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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  Luv my Altima - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By amyf1 - October 4 - 9:53 am

  This is my 2nd Nissan (prev owned a 93 Sentra) and I hardly had a lick of trouble with either of them. Take care of and maintain them and they go, go, go. Could use more power occasionally. I think the dashboard, controls, and storage compartments are very well designed as well as the cupholders!

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  My Altima is falling apart - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Not Happy - October 1 - 2:50 am

  My car has been fine until the warranty expired now the car is falling apart and Nissan does not want to stand behind their vehicles. I had the electronic door locks replaced at 20K. The issue start happening after the warranty is up and now Nissan refuses to fix it. In addition my windows dont roll down anymore and the Nissan dealership wants $700 to fix. They made this car too complicated and I dont trust the reliability. I am selling it and buying something else. This was my second Nissan and most likely my last.

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  Get This Car. If you like Very fast! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By tech181 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I am very impressed with this car as it it very affordable and has a ton of features that actually work like it says in the advertisements. Very Quiet, very powerful engine. Great interior layout. Nice gauges that are easy to read day and night. The car is breath taking fast and stops on a dime if you have to. Great looks and great performance at a great price is basically what this car adds up to. One test drive and you wil be hooked on the 3.5SE V6 model, Guaranteed.

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  2.5S Review - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Roksupastar - September 29 - 4:53 pm

  Power-Band is that of the 350Z. The 2.5 is smooth and has power throughout each gear. Granted, it doesnt have the horsepower of the 3.5, but it makes up for that in MPG. 175hp is plenty while city driving, and it performs excellent on the interstate. The styling speaks for itself, as it is a great looking coupe. Not very many cars today are in its class. Very well priced for what you receive.

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  Nissan Altima Problems - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By E. Delisle - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have a problem with a thump in the front end of the car. Nissan will do nothing about this and said all standards do this. Problem was not there when car was purchased. Started about 300 miles into the car.

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  BEST CAR IN THE MARKET FOR 2002 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Jose Guerrero - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for 6 months and I love it. I love the performance I get from it. Even on a 4 cylender this car picks up speed fast.

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  Amazing road traction, great road and seat feel - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Danny P - September 29 - 8:14 am

  This car is seriously awesome, Ive had my 2012 2.5S CVT since June of 16, and I have honestly no bad things to say about this ride. It picks up pretty nicely even though I have the 2.5 liter engine, I know how to listen to my engine and it runs decently fast. Comfortable front and back seats, awesome iPod integration, I got mine already equipped with a Bose speakers and the digital screen. The road and seat feel on the highway is super smooth when going really fast, and if you know how to make a car look good, this car cleans up nicely with a little front piece body kit and an exhaust system. I constantly am complemented on my car, love the Nissan family of cars, eventually want a Nismo 370 Z.

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  Still Undecided - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Gramma - September 27 - 9:13 pm

  Love the look and way it handles when driving however its a noisey car with whines & klunks when first starting & accelerating. I was told by the service dept the klunk noise was normal & the car was doing some sort of self-testing. Also within first 2 wks I had it back to service for the seat belt light which stayed on when seat belts were fastened. Im getting use to the "intelligent key" but not sure i really like it. Having had an suv previously getting use to the sedan will take some time, I guess.

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  Problem with CVT - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Jim DiRosa - September 26 - 3:13 am

  I purchased the car in march of 2013. It is 2 years old, it has 66,000 miles & the dealer tells me it needs a new transmission. Nissan has refused to offer any financial assistance, because the car is 6000 miles out of warranty. I will never recommend Nissan to anybody. I definitely never purchase another Nissan!

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  Not the best experience - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Mark - September 25 - 7:43 pm

  I bought this car used with 84,000 miles. At 125,000 miles the power steering pump went out, the radiator was cracked and needed to be replaced, and I was getting a low oil pressure light going off. After a week in the shop they discovered little pieces of metal in my oil pump and in my oil pan. Apparently something came loose and essential ruined the motor. Prior to this slew of issues I never had a problem and enjoyed the car as a simple point A to point B type of vehicle. Maybe I was just unlucky, dont know. You can get these cars pretty cheap compared to the competition, and its probably worth the gamble, but I had a bad experience.