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 Disappointment - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By csaltzman - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I made the mistake of trading a 2007 Avalon for the 2010 Altima for better gas mileage and on the basis of a favorable rating from Consumer Reports. The Altimas "premium" Bose sound system has only a single-disk CD player, but worse than that, the car suffers from engine noise and rattles. It goes over bumps like a tank. The various electronic displays for temperature, mileage, and so on are widely inaccurate. In short, the car is a major disappointment, and I shall unload it as soon as I can.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Alison - May 28 - 9:00 pm

  I loved the styling and performance of my 2005 Altima. Nissan didnt needed to make that many changes. Some how they managed to improve on perfection. The new styling is better than any car on the road, luxury cars included! The car handles well and is fun to drive. The car comes loaded with standard features, including side airbags.

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  Drive me Im fun. - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Louis Schrammel - May 26 - 11:59 pm

  Drive more than one make of car and you will see that the Altima is worth buying.I drove four other brands and chose the Altima for ride comfort,performance and looks.

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  lemon - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By susan persina - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had to have this car towed away twice for not starting. I have never been imformed of the recalls either with one being problem starting engine.I am now driving my car around with washable paint on it saying this car is a lemon and it has many recalls on it. Since they would not trade this car back for me I will continue driving it the way it is. It gets parked 5 days a week in Trump Taj Mahal parking garage where everyone can see it also plus the 45 minute drive to work everyone notices me. Until I get some satisfaction I will be driving around like this. Who would think having a brand new car and it not starting.

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  A true performance experience - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Smart Buyer - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my BMW 740 sl for the Altima 3.5 L v6 and I cant believe that anyone that actually likes to drive true performance wouldnt do the same. The Altima is probably the most over looked car for its performance by Edmonds surveys- shame,shame!!! I have owned several Jaguars,including the xj12 and ill take the Altima handling and suspension system over the BMW,Mercedes,Volvo,Trans-Am Ws-6 (I own one),Corvette,Camaro,etc. etc. Just so you know I pay cash for my cars and can buy anything that is available. Check out the Nissan cars they are real sleepers.

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  stay away - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mart - May 24 - 10:34 am

  -Both head gaskets needed to be replaced at 62K -Metallic sound upon acceleration at 88K -New Basal vibration/sound when accelerating and decelerating Though Nissan would be trouble free...Cannot believe the low quality of this vehicle. Never Nissan again...

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  Great purchase - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By swfl - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 15 months and have been extremely please with it. I have not had to take it in for a single issue yet (have just been doing oil changes and rotations). This is a great looking car and the exterior has held up perfectly with no paint issues (live in SW FL so no salt/sand on the roads). My question to those who dont like the power or CVT: did you even bother to test drive before purchase? This (at least the coupe) has been a get-what-you-see experience. I liked what I saw and 15 months (16,000 miles) of trouble-free and fun driving has been rewarding. If you want fast, buy a Vette. If you like the look of the coupe and the features, this car is a winner.

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  Great Buy - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By gilmore girl - May 21 - 10:26 pm

  A little over a year ago I bought yet another Altima. Going through college I had a 96 Altima. Wow, how theyve changed. The new Altimas are really sporty, fun to drive and reliable. I have black leather seats and they werent the most comfortable when I first purchased the car but after a year they are great. The four cylinder has plenty of power and this is coming from a person who drove a 4 Runner with a V8 engine for 3 years. All in all a great buy for the price!

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  Comfy - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By waterbobber - May 21 - 6:33 pm

  Great car. Great head room and leg room for tall guys, much better than Honda or Toyota. It has a back seat that an adult can actually sit in with comfort. The 175 hp four cylinder performs as well as some V-6s and it is so quiet you dont know its running at idle.

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  WARNING - DO NOT BUY!!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By dwlund - May 21 - 1:51 pm

  Purchased 2013 Altima August 2012 - my first (and last!) Nissan. Nothing but problems. Vibration/rumbling at 1500 rpms a nightmare. In for service on 4 different occasions - dealership would never admit to problem - stated it was characteristic of CVT. Went to Nissan HQ - they finally admitted there was a problem. Referred me back to dealership to replace belt and tensioner. Worked ok for several hundred miles, then vibration returned. Could not take any more. Traded it in for a 2013 Toyota Avalon - took a loss, but hated the car. Also had problem with heated seats, wind noise protruding from side-view mirror, noise from power steering. In other words - a real lemon!!! Nissan the worst!!!