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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  One Hot Car... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By FSU1986 - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I came in looking for a Nissan Max and left with a 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE- R. This car is GREAT for a person with a family. It is safe, you dont have to worry about it falling apart and it is FUN to Drive... Nissan got it Right this time...

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  Im in love with my mystic emerald SL - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Valerie - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchased my 2005 Nissan Altima SL. This was an upgrade from a 99 Altima GXE. Boy what a difference... you cant even tell its the same model. I love absolutely everything about my Altima, from the exterior styling, color, leather interior, steering wheel controls, power drivers seat, sunroof and definitely the Bose stereo system with 6 disc dashboard changer! But I have to say what sold me on this vehicle is the V6 3.5L engine with 250 horses. What a bang for the buck! I purchased my Altima for right at $25000, about $200 over invoice. My hubby and I thought this was the best value for a midsize sports sedan, and I feel comfortable with our decision.

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  Still running great after 140k miles - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Kevin - January 19 - 11:34 pm

  Easily the best car I have ever owned, and this is my 12th car. The only issue so far was a replacement window motor on the passenger side, that the warranty covered. The car is not burning any oil, unlike my previous 05 altima. I bought the car new, and have used synthetic blend oil changes at 3750 mi intervals. Love the bose audio.

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  2007 Altima 3.5SL - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By rps1 - January 17 - 4:06 pm

  I picked up my Altima on 6/8 and I love it. The CVT is smooth and responsive.The ride is exceptionally smooth and comfortable. The interior in leather is luxurious along with the trim. The gas mileage is better than average, about the same as my 05 3.5 SL. The body style is sharp and quite a change. The metallic winter frost is different and rich. The only thing Im not crazy about is the foot emergency brake.

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  average car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Rad - January 16 - 2:00 am

  It seems to be an average car. Good and reliable for commuting but definitely lacks any personality. Have not had any problems for last 30K that I drove it but it is not a car that I would look forward to get into and drive everyday. Yet, I am sure that it is better then any other American alternative in this price range.

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  surpasses extremely high expectations - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By markyy - January 16 - 2:00 am

  After reading reviews here on Edmunds and other car sites, I narrowed down my search for a 4 door sedan between the Altima, Passat and Accord. THough I initially leaned towards the Passat, with its nice interior and good mileage,I liked the overall value the Altima gave me. Even with the premium package, whch included the Bose 8 speaker stereo, leather wrapped wheel, moon roof, and steering wheel controls, for the stereo and cruise control the Altima came in ~ 1 -2k cheaper than the similarly equipped Passat. After a test drive in the Altima, I was hooked. Overall, a great package for the money you pay.

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  Disappointed! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By optimistic2 - January 15 - 8:45 pm

  Less than four months into my first new car and Im finally fed up. Its time for me to move on. I have been to my local Nissan dealer on four occasions addressing my concerns of interior rattles. I noticed a rattling sound coming from the steering column at low speeds on smooth pavement and I expressed concerns over a potential loose transverse bolt. I was informed my vehicle wasnt affected and to not be concerned. The rattle persisted and I was turned away twice more with no answer. So I recorded the sound and was told they didnt hear the sound when they drove it. They did manage to replace my squeaky rattling sun visor with a squeaky rattly visor. It feels like a $25,000 joke!

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  Happy Customer - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Happy Customer - January 13 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 years. It is absolutely a good buy. It has 14k miles as of this writing. There has not been any problem whatsoever. The paint job is very good. It is just as glossy as when it was new. I averaged 25-26 miles in mixed driving. The reasons I chose Altima over Accord or Camry are simple. 1: More power, 2: Styling. Nissan makes relible cars too. I have no complaints at all for a 20K car that meets all my expectations .

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  2006 Nissan Altima - 3.5 SE - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Joan - January 11 - 8:40 pm

  I love my new Nissan Altima, from the sporty look with the hallogen headlights, sun-roof, spoiler and sleek design to the roomy interior and having all the radio/CD controls on the steering wheel. The gas mileage is great also, even with having a 3.5 (6 cylinder, which gives me the power I need when I need it most getting into traffic, yet the gas mileage is great. I would reccomend the Nissan Altima!!

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  PROBLEM CAR - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jagger2 - January 11 - 1:32 pm

  Please do your research before you purchase this vehicle. I have been a loyal Nissan customer for nearly 20 years and have owned several Nissan vehicles. Didnt think twice about what could possibly go wrong with a brand new Altima. Basically relied on my experience which was my huge mistake. The vehicle just had too many defects. First the whining noise and shortly after, brakes made a loud slapping noise, the fuel slosh, screen goes blank and not to mention the rubber burning smell. Addressed all of these with Nissan and even filed a complaint with BBB and MD General Attorney. Nissan did absolutely nothing other than write a response stating everything was normal. Do your research first