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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  Nissan 98 Driver - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Ikondrar - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car for 3 years now. Fuel economy isnt that great b/c the car sometimes seems to be like drinking fuel as we drink water, but otherwise its affordable and good value. I have pleasure driving it, from day 1 to day 7 and I love it dearly. Its a nice car to own. No , its not Acura but for the value I got a GLE luxury car as a first car I owned. It is my dream come true to have such an awesome car. I have 70000 miles on it right now and its 1998 model, not sure for how many more miles itll last me until my first major problem, but I cross my fingers. Noone talks good about high mileage Nissan Altima... so dont know who to listen to.

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  Best Buy - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Scott - February 22 - 11:20 pm

  Just received my 2007 Altima a few days ago. The car is fun to drive and looks really sharp inside and out. Im surprised by the get up and go the 4 cylinders provide. Has a tight turn radius, great cruising, and handles corners very well. Its the Best Buy of its class.

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  Great all round performer! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Norskie4 - February 18 - 10:33 am

  This car does almost everything right: It looks are pleasant, interior room is generous, trunk is huge for its class. Handling is very good for a front wheel drive with an automatic, fuel economy likewise. Build quality and reliability is excellent.

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  Long Term Review - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By John - February 18 - 9:46 am

  We bought the Altima new and have put 106000 trouble free miles on it! The stock tires were the problem with traction that a lot of people have complained about-a good set of Yokos has taken care of that! Only problem in over 100k miles has been a crank sensor $26 part- easy to change, tires and brakes. This has been an excellent vehicle, but I tend to do the maint. needed. You cant go wrong for the price. Lots of room, power and has been very reliable. Put aftermarket ceramic brake pads on and never have to worry about the brakes again ! I live in snow belt of Roch.NY., with tire change this has been a great handling, safe family cruiser-106k and counting...

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  Real value for the money - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By English Rob... - February 17 - 7:10 pm

  Had my Altima in frost white for a week. Fully loaded with light leather, keeps it cooler in Florida when the suns out. The CVT is great, sooo smoooth, you cant feel any gear change, and the engine has great power.It can catch you off guard if when you first pull away. The sat system is well, not bad to use, but has a large manual. You need to sit down with it for a while to understand it. Great ride, good sound with the Bose system and the back up camera is good if not a bit gimmicky, I still use my mirrors. Plenty of space in the trunk, its quite deceiving when you look at it from outside.Im very impressed with the whole car and I did look at quite a few and got the lowdown about them.

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  Not a bad car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Dave - February 16 - 1:50 pm

  I owned a 2003 altima but recently sold it. My experience with this car has been great! I priced and researched every car in its class and I have to say its a great choice. The 3.5L kicks butt! I only had minor issues like a knocking noice coming from the column between the driver’s side window and the windshield. I also experienced a lot of wear-and-tear on the tires and filters with minimal mileage on the car. Overall this is a great car for the money. I recommend it to anyone looking for a sedan with style and plenty of guts for the open road.

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  Altima Valus (Ultimate Value) - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Claude McDowell - February 13 - 3:06 am

  We had a used 94 Altima SE for 3 years, enjoyed the car and had good resale value. We now have the 02 Altima SE. My wife and I believe it is truly the sexiest auto on the road.The V6 deserves its acclaim. Power and decent MPG (21.6). I love to drive it. It meets our expectations and more.

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  My car is so awesome! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Barbara - February 11 - 10:10 pm

  I cant stop staring at this car... along with everyone else that sees it. It not only looks great it handles wonderfully. We have an 07 Altima sedan. I didnt think I could love a car more than that, until I got the coupe. I have the premium pkg. in both and wouldnt get anything else. The coupe is definitely smaller inside but it works well for me. There isnt one thing I dont like about this car.

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  Still loved my 2008 with 61k miles - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By quezon118 - February 10 - 7:43 pm

  Bought this car brand new in 2008, S model. Loved the CVT engine, got used to it after 3 days of driving. Comfortable drive, car turns like a dime. Did not have any major issues except 2013 when the dealer have to replaced the brake cylinder for leakage (under warranty.) Still driving with original tires and break pads which I need to replace soon otherwise, it runs and drives beautifully! This is my 2nd Altima, my first one was a 1994, drove it for 15 yrs. with 170k miles on it.

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  Another nice car by Nissan - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Rob Binetti - February 10 - 6:10 am

  This is my 4th Nissan I have owned. And it is another great car from Nissan. I love the exterior body style. The fuel economy is exceptional for a mid-size sedan. The 4 cyl behaves like a 6 cyl. I do wish we had the option of getting leather seats without the need to buy the SL package, but Ill just bring the car to a good interior shop to change the seats to a custom leather interior. This vehicle should be on anyones list for a mid-sized sedans.