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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  Sweet car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Matt J. - April 24 - 1:16 pm

  Recently purchased black 2005 Altima 3.5SE with 5speed. Traded in family minivan and couldnt be happier. Room is aplenty. Has two personalities- family sedan and adrenaline-juiced sports car. Styling is sweet both inside and out.

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  Average car.. Awful service - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By KGRAY - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This car has a great engine and very spacious interior. That is where the good things stop. Nissan service departments are awful. Car dead for no reason and dealer has it for 3 days each time with no loaner car offered for me or my family. Still cannot tell me whats wrong. Multiple other small issues. This is the 1st and last Nissan I will buy. Going back to Honda

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  NICE CAR - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By wayne - April 23 - 10:00 am

  VERY HANDSOME AUTOMOBILE. VERY ROOMY INTERIOR AND VERY COMFORTABLE. THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH POWER. THE RIDE IS VERY SMOOTH AND QUIET.HAS MANY NICE ELECTRICAL FEATURES. I RECOMMEND IT.

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  Not Comfortable - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By JoeFrank - April 23 - 2:00 am

  One of least comfortable cars I have ever driven. Every bump, every hole, every paint line is felt. Even my old 96 Camry and 2001 Regal are much more comfortable. I wanted a car to take on trips, but this is not the car.

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  Great daily driver with an appetite for fun - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Irvin Pinto - April 21 - 8:04 pm

  I bought the Altima as a daily commute to school. The car does extremely great in daily driving situations and manages to please out on the highway and on twisty county roads. The car handles great and has a comfortable ride at the same time. Has given me zero problems so far, Ive owned it for 7K miles. The interiors are good quality and the seats are really comfy

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  Big, powerful, looks great; nav. is junk - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By mm99 - April 21 - 1:53 pm

  This is my 3rd Altima and by far the best. Crashed my old one in part due to lack of VDC, so it was a must for me. Nissan offers it only on 3.5, and if you cant stand rear spoilers, a loaded 3.5SL is the only option. The car looks great and feels very powerful, all that 3.5-l torque is made instantly available by the very responsive CVT. Lots of front legroom; the interior feels plush. Dont care about push-button ignition, but unlocking doors/trunk by buttons on handles is nice. Nav system is a remarkably useless eye-candy though: street/highway names are missing from the map just when you need them; menus are extremely non-intuitive. NavTraffic is just a toy, doesnt have enough detail.

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  Good car still going strong - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Phred - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car new; no problems in 60,000 miles. Just had brakes replaced for first time at 60k miles - dealer said he never heard of them lasting that long (I dont race to red lights and stop signs). Speedometer has always read 3 MPH higher than actual. Nice highway cruiser. Drives well with all season tires in Rochester, NY winter snows.

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  Reliable So far, Easy to work on. - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Pat Masole - April 20 - 8:56 pm

  I have the Sporty version and its not bad at all. Its easy to work on and reliable so far. It runs good, and cruses pretty solid at 80-90mph on the Interstate. Its a decent, solid, and sound lil car. I would be afraid to take off anywhere in it. Mine has 167k, and I feel 200k+ is very do- able. The have a that strong little 2.4 dohc that come in the legendary hardbody pick up.

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  New Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By M.A. Davis - April 18 - 2:23 pm

  Getting 23-24 mpg in town, 30-31 highway. Steering is easy, parking even easier. All accessories work well and are within easy reach of driver. Has back support for comfort. Get loads of compliments on design and color (pewter)

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  for $23018 great - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By len - April 17 - 2:00 am

  the wife loves it, For the price what even comes close too it???