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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  2013 AltimaS - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By art3 - July 24 - 11:02 am

  I have owned the Altima for 6 weeks and it is the smoothest running vehicle I have owned in 40 years of driving. I have driven 1200 miles so far with it and I applaud the economy and it is spot on as far as mpg advertised. If I had a few more bucks to spend I would have gotten the leather as the cloth i8nterior is ok, but not exceptional. I had rented a 2011 and 2012 Altima before and was impressed with their perfomance. The 2013 is a step above them. I bought it from a highly rated dealership(Priority) and do not expect problems, but my previous experience with them says they will get to the bottom of any problem should one develop. I believe for the money the Altima was the best choice.

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  My expensive Altima - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Cookie Monster - July 24 - 2:00 am

  After 7 years of ownership, at 26,000 miles and 2 weeks out of warranty, an O2 sensor goes out ($90) , 4 weeks later, my camshaft positioner died ($500)and left me on the side of the road, then another week later, another but different O2 sensor goes out ( another $90)- all within 27,500 miles but just over 3 years old. Informed Nisson but no help. A number of little things went out for the next 4 years ( unknown $$$$) and at 73,000 the alternator quit ($335), then a month later, the car left me on the side of the road with a major electrical problem that killed the battery & alternator due to wiring shorts under the dash.

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  First time Nissan Buyer - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By paul stratton - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The design caught my eye. I drove it and was impressed with the handling as well as the power of a 4 cylinder. Ive owned it for a year and have had no problems at all. Standard maintance only. Have taken it on long trips and felt comfortable the entire way.

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  EXCELLENT - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By JIM JR - July 24 - 2:00 am

  AN EXCELLENT VALUE, HOWEVER INTERIOR MATERIALS NOT NEAR QUALITY OF MY 00 MAXIMA

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  Unsatisfied - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By maureen - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Was very excited to purchase a new 02 Altima. Read great ratings, etc. Turns out after 7 months Ive been back to the dealership at least 3 times. Problems with squeeking in fastened seat belts. Need to have shocks replaced after only 7,000 miles. Now have a weird "rotten egg" smell coming through vent when heat is on. Took to dealership wasnt happening at the time it was there so they wouldnt even replace filters to see if that would correct problem. Told me it needed to be happening while car was there. Also lied and said there were no filters in the Altima.

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  Good Car, Room for Improvement - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Byamba - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very reliable car. Nice looking. Strong and fast, probably one of the strongest 4cyl (175 horses) engines Ive seen. Fun to drive. Roomy. Interior needs a lot of improvement though. Something could be done to lower the noise. A very good car that needs some refining, so I am looking forward to the 04 version (with standard ABS).

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  Navigation, Radio, Electrical - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By randall17 - July 21 - 3:10 am

  I started having problems with the 2014 Nissan Altima about three months into the lease. I took it to the dealership and they finally said they will replace the navigation-radio when one comes available. I told them about the car just turning itself off and how many times it did it. They took it on a SHORT test drive and said they couldnt find a problem. I called Nissan Corp and told them I wanted out of the car because it was NOT safe. Three weeks later I got a call from Nissan Corp and they said NO WAY will they either buy the car back or even help on a replacement car. I traded the UNSAFE car off today for a Hyundia. NO MORE Nissans for this country boy

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  Best car I have owned - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By zaragozi - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a few cars in my lifetime but this one is the best.

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  Sleeper Sport Sedan - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Andy - July 18 - 9:43 pm

  I sold my 2001 Maxima for this car. The 2007 Altima SE V6 6-spd manual is an incredible sport sedan. Its slightly bigger than my 01 Maxima, has 50+ more horsepower than the 01 Maxima, was thousands cheaper, and gets better mileage. Its basically the fastest front wheel drive car you can buy. There are two exceptions... the Mazdaspeed 3 and the Acura TL Type S. The Mazda 3 is almost the same price and is smaller than a Civic. The Acura TL Spec B is a 38k machine and is only 0.1sec fast in the 0-60. The 6speed manual is taken right from the 350Z and is a dream. Motor Trend specs the 0-60 in 5.9 seconds... in a front wheel drive car! I get ~24mpg average and ~27-28 highway.

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  love my car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Marcia - July 14 - 12:46 pm

  I needed a car that had plenty of room and a great heating system. I have owned 4 Nissans and was familiar with the make. The ride is smooth even while in the backseat.