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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  Great New Design - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By harry0724 - December 20 - 10:03 am

  Purchased new 07 ALtima 3.5SE with CVT. great performance with 270 hp. Touch screen navigation is very easy to use, with voice commands, Bluetooth, and rear view camera. lots of features for the money. this vehicle is far superior to the bland camry and accord.

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  Long-life reliable car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Joe - December 20 - 1:23 am

  My Altima SE is a 5 spd manual which makes a 4 cyl a little more fun! Bought the car at 124k in fall 04 and will be retiring it soon with 190k. No real problems until last few months - engine is still great. Still using original clutch (needs replacement). Odometer broke a few months ago, and windshield wiper motor just died. Those are the only mechanical things to go wrong in the 4 years Ive owned it... not bad! I am now looking to buy an 05 Altima because they are very reliable.

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  2015 Nissan Altima - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By jessica319 - December 19 - 4:36 pm

  I just purchased a 2015 SL which is fully loaded. I love the car! With that said the only disappointment I have is with the fuel economy. I previously had a 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 which was a gas hog. However super fun to drive with take off. The 15 when purchased the millage shown that I had to go when full was well over 400 miles. Now when I fill my car up it only says I can go 318 miles. Is something wrong with my car?

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  The wait was worth it - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By astraumins - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I ordered my Altima specifically to get the 3.5SE in black with the 5spd manual. It is probably the most fun car I have ever driven. Every time I get in I just smile. The imprvmnts over the 04 model is worth forgoing the 04 finance option and getting the 05. If you are thinking of getting a Maxima, definitely look at an Altima too. I have driven both the 04 Maxima, 04 and 05 Altima and can tell you a fully loaded Altima beats a basic Maxima any day, especially since it is 27K for a loaded Altima w/out Nav and 28K for a basic Maxima. Plus the Alti beats the Max in the 0-60. OR just wait till the 05 Altima SE-R comes out in September. nissanclub.com

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  Altima 3.5 SE Manual - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Jw - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for two months and the car as been great so far except for the tires seam to wear fast. You cant help but lay into the pedel making the car it the 60mph mark in around 5.9 seconds. I would recomend replacing the stock air filter with an after market air filter with a K@N filter charger. You can expect a little savings at the pumps and a bit more throttle response as well. Heated seats are a plus.

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  why did I buy this thing ??? - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By PUNISHER7 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had to take this car in twice to have the d/s window serviced in the first 4 months of owning it. I have been affected by almost every recall on this thing and there have been about 5. The road noise has gotten to be unbearable and now the d/s window causes this reverberating sound when I drive at speeds above 60mphs even though the window is all the way up. I will never buy another Nissan product after I dump this damn thing. I should have bought the 03 cadillac CTS instead

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  I really like this car.... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kevin H - December 17 - 12:26 pm

  This car lives up to its reputation as a fast vehicle with lots of features. I am very happy I chose the SL model, as it has every option I was after (especially leather and sunroof). I traded in my 2000 Altima, and what a difference between the two cars!

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  Loved it, but time to move on? - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By cfowler - December 13 - 10:23 am

  I bought this car used from a rental company about 5 years ago. It had 37,000 miles and I am very near 110,000 now. Most expensive repair was window switch which was less than $100.00. Just had to replace the sending unit to the transmission yesterday and my mechanic said not to expect more than 25,000 - 30,000 more miles before needing a new transmission. Now trying to decide if I should sell it or spend the $2500 - $3000 on the transmission and hope it lasts me a few more years. Overall this car has been very reliable and I love it. Hope I can find a reliable newer one as my next car!

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  Rust streams in the paint after 1-year - not covered under warranty?? - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By kkostelic - December 12 - 9:42 am

  I love most of the car; however just after a year rust started streaming down the trunk lid just under the horizontal chrome piece above the license plate. Obvious this is resulted from either poor assembly, or poor workmanship. One would anticipate that this would be a warranty issue, however trips to the dealership, their body shop (that shared the same opinion as I), plus calling the 1-800-Nissan1, the answer was we don’t cover this. Ive had 18 cars, and buy two vehicles every 3 years..this being my first Nissan. Nevertheless, Ive never had paint issues such as this!! I won’t be buying Nissan again..not because of their vehicles, but their poor warranty .

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  All Good - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Stephen - December 12 - 5:23 am

  I think the Altima is a steal. You cant get leather, sunroof, alloy wheels, and better than 25mpg for 26K from any other car.