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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  my 2nd altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Nice Ride - April 16 - 9:40 am

  Awsome car this is my second altima! I had a 2000 before traded it in with 101,000 with not a single problem, looking forward to having my new Altima for the same amount of time. i have 4000 miles currently and nothing to complain about

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  Great Car for the Price - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Pamela Dean - April 15 - 10:27 pm

  Got average 28 mpg while driving 35 mph. Comfortable for driver…not so comfortable for passengers. One key entry went out causing me to be stranded. Could not open trunk without key entry because there is no place to insert the key. Replacing batteries did not fix the "key".

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  So In Love - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By So In Love - April 14 - 6:43 am

  Ive had my car a little over a month and I must say it is one of the best. I test drove and reviewed at least over 10 cars from chrysler, honda, to toyota. I previously owned a "06" G6, which was horrible. Hands down the 08 altima met my standards. The body and the interior style is wonderful. The CVT takes some time to get use to but I rarely notice. There is a little noise with accelerating, but goes away so quick you dont notice. Bottom line was sooo worth every penny!

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  hot hot car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By jesse - April 12 - 11:40 pm

  I would reccomend this car to anyone. i feel comfortable and safe in it. Even though i would consider this a family car, it has power. I live in Hawaii and there is alot of uphill driving, and this car has no problem keeping up. Room, room, room lots of room. The front seats can be all the way back and you still have lots of room for rear passangers. Thats hard to find. Overall, I love the car and will probably upgrade to a newer model. Cant wait to see what nisaan will come up with for the altima in the future.

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  The 2016 changes make this car. - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Kumacho - April 11 - 4:40 pm

  I am a dyed in the wool gearhead. I love cars, I have always loved cars. However, as age caught up to me I felt it was time to leave my Detroit muscle and sports cars behind. When I first decided to buy a more (as my wife puts it) “Adult” car I looked at the 2013 Altima. I liked the features but I let the dealership steer me to a Dodge Avenger because that was the only car they had that would be suitable for getting me out of the Audi A6 I was upside down in. They made it clear they could work the deal on the Dodge but not the Nissan. What a fool I was. I should have stuck to my guns and not have gotten the Dodge. When I decided on the Nissan I drove the Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu and the Toyota Camry. While I liked the Optima most of all (2.0 liter turbo) it was more expensive than the others and the dealer wouldn’t deal with us. The Altima and the Sonata hybrid were actually tied as far as driving and initial quality. But the Sonata hybrids in the area were all base vehicles and the limited were hard to find. The Malibu and the Toyota were both in last place as a tie. The Malibu just didn’t have the fit finish and feel of the others. Cheaper plastics and the infotainment system was not to my liking. The Camry fell so low because it lacked styling and didn’t seem as advanced as the others. The Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) on the Altima works really well. I was actually very surprised at what it could do. To test it; I allowed it to slow me all the way to a stop. When it came to a stop the car sat there for about two seconds and a chime warned me the ICC was turning off. The front seats are nearly lazy boy recliner comfortable. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats are not just a gimmick they really are very comfortable. I find them just as comfortable as the 2005 Audi A6 I had two cars ago. Here is where most people have a problem with the Altima. They are not accustomed to the Constant Variable Transmission (CVT) and the way it feels. For a four cylinder car that gets as high as 42mpg on the freeway (I got that on a 180 mile trip) And 0-60 in 8.2 seconds is not that bad for a midsized 2.5l car! It just doesn’t feel like a normal transmission. Even in Ds (Sport mode) the transmission doesn’t give shift points really. It tries to simulate them, but it does fail. What the CVT doesn’t fail at is giving smooth power at a constant rate and delivers great MPG. I was a little concerned about the reliability issues with the transmission. Until I read the article about Nissan demanding Jatco (the manufacturer of the CVT) make them right. Everything I have read shows the early problems were just that, early problems… I also own a Subaru Outback with a CVT and it feels different. Much more “slushy” feeling.

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  Loving It - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Lisa - April 11 - 10:53 am

  Have had my 2005 Nissan Altima for one week as of today. Its so much fun to drive! The body style and color are perfect!

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  still like new - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mricha02 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 Altima S model with moonroof, bose, pwr seat and 5-spd. I LOVE IT. Got rid of the crappy continental tires and put on 18 X 8.5 OZ racing wheels with Sumitomo tires, much better ride now. I havent had a problem with squeaks, rattles parts breaking or breaking down. Wish I could say the same for the 50K 2003 Navigator I bought. What you get for the price is far more fun than the bland style and performance of the Camry and Accord 4 cyl. My brakes squeal under light stopping but the dealership cant figure out why...oh well, all in all I love it and dont have to pay a grand to get the timing belt replaced at 90K like the hondas :- 0

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  2003 3.5 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Swanny - April 11 - 2:00 am

  My 2003, 3.5 Altima has surpassed all of my expectations. For a $23,000 sedan, I am very pleased with its comfort, passenger room,performance and great mileage(Averages 24 mpg combined city/highway). So far(9000 miles),the quality is very good. This is the first Nissan I have purchased after owning a number of Toyotas and other foreign sedans and SUVs. For the price, I dont think any other vechicle in its class delivers a better value in a "fun to drive" sedan.

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  GRRRREAT! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Candice - April 10 - 8:20 pm

  I went for the Armada, but it was to pricey. I FELL IN LOVE with my altima. It picks up faster than most cars. My friend has a mustang, and he drove mine and fell in love with it as well. I love the new body of the altima, and design. It makes you feel good driving in it.

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  A+++++ - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Skiier3 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Nissan went out on a limb redesigning their altima, but honestly what did they have to loose, the old altima was nothing short of average. This new altima is an entirely new car, and let me tell you, you cant get more bang for your buck. Compared to a new accord and new camry this car out does them in looks, style, comfort, options, and price. Highly Recommended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!