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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  Red Rocket - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Buck - February 25 - 10:26 am

  Im a long time BMW owner and this is the 1st front drive Ive had in 10 years, and Im not disapointed in the least. Reminds me of the fun I used to have with my 71 240Z but now I can carry 4 people. In my estimation Nissan is back. My in town mileage is as good as my 97 BMW 328IS but the highway is not as good. It does 0 to 60 a second quicker so I guess I shouldnt complain.

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  2003/1 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By flyer1 - February 23 - 10:56 pm

  This car has very very serious control problems on icy roads. Dealer no help. Changed tires, etc. but to no avail. This is our last Altima because it borders on dangerous to drive in icy conditions.

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  Comfort and gas saver midsize car - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By H. Dao - February 20 - 9:51 pm

  I rented this car for 12 days vacation driving around Los Angeles then to San Francisco with my family. Since rental car is a based model 2.5S, so it is unfair to comment about hi-tech or other fancy features. I also cannot talk about reliability since the car is like brand new. Gas saving is amazed for this mid-size sedan without lack of power despite of 4-cylinder engine. Yet, I drove around Los Angeles most everyday during my trips with heavy traffic to downtown, Universal Studio, and Hollywood area. I also drove up to San Francisco with up, down, curving highways. The car handled pretty well. Seats are comfortable. Both front and rear head/leg room are good even with one of my kids who is 6 tall. Little windy and road noise but acceptable, not bothering my family at all. May be the upper or top version 3.5 SL stronger and more comfortable.

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  Me vs Edmunds on ONE topic, plus seats. - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Gregory Bear - February 19 - 9:21 am

  First off, I AM 6 ft tall, and there is plenty head and leg room in the back seat! I sat in accord and laughed! Perhaps you tested a version with a sun roof, which will, in any car, have a lower roof on the inside. The leg room, nothing but amazing for a 6 ft person, even with the front seats all the way back!

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  Review of Altima SV - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Bruce B - February 19 - 8:29 am

  The SV model has pretty much all the features of the SL except leather. If youre not a fan of leather seats but want all the other toys, this is the car for you. Replaced a prior Altima after 13 years. Love the car and love the deal. They worked to our budget and did not try to oversell.

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  Review of Altima SV - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Bruce B - February 19 - 8:29 am

  The SV model has pretty much all the features of the SL except leather. If youre not a fan of leather seats but want all the other toys, this is the car for you. Replaced a prior Altima after 13 years. Love the car and love the deal. They worked to our budget and did not try to oversell.

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  The 2005 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kendra - February 18 - 2:33 pm

  I love driving my new 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S. I often get many complements on my vehicle. I enjoy the smooth ride, the steering capabilities, and the roomy interior. I like the overall design of the interior and exterior of the vehicle. It has been a perfect match for me, my personality, and my lifestyle. You too should experience the quality, reliability, comfort, and performance of the 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S.

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  ALTIMA - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Xphille630 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  My overalll review of the Nissan Altima has been a great experience. I was always a firm believer in American made autos only and my nneyes were opened to foreign made autos. I would certainly pruchase nother Nissan again. The Altima has delievered style, room, spaciousness, affordability, comfort, looks, and reliability. This is certaninly a vechile I wold purchase again.

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  Save yourself the aggravation - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Dont Buy It - February 18 - 10:00 am

  A new car shouldnt have this many issues. 1)When it snows, this car slips and slides everywhere. (Its also bad in the rain.) 2) The tires make this horrible *loud* noise, especially around 60-70 mph. 3) Ive been stranded at least 5 times because the car doesnt always start in the cold. 4)The window doesnt always close if the temp is over 90 degrees. 5)The rearview mirror dimmer failed and had to be replaced. 6)My airbag light is flashing - and even though I brought it to the dealer, I only found out by reading other reviews here that it was a recall! 7)When you fill the gas tank, the gas sloshes back and forth whenever you stop or turn.

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  Great Value! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By largo - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Purchased vehicle new. Outstanding value for the money. Standard features such as telescoping wheel not even available on Lexus ES300. Spacious, roomy interior. Stretch-out front legroom. Roomy rear legroom. Very powerful 4 cylinder. Test drove a Camry and Accord before purchase. The Altima is the right balance of style, performance and value.