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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  First Nissan Altima Coupe in Western WA - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Kelly in Tacoma - April 21 - 10:23 am

  I have had my 2008 Altima Coupe for 1 1/2 weeks now and I LOVE IT! Its my first brand new car and it handles perfect! I have driven 280+ miles (it had 20 when I left the lot. I bought it the day after the dealer received it) and I feel like it was made for me. I havent had that feeling of "oops Im going around that corner too fast" like I did in my other cars/SUVs. Its such a smooth ride, and doesnt have that small compact feel like most sports cars, but it is soooo nice to look at. The backseat is roomy, and there is lots of leg room up front. It has lots of power and get-up-and-go for only 4 cylinders.

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  Good - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Maurice Parrom - April 20 - 12:50 pm

  This vehicle is awesome! It has plenty of power and great agility. I am so happy that I purchased this vehicle.

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  Buyer Beware!!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Chelsey - April 18 - 8:36 am

  Be careful about the reviews, this car starts giving you ALOT of trouble about the third year, crank shift sensor replaced THREE TIMES, fuel pump replaced in 2008 and again this week in 2009. Rotors went on back brakes at 42,000 miles. Two sets of tires. From what I have read this has happened to many owners of the Altima. This car is a major lemon! This was my first and last Nissan. I am trading it in this weekend as from what I read the catalytic converter and transmission are the next to go.

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  Seating Problem - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By DK46 - April 16 - 4:36 am

  I have recently taken a 600+ mile trip in my new 2010 Altima. I felt the drivers seat not to be as comfortable as my former 02 Altima. But, the worst part was seating in the front passenger seat. That seat was made too low to the floor and too short for anyone over 52". There is no leg support, which tends to cause your back to tighten up. To sit without pain, you must extend your legs forward as far as they will go. Has anyone else experienced this problem? DK46

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  So far so good - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dbubba - April 15 - 6:46 pm

  Like most who have driven this car I found that the 2.5 with CVT is a good combination of power and efficiency. I own several large vehicles so fuel cost is a concern with my daily driver. With only 50 miles on it my car is already posting an average of 27 mpg vs the 14 my truck gets. Nissan has done a good job with isolating the driver from engine and transmission noise common on 4 cylinder engines. when driven normally you can barely hear the engine.

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  Fantastic Performer/4dr combination - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Davetek - April 14 - 11:50 pm

  Car has been absolutely reliable so far, and Ive about 80K on the odometer. The VQ powerplant never disappoints; there is ample torque everywhere so shifting is minimal. The handling is fantastic, turn in is very sharp and mid-corner is almost neutral with slight understeer. Brakes are equally good, minal nose dive and sports car stopping distances. On the highway I usually average better than 30mpg, with 23-25mpg in the city. The 6spd manual is "stik-stik" perfect, but the throws are a little long. Pedals are placed nicely for heal toe downshifts. Performs reasonably well in the snow too, obviously winter tires are recommended.

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  Very Impressed - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Roland & Steph E. - April 14 - 10:10 pm

  I was looking for a good change in vehicles I saw the 3.5 SE Altima loved the look of the car. Once I drove it I was very impressed of the smoothness of the ride, all of the accessories they have including bose, sunroof, spoiler, and acceleration performance is awesome. So far the car has been perfect - no problems. It was hard for me to make the change but I do not regret it one bit. The interior is also very easy to clean and I like the design the sporty sleek look. Gas mileage on hwy excellent.

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  Altima 3.5SE is awesome! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By nhmtnbkr - April 14 - 9:53 pm

  Ive had my 3.5SE for a little more than a year (nearly 20K miles) and I have to say that I love this car!! I tested the Camry SE and the Accord EX and this car blew both away. Its wonderfully powerful and quiet, gives a comfortable, tuned and composed ride for a sport trim vehicle. Handling is fantastic, very well balanced and easy to control. Mileage with a Yakima rack is OK at 23 mpg in mixed driving. Definitely recommend the use of at least mid grade gas, as regular sucks about 3-4mpg from the mileage. Legroom for a 63" guy like me is good, much better than Camry and Accord. Braking is OK, could be a little bit better.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rker321 - April 13 - 1:50 pm

  When I bought my Altima in 2004 I actually had to buy a 2005 model, there were no 2004 in all of So. Calif. I am so pleased and happy with this car. The performance is wonderful, the lines of this car are so beautiful. I just hope that they dont change anything on this car for a while. It is perfect.

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  Coupe lives up to it name... ultimate ! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Pram Chandran - April 12 - 8:30 am

  Great shape, fun and active drive with power to match, comfortable and cool interior, really cool car to make a statement for young executives with a zest for life.