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:

• 

  Cant be beat - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Waddy - April 6 - 2:00 am

  You show me another car out there that I can but for $25k that combines, performance, space, reliability, and looks and Ill buy it. As far as I am concerned every other car comes up a little bit short in in one of those areas, or has a higher price tag in order to match the Altima in those areas. The Altima cant be beat, literally and figuratively, just ask the Bimmers, Audis, Acuras, Mustang GTs that I leave choking in my dust on daily basis.

• 

  Just a Few Minor Setbacks - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By James - April 5 - 11:06 pm

  Bout my Altima brand new in Jan.06, my first brand new car purchase. Since purhasing this car, Ive truly understood why indiviuduals are loyal to their brands. I was a previous Honda Civic owner (1997 & 2002, both coupes) and I was looking for more when switching to Nissan. Not excited about the drive at all. The peppy 4cyl engine has great power but is pulled back significantly when running A/C. Ive had mine in for service numerous times. A/C & radio stopped working after 3 months...still no diagnosis but repaired. Transmission light continues to come on occasionally while driving, and seems to jerk on a start up and go move.

• 

  Wish i had anonter one!!!! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Nathan Oss - April 4 - 10:11 pm

  My 1997 just turned 260K miles with same tranny and engine. Best car I ever owned. Bought in 2003 and here we are in 2016.

• 

  Very good buy - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By mike - April 4 - 10:50 am

  I really like this car. I would rather have had the 3.5L V6, but given the fact that it takes premium fuel, gas prices, blah blah blah you get the picture. Very good A to B car in style, and somewhat fun to drive. Creature comforts with the convenience package are very nice. Car is very sophisticated looking for the price. Its my first new car, and I will keep it for at least 5 years provided that no idiot(s) run into it and break it.

• 

  I felt it is for Older people 45+ - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Sam Hourani - April 3 - 5:20 pm

  When i first bought it i was thrilled with the looks of the car especially the black (the best color on an Altima) and loved the Bluetooth system, start button and the intel. key system and so on. but thinking i got a sporty car every-time i see this car on the street i see a 45+ person driving it(with all due respect). now i reached 10,500 km and want to sell it for this reason mostly. i thought it was a sporty car but i was wrong.

• 

  Love my car, but I think Nissan lied! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Justen Ramirez - April 2 - 2:54 am

  Ok so my car is a 2.5SL I have push button start LED taillights, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, leather seats, but I dont have power or heated seats no heated steering wheel. The standard radio and hubcaps! How is this an SL? When I see S models with power seats??? I think they just stuck S, SL, on anything in 2015. Wont catch Honda doing that if its a EX-L it has alloys, sunroof and leather For sure!

• 

  Indifferent - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By JW - April 1 - 10:16 pm

  Deep down, I do like my car. However, at 30,000 +/- miles, both front and rear brakes needed replacing. Ive had a flap fall off the underside of the car because the bolt holding it in just fell out. Does not do well with cold weather starts, nor with any sort of snow build-up in wheel wells. Car is not designed well for a cold- weather environment. (Handles alright in the snow/slush with the right tires) Conversely, I love to drive it in the summer, it zips right along, fun to drive, looks great rolling down the road. Just wish it got better mileage, and was a better winter car.

• 

  Fun to drive, and more - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By BirdBrain - March 30 - 8:10 pm

  I was a life-long GMer but last year decided I had to do whats best for me than try to keep blindly supporting the domestics. I also needed better MPG yet retain some sportiness, as I spend most time commuting alone and need some fun driving. I researched hard and narrowed it to the (then) new Malibu, Mazda6 and Altima. The Camry was too blah & Accord a bit large and also vanilla. The Malibu was closest but still a bit mushy and was a brand new model. I have put over 30k miles on my SL and couldnt be happier still. CVT is great once you get used to how it works/sounds. Great handling too. Nice interior and controls, quik-down windows. Decent std stereo. GR8 sunroof

• 

  Super Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By dpw - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car and fun to drive. Very sporty, handles great, yet very roomy and comfortable inside. Better features than Camry.

• 

  The little car with a surprise - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By weazer6511 - March 28 - 6:36 pm

  At first getting this car, I had very few expectations. An inline-4 and a car I had not heard of. Nearly a year later my view of the car has totally changed. It handles beautifully around fast corners and at high speeds is quite steady. The only drawback is that it is an automatic, but other than that I really enjoy the car. It is quite realiable and no problems. The car has 45K miles and looks to last me until 200K. Ive put a new muffler and air intake and its 2.4L engine pulls amazingly. It is a quick car and fun to drive