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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  A true world-class midsize competitor. - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By DanJCUCern - June 24 - 10:00 am

  When preparing to graduate from college and deciding which car to purchase as my first brand-new car, I considered the Passat, Maxima and Camry in addition to the Altima. At first I was not sure if I wanted to get the Altima. After being persuaded to take it for a test drive, I fell in love with it. The 4 cylinder engine has impressive accelleration and fuel economy. The seats are comfortable and everything is well-placed. For the price, it could not be beat.

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  go get one - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By IL0VEIT - June 23 - 2:53 pm

  I bought my 2005 Nissan altima last month for only $4500 from a private owner.... It had 157,000 miles on the odometer, but it still has a value of $10,000-its a 2.5sl with all the extras.. It has a Bose sound system, spoiler, leather, heated seats, sunroof... The whole package and I love it, its very powerful and the air and heat works perfect, I would definitely recommend someone to purchase a altima

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  my baby - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By rachial - June 22 - 9:43 am

  die hard toyota fan...wanted a camry, too much money! I love my altima. there is nothing i would change about my car. great ride comfortable, stylish, great gas milage, and very dependable. looking forward to the next five years! MAYBE MORE

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  Love my Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By sam - June 22 - 2:13 am

  Here in Canada the model is an SL. This car has outstanding fuel economy, I recently achieved 42mpg (imp. gal.)to and from work. This weekend we traveled through the Laurentian mountains and got 38mpg. This car is way better than a Camry and its lousy shifting transmission, fit and finish the Altima beats it hands down. Anyone shopping for a midsize should put this car on the list, youll be pleasantly surprised.

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  Another Altima lemon! <12,000 miles - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By altima13sv - June 20 - 12:41 pm

  Long story short, have taken to dealership 5 times for a rattle in the sunroof. Wasnt surprised when it started rattling this weekend again. Looks like ill be going in a 6th time. Also had brake light come on, rattle in passenger side wheel, and navigation area rattles over small/medium bumps. Dealership also damaged center console, wrinkled headliner, and a pillar. To their credit, they replaced it all. Would be a nice car if it wasnt built so cheaply. Im afraid its going to rattle apart after the 12k mile warranty period. What a $24k mistake and an assault on my time!

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  Great family sports car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Keith - June 19 - 1:10 pm

  I was looking for a sporty car to as my personal driver. I wanted manual transmission and power. This car does not disappoint. It looks good, rides great, and fun to shift. Leather and heated seats come in hand in the Chicagoland area. I am not thinking of buying another Nissan for the family vehicle

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  Overall...great car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By EdMan - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I always said that I would NEVER buy a new car. Ive looked at many other new cars just for the sake of looking but I HAD to have this one. I considered a used one but with the revamped interior and only a 2000 price difference I decided to get the new one. Of course I dont get to drive it much, its the wifes car :-) Cant really rate reliability considering it has 54 miles on it today.

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  Awesome 2005 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By mntryswed - June 19 - 10:00 am

  NOthing has taken my breath away, every morning since purchasing my Altima, I get excited to get in and just turn t on.The Interior is comfortable and well appointed, me being 64 I glide easily in and out of the car and there is plenty of leg room for me but as well as a passenger behind me. The Altima is quick to respond on the on ramp of the freeway and glides smoothly by onlookers due to its sleek design. The is roadnoise but not alot, the radio makes up for it all and the dash board is very easy to figure out and all the controls are a fingers length away from the wheel.The Altima gets great reviews from this ex loyal Honda Owner.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By imani8610 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This is just an awesome car, without the awesome car price.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Happy Owner - June 19 - 7:36 am

  I have always owned American made vehicles until this purchase. I now ask myself, what took me so long! Drives like a dream, great fuel economy and pretty to look at. Very classy and comfortable car. I will never buy anything else I am sold for life. If you havent decided what to buy, look no further!