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 - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By blknite99 - January 10 - 6:20 pm

  This is my 3rd Nissan I really love them all. I still have my 2nd Nissan which is a truck. I would get another if and when they come out with another body style. The only thing I dont like is that it doesnt have some of the features that was install or come standard with the car is signal light in the side mirror, and the on star. Overall the car is a wonderful car. Drives very well on the highway and city. For a 4 cycle is has a lot of power.

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  Not Happy! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Dawn - January 10 - 4:26 am

  I bought a 2004 Nissan Altima in June of 2005. September of 05 the fuel pump went out on it and was supposedly fixed and covered under my warranty. My car had to be towed to the dealership. In May of 06, I had a transmission fluid leak which took 4 trips into the dealership for them to find exactly where the leak was. This was also covered under my warranty. Now, 1 1/2 weeks ago, my car failed to start again. Once the dealership checked it out, they stated it was the crank position sensor. This is not covered by my warranty and its going to cost us $140. I am so unhappy with Nissan and have called the Nissan customer service to request they pay for the problem, they wont return my calls.

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  Deep Buyers Remorse - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By atglass2 - January 7 - 8:55 am

  I purchased my new 2013 Altima in Nov. 2012. I have had the car for 3 months and I have had to take it back to dealership 5 different times for the same lugging noise and vibration issue. They replaced the belt and belt tensioner but the relief from the awful noise and vibration only lasted a short time. I have 2 open cases with Nissan customer care but all I can get out of them is that Nissan is aware of the problem. Now they dont even return my phone calls. The service manager at my dealership told me that their hands are tied, meaning Im on my own. I have owned many new cars in my lifetime and if I had an issue, it was quickly addressed. This time it has been a nightmare.

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  Dim Headlights - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By tsgttony - January 3 - 6:44 pm

  I have bought this car back in September, I discovered that the headlights are quite dim. no where bright as my old 2009 Subaru. I returned to the dealer 2x in 2wks each time I was told there was nothing wrong. Complained to nissan headquarters they politely listened to my problem. I have offered to pay for a portion of the enhanced bulbs, but was told by the service manager that this model can not be upgraded. I considered purchasing brighter bulbs from Napa. Was told by Service manager that this would void the warranty, I am now awaiting a call from the GM, had I knowen how dim these lights were I would have never purchased this car, furthmore turn on the high beams is not much of an impro

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  Loving every minute of every drive.... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Joe Williams - January 1 - 7:13 pm

  I dont get to drive my SE-R much, but every time I do, I love it! Im gonna have to get a radar detector cuz it BEGS to be driven well in excess of 60mph. I had a 2003 Altima SE that was great, but this one is a very significant improvement over that one. The road noise issue has been addressed and the interior is much improved from the cheap-feeling plastic stuff that was in the old one. I havent seen a car in the class that could hope to compete with the thrill factor available here. As good as the car looks parked, it has to be driven to be appreciated. Do NOT get the automatic (though I test drove one and it handles itself well, too!) - youll be robbing yourself of a lot of joy.

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  great car bad paint - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By mike b - January 1 - 12:27 pm

  We love this car. have bought 4 new Nissans over the years. Thought I finally found the maker to make me happy. Have had great luck but hear it comes dont know if it happens down south but I have 20,000 miles on it and its rusting around the crome strip on trunk. Coworker has the same problem on his 13 with 40,000 on it dealer said to bad that it would only be covered if under 36,000 miles. I will get it fixed under warranty when I take it in but it will come but in a year. Dealer knows about all of it for its happening to all of them. Nissan needs to step up but we know it will not happen. oh well Ill try a Toy or Acura next time. Not a good way to retain new car buyers.

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  4 Years of Altima 2.5s - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Church - December 31 - 6:33 pm

  This has been a very good family car. It rides well, handles family needs for trips and still looks sharp going down the road. There is more than enough power in the 4cyl. model to get the job done and still provided decent city drive MPG of around 25 - 27 (Standard) depending on driving style. I do not recommend the OEM tires that came with the car as they proved to be junk. With a decent set of all season after-market tires. I had no issues driving around in the snow of VT. granted I live in the city area. I recommend this car as both new and used model. Has potential for tuning if that is your desire.

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  Owner - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By D Dilzell - December 30 - 3:26 am

  I have had this car since December and researched MANY others prior. This 4 cyl operates like a 6 and is good I am getting 25-18 MPG. I have been a Mazda purchaser sinc 1988, so this is a new experience but so far, so good! The only thing I notice is some sort of fan that has a "whining" sound to it -- mechanically it operates great.

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  Pocket Rocket on Four Wheels - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Red Rider - December 30 - 1:00 am

  I get so many looks when I drive by in this BEAUTIFULLY designed Code Red (with Black interior) Car. This is the car Ive long waited for... Id suggest getting it SIMONIZED at the dealer and keep using their products via touchless washes... It REALLY SHINES !!! Side Note: 18" Chrome/Silver Wheels with Red Accents really set off the colors. Mille Migli..... Ive got the Black/Red Fever Man !!!!

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  172,000 miles and no problems - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By miktyler - December 30 - 12:30 am

  I bought my Altima in 2009 with 40,000 miles on it. Its now at 172,000 miles and still runs perfectly. It has been driven very hard the entire time I have had it. I drive the car 100mph+ on a weekly basis and it has never failed me. All I have done is change the oil every 3000 miles. Ive had to replace the brakes a few times which has more to do with how I drive than anything else. I would highly recommend an Altima to anyone who is looking for a dependable vehicle. Its not the fastest or best handling car on the road but it is more than capable of anything you would need. Only complaint might be that it handled poorly in the snow when I used to live in Michigan.