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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02 Altima Review - 2002 Nissan Altima
By trueauto - January 24 - 10:00 amThe Altima is good choice if you prefer a family car with some performance. The car is dependable has decent power, good handling, and has looks good.
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More Problems - 2008 Nissan Altima
By Kiran - January 24 - 4:53 amIt has been a year since I bought my car. 2-3 months into my new car, I was having problem with the drivers seat. It moves left to right. Took it to dealership 7 times and they had Nissan tech come out fix the problem. Nothing happen, problem came back. Now new problem appear, its making squeaky noise from the seat. I cant even move once I seat, otherwise Ill hear squeaky noise. I have contacted customer service and they keep telling me, they will fix the problem. No resolution. Also, I had problem with engine rattling. I had to take it in 3 times before tech can hear the problem. they fix this problem, but the problem is coming back now. NEVER BUY NISSAN CARS EVER.
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Class with economy - 2008 Nissan Altima
By Polverizer - January 23 - 9:23 pmThe Altima coupe has the best-looking backend of any car out there at any price. Look at it from the rear and a little to the side and its a joy to behold. The 4 cylinders get you up to speed without even trying. Back seat has more headroom (slightly) than the Scion tC and Civic coupe -- but a 6-footers head might touch the rear window. Not sure about mileage. Im still on the first tank, but it seems fairly decent. Front seats are very comfortable, with good drivers lumbar support. Drivers leg compartment is more comfortable than Civic coupe, where the parking hand brake bothered my knee, and more spacious than the Mazda 3 sedan that crowded my lower leg. A lot of quality for the money.
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A mans best friend - 1998 Nissan Altima
By guilbos - January 23 - 6:03 pmPros: Had it fo a year. No repairs. Good fuel economy. Reliable, good performance, no bad surprise. A car you can count on. Cons: Front seats lack back support, 5-speed manual gearshift could be more precise.
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great car - 2006 Nissan Altima
By J.Ostuni - January 20 - 4:26 amTraded in my 2005 Pathfinder for this 2006 Altima. I travel twice a day to Raleigh and the gas difference is amazing. Very easy to handle especially coming from an suv. Has great pep for a 4cylinder, just what I need. I highly recommend this vehicle! Very dependable!
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Where has this car been??? - 2008 Nissan Altima
By rosborn - January 19 - 12:00 amI recently purchased the Altima Coupe after going to my dealership to look at the Altima 4door. I saw the brochure and was smitten. I decided to wait until the sedan was released and Im so glad I did. I added the Nav and Premium pkg. It rides like a dream. Its excellent on gas and has turned heads everywhere I go. I usually hear it looks like the GS but looks even better. This was the best car purchase Ive ever made and Ive made plenty.
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Just average - 2001 Nissan Altima
By steve - January 18 - 6:10 amI have had this car for eight years. It has been okay except for the noisy hubcaps, which have been replaced twice while under warranty. They still drive me crazy when driving under 10 mph. You hear constant squeaks and rattles. Mileage is not great, 23 mpg combined. Ride is comfortable and decent power for a 4 cylinder. Radiator and CV boots needed changing after 80,000 miles. A/C clutch has been making noise for 2 years, but still works.
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Nissa Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
By Justin Time - January 17 - 7:33 pmLove It. This has been my favorite car. I love the power, the style the look. It is a great and wise purchase.
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2004 Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
By olive - January 17 - 10:00 amI love this car. The interior looks kind of like a motorcycle. Cant beat the heated seats and the steering wheel radio controls. I love how its only a four cylinder but drives like a 6. Good pickup
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FAST AND FUN - 2002 Nissan Altima
By skynet - January 17 - 10:00 amThis car is very fun and fast and has room to tool your friends about
