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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  The Bar Has Been Raised - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Vince - January 10 - 4:23 am

  You dont need to buy a 6 cylinder to have good acceleration and passing power. My 2.5L has quite the zip! And the gas mileage is amazing. Its sporty, spacious and affordable. I got the 2.5 S with the Convenience Plus package and added a spoiler. Its basically the SL package minus the leather trim and dual climate control. Other than that, it has everything you could possibly want!

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  Fun to drive, solid like a rock - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Roman - January 9 - 8:13 pm

  Thank you Nissan for making the Altima available with a stick in all trim models. Especially now, that the Maxima does not come this way any longer. My SE M6 is a true pleasure to drive. Good power, awesome looks, decent interior. I was ready to buy the new Camry back in October, but someone convinced me to wait a week or two for the new Altima. And, boy, was it ever worth it! It is a beautiful car. Unlike the Camry or the aged Accord, the new Altima has FUN written all over. Thank you Nissan! I couldnt possibly find a better car for my middle-age crisis.

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  Love my Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By bimartin - January 6 - 4:00 am

  I like the color and style of my car. People compliment me on it and ask what make it is. It is very roomy inside with a big trunk and great storage places - even for sunglasses. I have had Nissans for 12 years with no problems.

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  Horrible mistake - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By duhawk05 - January 6 - 3:06 am

  I bought this car after my very reliable Buick Skylark bit the dust. Id owned an old Honda Accord (1990) before and thought Id return to a Japanese sedan after growing up in Datsuns. A Datsun, this aint... Instead, it was a horrible mistake. In the span of 1 year (2009), I put front brakes/rotors, exhaust/muffler, an intake manifold gasket (INCREDIBLY expensive repair for a $10 gasket-- $750), a battery, and an oil pan gasket and oil sender unit. I literally poured over $2500 into this car, and thats without my boyfriend helping me out, as he sells parts for GM and could do some of the repairs independently.

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  2001 Altima SE with all the wistles - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By zheka78 - January 6 - 2:43 am

  I have 32000 miles on the car. Engine is powerfull. I usually cruise on highways at 80-85 miles an hour, and there is never a problem to accelerate higher. Suspension is stiff and well balanced. Joy to drive on the twisty roads. Sound system is great, 6 disks in dash is a pure pleasure. Seats (I have leather) are very comfortable. Lumbar support is useless - it is located too low and rubs agains your butt. I love the car and hope to keep it for a long while.

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  Unique Performace - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Fateisj - January 5 - 2:00 am

  If you treat your car right, you will get 30 miles per gallon, and it will last you atleast 250,000 miles easily. It has good torque for its year and class. Its a very comfortable ride, and it is the absolute best to drive. it has the best road feel.

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  Good car but has flaws - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By stingray312 - January 4 - 3:46 pm

  It is a good little car. It has good acceleration even with a 4 cyl. It is good looking and stylish. It does not get the gas mileage that the tags said, but I had already known that none of Nissans vehicles get what the tags say. The paint chips easily and it rusts easily when the paint is chipped (keep a bottle of touch-up paint on hand). Plastic cowling on bottom of car makes it a pain to change the oil by yourself. The intelligent key and push button starting are great features (I have to keep my friends from playing with the door locks though). All in all, it is a good little car that will work well for you as long as you pay attention to it once in a while.

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  Tremendous fun-to-drive car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By JLNYC - January 3 - 5:43 pm

  The 3.5 SE is a rocket, VERY fast, handles and corners terrifically, extremely spacious, comfortable, easy- to-use controls and very nice interior (charcoal), and has a large trunk. The driving position is perfect with all the power seat adjustments and telescoping steering wheel. And of course, considering its a 4-door sedan, its a hot-looking car. The only quibble I have is that it rides a little stiff on bumpy roads.

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  Will Never Leave Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By fpento - January 3 - 1:13 am

  After many hours of reviews, I decided to purchase the 3.5 Altima. With the added HP and the spacious room ... baby on the way ... I couldnt go wrong. The cars a bullet! Gotta love that award winning V6. Almost a year into ownership and nothing has gone wrong. When its time to replace this, there will have to be something special out there for me to get something different that an Altima!

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  Fun & Reliable - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Sheri - January 1 - 1:50 pm

  I bought my Altima new and have loved it since day one! In 1999 I drove a rental on a business trip and fell in love--otherwise I never would have noticed this car. At 150,000 miles I spent some money to replace water pump and radiator, but other than that I have had almost no repair work done on this very reliable car. After 10 years, Im still comfortable taking the car on long road trips and it looks great! The engine is great with 1 or 2 passengers, sluggish with the AC on or with a carload--what do you expect from a 2.0L engine?