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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  zowie - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By alababa - February 17 - 2:00 am

  much improve quietness in the interior

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  Nice car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tisokka - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. My only concern is the gear shift. Third gear does not work as smooth as I would like. Perhaps it just needs to work its way out. So far I have 300 miles on it.

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  Outstanding - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Tarzan - February 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the most wonderfull car i never had. Since 1 bought it may 2002, i had No problems. The car is very fast, lost of style and very well equiped for the price. Its is a sport sedan that beats up very easly, the Honda accord, pontiac Grand Am, Grand prix GT, toyota camry and others.

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  Edmunds did not post my review of my car - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By MyCar - February 16 - 12:31 am

  Edmunds did not post my review of this car nissan altima 2015 because I was telling the truth . These ppl must have connection with nissan ppl. I owned this altima 2015 2yrs ago. Please DONT BUY THIS VEHICLE . The real problem starts appearing when you have mileage above 30k. My car CVT broke down at around 32K. Before it broke ,these were the symptoms I was experiencing but I did not know at that time. First ,If your front passenger side seat will vibrate a lot. Second you RPM is always high . The worst thing was, the dealer did fix because of warranty but after 2000 miles it broke again. I heard that once your transmission is broken you will always have the same problem unless you put the new one. STAY away FROM NISSAN CVT. NIssan has a lot of problem for CVT transmission especially for 2013 and 2014 model but I found on my 2015 too. I suggest go for toyota or HOnda because my friend who are driving these have no problem even after 50k miles.

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  amazing car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By mike - February 12 - 9:10 pm

  I was due to change my car. At the time I was driving an 03 Altima 3.5 with 5 speed. I was only moderately pleased with the ride, handling of the car. The interior of my 03 was disappointing. I find that it is as if Nissan is overcompensating for the weak points in the older models. The interior rivals any high end sedan, The creature comforts are amazing. These include auto open close sun-roof, cvt transmission, dual zone air, push-button start.etc.I chose the nav system, and it is excellent. The only slight drawback is the somewhat elevated noise level on acceleration with my 2.5 engine. At cruising speed, there is no discernible noise.

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  05 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Marc H - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Altima last week, and I am glad I did. Had very good luck with our 94 Altima (owned over 8 years & put in $217 total in non-routine maint.). I drove several other cars (new and used), including Accord. No match in interior quality or driving experience. The car is very comfortable, even for taller people. Dealer made buying experience very enjoyable as well. I made correct decision in buying this car!!!

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  A solid car with its own Achilles heel(s) - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By kismet1113 - February 10 - 5:17 am

  My 02 Altima has over 200,000 miles on it with little more than normal repairs. Like most Altimas my crankshaft sensor failed around 150k miles. The frame of the car is 100% rust free, except for the floor panels right under the drivers side and passenger side front seats. This again is a common failure with these cars. My radiator started leaking around 150k miles and having to jack the front end of the car up 20" or so off the ground to work the air out of the lines is very annoying, but manageable. At the end of the day I have over 200k miles on the car and have yet to run into repairs I couldnt do myself...and for a woman I cant complain about that.

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  beautiful car! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Marty Ball - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I cant seem to keep the miles down on it because it is so reliable, comfortable and economical. The handling and the brakes arent the best in the S model, but the little 2.5 four literally flies down the road just fine. Lots of front seat, rear seat and trunk room. I got lots of compliments when it was the only one around last year.

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  02 Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By wm - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car, superior handling, more fun to drive than the Camry (I know, we have one), and looks way better than the new 4-door Accord... although 2- door Accord does look good (but isnt a fair comparison).

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  Ultimate Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By comjoe2 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Excellent, beautiful looks