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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  Rumble noise in engine/transmission above 20MPH - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By sadnissanowner - July 11 - 1:25 am

  After my retirement, I drove for a local Nissan dealership, as a dealer trade driver. I was very impressed with the 2012 Altima, so I purchased a new 2013 Altima. This was a big mistake! Mistakely, I assumed that the engine and transmission would perform the same or even better than the 2012. How wrong I was! I love the car and everything it offers, but this rumbling noise from about 20mph onward is driving me nuts. I must trun up the radio to drown out the noise. I drove the 2012 Altimas for thousand of miles while doing my job, with complete satisfaction in the vehicle. Please dont make the mistake as I, and purchase this vehicle. I hope someone comes out with a class action suit

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  Love This Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By K Lewis - July 10 - 7:03 pm

  This car is fun to drive. After switching out the Continental tires for Bridgestone tires, it handles better, and the ride is out of this world! Specs are awesome! Suggested for any young professional who has to travel 20+ min to work, great ride.

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  Great overall car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By OneCoolGi - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car 2 months ago with just over 40,000 miles on it. The car took me by surprise when I first sat in the car, much roomier than it looks from the outside. The car is also very fast, I burnt rubber right out of the dealership on the test drive. Passing speed is no problem, it does it in the blink of an eye. I just drove from NJ to NC and got 32 mpg, at an average speed of 75 mph. City driving it will get 21-22 mpg. Overall its getting 26 mpg combined. All-in-all a great car for the money. Great fuel economy for the power that comes with it. Interior is very nice, lots of gadgets. Great look too. only problem is that I see a ton of them on the road.

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  Very Dependable - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Dave - July 9 - 11:00 pm

  Hands down the best car I have ever owned. I bought the Nissan new and now have over 160,000 miles on it, no major repairs at all, just change the oil and tuned it up twice. Brakes once at 90K, I get the dealer breaks which are much better quality. I gave this car to my son to drive, and I am sure he will get another 100k out of it.

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  Dont be fooled by looks - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Cheryl G. - July 9 - 9:03 am

  My new Nissan is in the shop at less than 4,000 miles. The gear shift assembly needs to be replaced and I am told with getting the part from Nissan and shop time it will be approx. one week. Reading another review I see it might be longer. I was unsure of Nissan reliability when I purchased this car but was impressed with the looks. Looks can fool you and I no longer have the confidence in this car that it can outlast my payments. I am trading it off before it comes out of the shop. Look hard at this car before you buy.

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  Stepping up to an ALTIMA - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Linda - July 9 - 5:36 am

  After driving a Dodge Neon, Im enjoying the roominess of the Nissan Altima. It gives a smooth ride and has the looks of a luxury car. Best car purchase Ive made to date!

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  Stan Hymans Review of the 2005 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Stan Hyman - July 8 - 12:30 pm

  Great handling and fun to drive! It looks like a sedan and handles like a sports car! Best vehicle I have ever owned!

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  Stan Hymans Review of the 2005 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Stan Hyman - July 8 - 12:30 pm

  Great handling and fun to drive! It looks like a sedan and handles like a sports car! Best vehicle I have ever owned!

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  03 Altima SE3.5 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Theman929 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best vehicle I have owned. Could use some minor changes. Hopefully Nissan fixes them in the 2005 refresh.

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  SWEETNESS!!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By EBE - July 5 - 10:00 am

  After buying my 98 accord ex coupe, I thought I would be lifetime Honda owner. That was until I saw the Altima. For a 4 cyl, it has plenty of power. I love the tail lights, probably the main reason I bought the car. This car is BMW in the front, Passat from the side, and Lexus in the rear.