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:

• 

  One of the best cars Ive driven - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By pvnguyen94 - January 16 - 6:16 am

  I am very happy that I bought this 2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL. I am also very satisfied with the Campbell-Nelson Nissan customer service, they do everything possible to make their customers happy. My salesperson Roy answered all my questions I had about the car and he explained everything that I needed to know before I left the dealership with the car. I will come back if I ever plan to buy another car.

• 

  The jury is still out - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By tmagman1 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I read many reviews on this website, and saw where the Altima received really good ratings. I bought the basic model a few months ago. So far I cant say Im impressed. If you need horsepower, you better keep looking. You wont find it with this car. And with the unique transmission that seems to gear down on take off, the car seems to have even less horsepower. If you need to step on the gas, get ready for a loud roar from the engine noise. It aint pretty. Sounds like a darned airplane about to take off. I purchased the car brand new. You know the economics of buying a new car, so Ill lose my big time if I trade.

• 

  great car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By stephen hayward - January 12 - 8:18 am

  serviced every 3000 t0 4000 miles all original equipment including tires

• 

  Do Not Buy! Serious Design/Quality Problems! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By camrydriver69 - January 11 - 2:09 pm

  These cars have very serious powertrain problems. The pre-cat disintegrating over time and the bits and pieces being sucked into the engine, possibly causing engine damage, and causing oil burn. All 02-06 Altimas suffer from the same serious design flaw. For that alone you should avoid this car. Other common problems include butterfly valve screws being sucked into the engine and causing damage, timing chain problems, floor boards rusting through, and rough-shifting transmissions. Despite what the Edmunds review says the car is NOT fun to drive. The powertrain is extremely unrefined and noisy. It also only gets around 20 mpg in the city, which is pathetic for a 4 cylinder.

• 

  97 Altima is Reliable Wheels - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Grove City Johnnie - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 1997 Altima GXE in May, 2000. It is my work vehicle. I was tired of American vehicles that were unreliable - and spending too much time with them in the garage. This car is not fancy, not fast, but it IS very reliable. Im very satisfied with it and would buy a second one in a heartbeat. 92,000 miles and still going strong!

• 

  carlos car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By carlos r. berges - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car

• 

  Best Kept Secret for a Mid Sport Sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Steve Breen - January 11 - 12:43 am

  I bought this car for my wife, who was tired of the SUV thing and wanted a "car". We wanted to get as much car as possible for around 30k, and it seemed our tastes gravitated towards cars near the 40k range (BMW 335, Lexus, etc). We considered used, but really wanted a car to hold on to for a while. Enter the Altima 3.5 SR. I was blown away with how much car you can get for the money. With everything except the Nav, this thing is well short of 30k. And its a LOT of car for that money. Handles well (just slight understeer if you are going nuts), willing, torquey engine and the CVT -- which I really thought would be weird -- just seems natural. Awesome interior - well, thought out.

• 

  Wings and afterburners! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By generalelectric1 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 2001 Altima with the 4 cylinder,moonroof,leather..fully loaded... and have not looked back! Tried the Lexus and others and I found that the Altima had the power, the looks and room that I required. If you want a fun ride..its either this car or the Chrysler/PT Cruiser. These two are the best rides for the money. Now I have to buy my wife one..or else! Do yourself a favor..live a little..get one!

• 

  Oh what a ride! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By dtesch_2001 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a car that is refined and distinguish looking. Then the 2002 Altima SE is your pick. If youre looking for a car that is so fast you can blame your receding hairline on. The 2002 Altima SE is your pick.

• 

  Concerned consumer - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Concerned customer - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is a real improvement over the pevious year models. I have owned a 98" and 99 and never had any problems with either of them. The 2002 model looks and drives great and is a real improvement overall compared to previous years. One thing that does concern me is a thumping noise that occurs during acceleration and while turning. It has been getting worse over the months and we have 4,300 miles. According to a Service rep at Bankston Nissan of Dallas it isnt normal. I will have it checked out soon.