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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  DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By WOULD RATHER GET A HONDA - March 14 - 3:43 pm

  When we purchased my Altima, it was a cheap 3500. Except, it wasnt. My parents ended up dishing out another 1k to fix some of the issues it had in the first week. The O2 sensors had to be replaced, it burned oil, there was a coolant leak and blockage. The heat also didnt work properly as you had to drive 40mph for it to kick in. Plus some other issues such as misfiring and me being stranded on a busy backroad. The mpg also went down when we tried to slow the burning with stop smoke. All of this and more happened before I sold it for a measly 1k, which is more than I thought we would receive. Granted, my parents never told me or they didnt know that this particular vehicle had been in two accidents and had flood damage. Of course, the other 05 Altima they got for my sister also burns oil and other issues have come up in the period she has had it. I wouldnt recommend buying a Nissan.

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  Love my Altima - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By DMS - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I have been satisfied with this car (1997 Altima) since I purchased it used in 2000. I have not experienced any large problems with the vehical (engine, transmission, etc.) and overall it has been a very reliable car with plenty of power and control for Colorado driving.

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  Andrespr27 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By andrespr27 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  this car has good handleling and strong engine but it interior quality is not the greatest.

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  great - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By darelle - March 10 - 11:23 pm

  my new altima is excellent. ive had it for about five weeks now. the acceleration is excellent i achieved 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds

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  Fun to drive - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By rayy - March 10 - 7:36 pm

  Great car, but with the standard seats its not comfortable on long trips--no lumbar support, and the head rest pushes your head forward in an awkward position. But I think that is typical of most cars nowadays. The tires typical of Nissan OEM tires only lasted about 36K miles. Great acceleration esp. considering mpg which is 27-28 on the highway. The main beef I had when buying this car was that you are forced into buying a $10K "technology package" if you want the nice stereo with Sirius radio. The standard stereo does have an mp3 jack which I use for my Sirius plug-in. Electronic key is great & prevents locking your keys in the trunk.

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  the best car ever! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Peyton - March 9 - 8:23 am

  I recently bought a 2007 altima 2.5 SL 4 cyl. and its great! its very powerful, quiet, and comfortable. i give this car an A++++++

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  Love It Man! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By TeeJay - March 8 - 10:46 pm

  Just bought the car as a xmas gift to myself and I love it. 270 hp! Car runs great, looks nice, and get a lot of comments every where I go. The acceleration is great once the car is broken in, passing is easy and breaks are great. Love the push button start, everyone that sees it is like WOW just like a Lexus or Mercedes. Makes ya feel good. Only bad thing I would say is that the fuel economy is rated 22- 26. Window sticker says actual is more like 18-24. Im getting 16.7mpg mixed driving. But hey guess you cant get it all, performance and mileage. Overall, GREAT CAR!

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  Incredible mileage and performance - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By russ - March 7 - 10:46 am

  We bought this vehicle for my wife to run around in. At the time, I wasnt in love with the Altima but she was, so she got it, of course. We added the spoiler and kept the rest pretty stock. It is clean enough with its factory lines. I know that they say this car gets about 26 mpg but I get avg. 29 city, and 34-37 hwy and have since we have owned it. I am tremendously impressed with it especially for the price we paid. I did replace the battery but that is common when you spend summers in Az. It is not the first Nissan that we have had and it probably will not be the last.

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  I love my car made for me - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Nmims - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I asked to have the car made for me so it is a limited special edition. I get wonderful mileage, have an oil change every 3 months and have recently driven it back and forth to NC twice a month. I average 3/4 tank of gas for 200 miles. Other than new tires, I have had no major problems. This is my 3rd Nissan and I will hate to part with it.

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  WOW!! What a Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By tedg99 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the BEST car Ive ever owned (and less expensive than others) VERY ergonomically designed (wish fog lamps were standard) Drives like a DREAM with outstanding syle. Lots of compliments and inquirys. Alway told people to NEVER buy from Gwinnett Nissan (they tried SO hard to screw me -- but failed) Awesome car -- GREAT VALUE!! My check engine light has been on since 36K and the dealer cant figure out why??? (Im now at 80K) still runs like a dream.