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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  Thin paint - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By n25ks - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I very much enjoy driving this car. It rides smoothly and has punch when you hit the accelerator.

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  Nissan all the way - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - November 15 - 5:53 pm

  I went from a brand new 1999 Oldsmobile Alero to 2001 Lincon Navigator to a brand new 2004 Cadillac SRX to the latest brand new 2007 Nissan Altima. Its THE best car Ive owned to date hands down!! No more expensive SUVs for me.

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  Amazing - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Kendal Henry - November 15 - 8:46 am

  The reason I purchased my Altima was because my wife wanted a bigger car. Owned a Honda Civic, which I loved great on gas. Just not roomy enough. I like the styling. Very roomy for my wife and my 2 daughters. The 4 cyl @ 175hp is amazing. Owned a Nissan Maxima before, so I know about Nissan performance. Enjoying every minute of it. Interior styling while not great is comfortable. Some slight exterior noise, a little noisy when accelerating.

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  Nice little car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By RCarroll - November 13 - 5:20 am

  I bought this car because I was getting killed at the pump by my Nissan Titan. I love being able to drive by the gas stations instead of stopping to fill up. the car looks great, runs great, and am getting over 28 mpg. I plan to have this car in my stable till it craps out, which by the quality of it; I may crap out first. Its one peppy 4 banger!!

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  I love my new 2.5S Altima coupe! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By D CARDOZA - November 13 - 3:36 am

  Ive owned my fully loaded Altima coupe for 6 months and so far: it has been a great experience. The interior styling is classy and the dash layout makes using all its features easy to use. As far as the exterior goes: this car is a head turner. Beautiful to look at. Ive gone on several trips of over 2 hours and find the seats to be perfectly comfortable - for two people. Also, the gas tank holds about 18 gallons so there are fewer refueling stops than youd expect. Especially considering it has power to take off and still has less fuel consumption than any V6. I test drove the Accord, Camry, and Mustang and in my opinion: you get the most out of your hard earned money with the Altima.

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  5 Times not a Charm - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Lindagil - November 10 - 11:57 pm

  I traded my 2014 Sentra for a 2015 Altima SL in May 2015 and have had trouble with it starting 5 times now. The car is not reliable and I need something I can rely on when traveling to work, shopping, taking my Grandchildren places etc. We bought the Altima in May and in June the first incident occurred, we went to a party about 60 miles from our home, turned the car off and when we went to start it to go home, we could not depress the brake in order to get the car push button to engage. My Husband went to see if any of the guests could help and as I sat waiting, I kept trying to get it started and voila! after about 20 minutes the starter button engaged and it started. This happened again about 3 weeks later, then again in July after my Husband dropped me off at the airport he decided to do some shopping (again about 60 miles from home) and he called the dealership to report the problem, they told him to hold the keyfob next to the start button, that sometimes the fob and the starter button dont communicate when they are too far apart, huh, what???? This happened again about 3 weeks ago to me, I drove to work, got out of the car and the lock on the handle of the car did not work so I had to use my override key to lock the doors but I didnt think too much more about it until I went out to go to lunch and again, the brake pedal would not depress and the push starter did not work. I called the dealership then and they told me to call 1 800 NissanOne or something like that to get the car towed, I was calling them while sitting in the car and was playing around with the keyfob taking the override key in and out of the fob and decided to try to start the car and again, voila! the car started. This happened again today, August 12, 2015 and I did not have time to play, I called an had the car towed to the dealership. I read some reviews about the brake system but I am not sure when Nissan is going to do about the car. I feel like I really got a Lemon this time, I should have done some research.

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  Very Happy ! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By timevy - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in November and have put about 8000 miles on so far, including a 2000 mile trip. I fell in love with the styling at first site and ended up getting an SL with most options. I have no complaints and I get unsolicited compliments about the car from complete strangers almost every week. This model is not a sports car, and does not perform like one, but even the 2.5 is more than adequate for me. I love it !

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  Complete transmission and sensor nightmare!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By S - November 9 - 10:21 am

  2013 Altima 3.5 SV. 58000 miles and 3 replaced transmissions later...Nissan corporate puts you on ignore. Dont get suckered into this vehicle...it looks pretty, goes fast, but major design flaw that Nissan has no interest in addressing...your drivetrain warrranty WILL expire and youll be stuck with the tab of $4-$5 grand per trip. Have spent over a month in a rental car since buying this new. The last trip to dealer "we need to fix your 02 sensors for $1200 before we can even address your transmission...out of your pocket !" UNNNNNNNREAL! Nissan regional warranty manager will not call you back for days and days, and when she/he does, they dont call you back during a time of day that you can actually pick up the phone (even after youve told them when you are availible). Then you call them back, and you have to wait another 3 days. My service writer at Nissan admits they are having a ton of problems with the CVT transmission, and that these O2 sensors should last at least 100,000 miles, but im still stuck paying for them. NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE. Dealer service writer can not get a hold of or get a call back from regional warranty rep either. Nissan is costing me alot of time, stress, and $$. Sad, because we have been loyal Nissan customers 7 vehicles in a row...NO MORE !!!

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  I love my Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By altimalady - November 8 - 11:16 pm

  This is the first time Ive ever owned an import vehicle and I love it. I would never buy domestic again. My Altima is sporty looking, people stare all the time. Peppy and fun to drive. The 4 cylinder offers a lot of power and feels like a 6. I love everything about it. Huge trunk, great power and great appearance. Nissan really aced the revamp of the Altima!

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  Car wont start - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By solarwinds - November 5 - 10:13 pm

  We leased this vehicle... Got a great deal.. But the car now wont start and has to be towed to dealer hopefully they fix it... The dealer we got the car from is very good and the service guys are very nice and helpful... NPN in nj rt 22. The car at high speed with weight in the back passengers is ver unstable. The car has a nice design and interior but over all its a cheap built... In the snow its undrivable and as good as rear wheel drive. MPG is ok but not great. Seats are very comfortable and the dash is nice. The push button start has recently failed and the car will have to be towed...