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 review from an actual owner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By George Christopher - March 7 - 10:00 am

  When I read some of the other reviews, I think the other posters must have a different car then I do. Mine is a pre- owned 2002 model and its been wonderful. Its a huge step up from my little old Sentra, and the car is far superior in every way (short of gas mileage, but still not shabby for a vehicle of its size). Styling and Performance are exemplary, and the car is certainly worth the monthly payments.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By zekem - March 7 - 5:03 am

  Bought the 2010 3.5 SR V6 black on black fully loaded (tech pkg, sport pkg, etc) about a month ago. Totally love it. It drives great. Nissan did a great job on the exterior design touches; it looks a lot nicer than the Accord and Camry.

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  Great Car so far, phenominal fuel economy - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By dkeenan - March 6 - 12:37 pm

  So far, car is as Edmunds has described. The most remarkable thing about this car to me is the phenominal fuel economy I am getting. Most of my mileage is highway, but theres some stop and go rush hour on the highway and some weekend around-town driving also. Now that the car is broken in and temps are high for the summer, I am averaging an honest 40-42 MPG per tankful! Over and over again. No kidding. Incredible for a car of this size and power. Of course, theres some focused driving skill that goes into getting these numbers and Ive got the tires aired up to the max, but if you work with the car and its shift program, 40+ MPG is easy for me during the warm weather.

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  Better than expected - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By Jim Drummond - March 2 - 5:02 pm

  I have the V-6 and it is a rocket ship. I cannot see why anyone would want more power. The CVT, so far, has been smooth and trouble free. (I can only hope it stays that way.) I have driven friends BMWs, Mercedes and Volvos and swear this Altima handles better than any of them. Getting 23-24 in town and 28-29 on the highway which I find remarkable for a powerful V-6. I bought it used with 9,000 miles and just turned 30,000 with no issues so far. Only have replaced the air filter, cabin filter and regular oil changes. As a "Certified Used Nissan" I have the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty and hope never to use it.

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  Altima05 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dennisp - March 2 - 5:56 am

  Excellent looking, fun to drive, the power of the 3.5 L engine is exhilarating to experience, as it blows by most over hyped performance 4 door sedans.

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  Please. Everyone goes to NSTHA to complain - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By zxpatric - March 1 - 1:37 pm

  Good and Bad. Good exterior, good seat, ok price. Bad driving train, but wasnt it the most important part of a car? It vibrates violently at RPM 1200~1800, pain to drive since it is mostly used RPM range. It doesnt happen to 2012 Altima rented, so a regression for 2013. I am disappointed also at Nissans slow reaction to this well-known issue. Two new cars test-drived later at dealership had the same problems. So came on, Nissan, do it back to 2012, ok? 2013 Altima owners, please do ourselves a favor to file complaint at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/index.xhtml

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  Good-Bye Nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Carolina - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I have been very disappointed at this car. Paid top dollar for it, very roomy and loved the dealership. This car, though, would have costly repairs FREQUENTLY even after I took very good care of it as I followed the maintenance schedule. After being told that I needed to put in about $3,000 in repairs to replace catalytic converter, replace rack and pinion and alignment and then of course their additional suggestions such as fuel injection service and engine oil flush, I decided to get a new car. I have had enough! Im looking at the Sonata, Camry and the Accord. Hope to have better luck with another car.

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  I love my Altima. - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Oreo - February 27 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR! Would definitely recommend it! The seating is very comfortable in comparison to the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Jetta. The car goes really smoothly. I love it. Ive had the car for one year now, and Ive never had any problem with it yet.

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  Good, get the back up camera option - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By new altima - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Have had this car less than a week. Traded in a 2004 bmw 3 series so adjusting to the smaller engine and front wheel drive is a change, but Im enjoying this car. It is very comfortable to drive and I love the interior that looks just like an infiniti interior. I highly recommend getting the back up camera though because backing up is difficult. You cant see the back of your car so you have no idea where you are. I also regret not getting the satellite radio which is part of the same package. Get this package!

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  Fun Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kuuipo - February 25 - 11:20 am

  Ive had this car for not too long, but so far I love it. The only problem Ive had was the battery dying, but that was not the cars fault. Whoever put in the battery put it in wrong. After the battery was put in properly, has been running perfectly fine. This thing is only a 4 cyl yet has a lot of power to it and corners like a dream. My mom has a maxima and it has horrible turning radius, the Altima is a little better but could be improved. It is really responsive. Everyone complains that the car is too noisy, but I love the noise it makes it sound beefy, I even want an exhaust on it.