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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  First Nissan - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By JC of VA - December 10 - 8:20 pm

  I considered buying a Saturn Aura or a Chevy Impala for the V-6 engine. I first test drove the Ultima in September and was pleasantly surprised. The 175 horsepower takes off very quickly. Even though the vehicle is a 4 cylinder it feels like the V-6 Aura and Impala. It feels like having a V-6 engine at a 4 cylinder price. The vehicle is very stylish and good looking. It is a lot of leg room and is very spacious.

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  Best Car for the Price .... mileage is Great - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Paul Henderson - December 7 - 4:43 pm

  Best Car for the Price .... mileage is Great

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  Overall A Great Car! - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Kobayashi - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car March 2002 with 38k miles and have had almost no issues with this vehicle. Now just turning 71k miles, aside from the routine scheduled maintenance, the only mechanical repair was to fix a serpentine belt idler pulley. As many 2000 Nissan Altima owners will tell you, this is a common problem for these vehicles but a relatively inexpensive repair. This has been a very good commuter car and I have taken it on several road trips of more than 1,000 miles with confidence. Overall this has been a terrific vehicle and it is just as reliable as the Honda and Toyota competitors.

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  Excellent car at an affordable price - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By ukalapat - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Altima has roomy interior with confortable front and back seats. Also has very large trunk space. It runs very quite with smooth drive.

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brandonwalsh - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! The engine is superb...much less sluggish than the comparable Honda or Toyota V6. It handles very well and is great entering a highway from a long, looping, entrance ramp. My only complaint is that there is a fair amount of wind noise in the cabin, but not so much that it detracts from the driving experience

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  2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By debs - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Went to the dealer for a test drive and bought it on the spot. It looks great, it drives great and I cant recommend a more dependable car. Ive owned 3 cars in the last 25 years (this is my 3rd)- all Nissans. Its a luxury car experience at a sedan price.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mr H - December 7 - 10:00 am

  When i first purchased this car the first trip me and my wife took was from MD to Miami FL. The car drove great all the way and i can truly say the car is great on gas. I love the power of this car. Getting through traffic is fun. I must warn that torque steer is something to look out for when getting on the gas hard. For those looking for a great car with plenty of room and power to take on cars that cost more this car is it.

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  My Altima 3.5 SE - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By findodell - December 2 - 11:26 am

  Have had my Altima 3.5 SE for 2 weeks. Pros: Performance, Exterior(Ive had at least 8 total strangers compliment my car..3 of whom thought it was a Lexus), Interior (huge, luxurious & nice in black). Cons: Large turning radius, slightly noiser & roughier ride than Camry/Accord, Some cheap plastic Overall...great, livable car for the commute/family with awesome power & fun to drive aspects....Now I just have to worry about tickets...

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  Great car only 1 compaint - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Lauren H - December 2 - 11:10 am

  I love everything about this car except for the fact that the visors are really unethical. They dont cover my face from the sun unless Im riding on top of the steering wheel. My suggestion to Nissan is to make the a little longer, for taller people. Or add some visor extensions.

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  Best Car 2008 - Fast - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Sandy F - December 1 - 10:40 am

  Once I saw this car it took less than 48 hours to decide to buy and I have no regrets! Although not as comfortable as my Buick Century, its more fun to drive and lots better gas mileage. I wanted an affordable 2 door coupe and the Altima was it. Ive had this car about a month and no tickets yet although when I drive it I want to go really, really fast! Super car. Getting into the back seat is tricky but then again I didnt buy this car to use the back seat often. I did notice the blind spots but now that I own one they dont seem to be a big deal.