it more every day) the Altima Coupe 2.5 S is an exhilarating experience. The Altima accelerates quickly, the Solara hesitates; the Altima gives you a feel for the road, the Solara drives like a big luxury car. If youre looking for something that drives like a "land yacht", buy the Solara. If youre looking for something thats just fun to drive, the Altima is a good choice.

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  Fun family car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By phillygm - May 4 - 7:40 pm

  Got it loaded minus nav. Only owned the car for a week with almost 200 on the clock. The ride is wonderful and the power is exceptional. It feels very athletic yet has the capabilities for a family car that I was looking for. I rated it slightly lower on build and reliability because I already have a squeak by the back seat and a strange clank in the engine compartment by the drivers side firewall. Almost sounds like some spring mechanism resetting. It only does it after each start up after cooling down when you are just starting to drive off. Very strange.

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  Driv It, Youll buy it - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Nick DeLeo - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Just Drive the car and youll see, the only bad point is when it rains, if you smoke and the windows open even a crack, you get drenched, not so big a deal though.

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  Smooth, Powerful, Fun to Drive - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By mikescelly - May 3 - 4:53 pm

  This car is fun. Ive only been driving it a few days, but I cant get enough of it. The powerful 3.5 with 270hp is more than enough and the CVT handles the power so well, you literally do not feel a "shift", its amazing!