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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  2005 Altima 3.5 SE - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Triever - October 26 - 2:26 am

  So far great car after 1 year. Sporty practical and fast. Gas prices were a lot less when I bought a year ago. This car gets great highway mileage. But i spend most of my time idling in rush hour city traffic. A bit costly at todays prices but worth it not to have the standard 4 wheeled grocery cart.

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  Expected more from a Nissan - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By jp - October 23 - 9:40 pm

  Disappointed in Nissan quality. I have own Nissans and Hondas in the past and all were better than this model. I bought the vehicle used with 44k mi. I have had nothing but trouble since. Luckily, I purchased the extended warranty to 100k offsetting some cost. Had problems with A/C elec. module, tie-rods, ball- joints...had to replace a freaking motor mount! Had to replace oxygen sensors, water-pump, recently, the valve cover gasket and intake manifold. Interior seats rattle, door trim & sunroof trim comes off. I kept this car well maintained and it just continued to show its poor craftsmanship. I have 120k mi. now and plan in dumping it. Do yourself a favor and buy a Honda.

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  Fantastic Car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Nadeem - October 23 - 10:03 am

  I have altima 2.5 SL for two weeks now and I am enjoying/loving it so far. I was shopping for 2011 Hyundai Sonata because of high reviews and ratings but I think the Altima quality of ride and the interior is far superior then Sonata. The only thing I am missing it is the rear heated seats which Sonata offers in their Limited edition. But I have no regrets going for this Altima which has all the bells and whistles along with the awesome performance.

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  Nissan Hits Jackpot - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By AltimaForever - October 22 - 2:00 am

  After owning an older Altima and having NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER for the 130K miles (sold it above Edmunds.coms estimate for Private Party), I have bought my 2003 2.5 S in October, 2002. Already put 6,000 miles on without ANY problems. Love the powerful 4 cyl., the steadiness at speed on the road and in the curves, the comfort and space inside. The outside design is a winner, leaving Toyota and Honda scrambling at the drawing boards to catch up. Price was fantastic (about $4000 less than any other car in this category). BUY ONE and KEEP IT as long as you need and... ENJOY!

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  Very good car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By calshamus - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a very reliable car. I have 150K miles and I have only had to replace the alternator ($40). There are no rattles or squeks. A very good purchase.

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  Buyer beware - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Phillygator - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy this car! Our mis-adventure began at the dealership (Sutherlin Nissan in Ft. Myers). To many negative memories to put into 700 words. Just beware when purchasing from Sutherlin. The car had 2 tires shred within the first 2 months of ownership. To top it off, the tires put on the Altima are not only cheap, but very rare, and impossible to find. The car had rust within 3 months, the steering fluid had a leak. The service department was as rude and slow as the sales department. Bad experience all around.

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  NissanMan - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By nissanman - October 17 - 3:40 am

  Great Car! Fun to drive engine too powerful for front wheel drive. Needs to have Nav option

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  Very Nice Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By beetle662 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car over a year now, it has been wonderful. Only problem was a sensor for the air conditioner last summer, but that was covered by warranty. Standard maintenance is a bit pricey using Nissans guidelines (which I suggest that you do), but that comes with any vehicle. Opted for the 5 speed manual, which is comfortable and provides more pop to the I4 engine. Plenty of "giddyupandgo"! Abundance of interior room (the main reason we bought this car instead of the Sonata, Taurus, et al). Some of the interior features are cheap... the fuel fill release on the floor looks like an after thought. Some minor squeeks which are unexplained.

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  Went with an Altima SE v6 - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Wills - October 16 - 5:16 pm

  After 2 months of searching and test driving, I ended up with an Altima SE. I drove; Camry, TL, G35x & Accord and by far the Altima was my favorite. Its sporty and has everything I wanted in a car. Please know it does drive somewhat like a sports car, so if you want a smooth ride go for the Accord or Camry. This car is the whole package, from the redesigned exterior to the dash and interior, I just really like the way it looks for a 4dr sedan.

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  Love My Coupe - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Bev - October 12 - 3:36 pm

  I had been admiring the coupe since February. I thought it look so much like the G35. I started checking out the pricing and said Bingo! Ive been driving a Toyota Solara for 5 years and was looking for something sporter. I purchased a "Code Red" coupe and I love it. Heads turn as I whiz by. When I park, people stop me to talk about the car. I always find reasons to go out to drive. It has great pick up and go. Love that I dont see a lot on the road!