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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  I like my little car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By PlatinumGLE - April 2 - 3:30 am

  After having a 98 Chevy Malibu for 2 years (First car) and repairing it at least once a month.. This little Altima is a great little car. I bought it with 50k for a steal, it is a Titanium Pearl Metallic GLE with every option but ABS. It was meant to be my college car but now i am trying to get it paid off by next year since i am now a Honda employee and have discounts. I have read complaints about the braking in wet weather, when you have a vehicle w/o ABS what do you expect? Brakes lock up when you hit them... My car stops fine.. It handles great with 16" rims, looks great with clear tail lights and tinted windows.. If you are wanting a 01 Altima.. I say GO for it!

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  Good & Bad - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By QMAN - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I had this car since 97 and i had no problem with it for the first 3 years and then alterantor went out twice, battery died twice, radiator leak, odometer stopped working, horn stopped working, dash light does not work. Last time i am buying a Nissan.

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  Disapointed!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By HATE THIS CAR! - March 31 - 6:33 pm

  I traded in an suv for this vehicle because I was looking for something with better gas mileage, saw the window sticker on this car and thought it was good, it says 34 highway, its more like 20 highway! The paint started peeling off my bumper at 1,000 miles. I have had my brakes fixed 3 times for squeaking issues and the car only has 13,000 miles on it. If you have a problem dont waste your time trying to call Nissan Consumer Affairs, they dont return calls. I have owned many vehicles and this is by far the worst! The car rattles, my cd player screen goes blank, its just not a good vehicle at all, especially for the price. Never again will I buy another Nissan!

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  Sunny and dry roads only! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mccleard - March 29 - 3:36 am

  Worst car Ive ever owned. If it is not bone dry on the roads with not an ounce of wind, I am all over the road. I got rid of my 1995 Dodge Stealth for this thing and have regretted it ever since. New tires did nothing to help. I hydroplane on the slightest hint of water. It is not my driving habits, this I can assure you. Anyone wanna buy it?!

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  My Baby - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By schmidy6 - March 26 - 9:13 pm

  Bought the car in 2010 with 133,000 miles on it. Now at 173,000 and have only put brakes, tires, and new headlights on it. Engine and transmission are rock solid, never had an issue with either. My dear friend is getting old, however. Her rocker panel on the passenger side is almost completely eaten away, she has a rust hole in the floor board behind the passenger seat. It kills me to see my car rust out because despite the rust, shes never quit on me, and she wont hesitate to blow by someone on a two-lane or cruise comfortably at 80 on country roads. I could probably change the oil every 7,000 the way this car sips oil. Probably wont even get rid of her when I get a new car.

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  Syle isnt Everything - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Altima6252 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Car looks great and is fairly comfortable, BUT is equiped with cheap tires (I replaced them with better grade tires). Interior plastics are cheap and flimsy looking- but you get what you pay for. Handles poorly at highways speeds- sways as its buffeted as the car has no weight where it counts. Difficult to keep it tracking straight.Becoming disapointing to drive.

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  A Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ted - March 25 - 8:43 pm

  Had my 03 Altima 2.5SL for three years. Excellent mechanical engineering, no fit or engine problems. Comfort for driver and passengers. Instrument panel could have better materials. Poor placing of heated seat buttons and hazard button. Radio with six-CD changer is fabulous

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  Well worth the little extra in price - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Zach - March 23 - 10:03 pm

  Just purchased this car for my wife, we researched and test drove the Camry, Fusion, and Mazda6 as well but selected the Altima. It has what we felt was the best finishing details/trim and was sportier than the Camry and Fussion. The Mazda6 was a close 2nd place but our local dealer didnt have much of a selection. We have owned Mazda 626 and a Camry in the past and really like both of them, but the Altima just fit our needs better this time. Probably a little more in price when equipped comparably, but worth the extra $$. We love it so far.

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  Noise complaint - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bonnie - March 23 - 5:40 am

  I hear air leaking from somewhere, either from windshield or windows and I cannot find the leak. I have not complained to the dealer yet, due to a stroke I suffered in Feb.

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  Love the 3.5 SR - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By bill_in_sa - March 22 - 1:36 am

  I recently traded in my 2008 Altima Coupe 2.5S for the 2012 Altima Sedan 3.5 SR. Quite honestly I loved the coupe, it had every option except the navigation, but from an interior size point of view it was inconvenient. It was uncomfortable for adults to sit in the back. So I decided to look into the sedan and ended up purchasing the 3.5 SR with every option, including the navigation system. With a 270 HP engine, it has plenty of power for passing or merging on to the highway. It has a comfortable ride and very good handling and is spacious. The trunk space is huge (especially compared to the coupe). One thing that my 10 year old son pointed out is the interior is very quiet.