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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  Great car if you want longevity. - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Neat B. - December 5 - 6:38 am

  I bought my 2007 Altima almost 2 yrs ago. At the time it had over 200k miles on it mostly highway from the previous owner who owned and operated a professional mechanic shop. His wife was the sole owner of the car and her commutes where via highway 80 miles per day. I am in construction therefore I did not want to spend a lot of money considering it would be on the sites a lot. The price I got it for was a steal and I paid cash because I dont like car payments. The cost of ownership has being minimal. I have the the SL Sanoma Sunset and tan leather interior. Overall it has been a perfect car even with the high mileage. The car always starts and runs well. The ride is smooth and in control. I do regular oil changes and fluids. I use a full synthetic oil. I highly recommend this car for ad ails driver. It does not disappoint. I am bummed because someone hit the back end of it and the cost of repair is not cheap. I am at 233k on it and my hopes are that I still have a good 60k or more before I need to replace it. It still drives well like a new car. My nephew wants to buy it from me because it rides well. I will more than likely buy a newer Altima or the Maxima. My family members all own Nissans and we all like them for the value, performance and style. I also own a 2009 Murano which is a great vehicle too. :-)

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  Noisy - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By John - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Only have 3000 miles on this car. Transmission is noisy till it hits cruising speed. Road noise is terrible. Replaced orignal tires to see if that was the problem, but the noise level is still there and I am out $700 for tires. My Toyota Tacoma pickup is quieter than this car. If you want a quiet car dont buy this one. Be sure you drive it on a chip sealed road before you buy.

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  On the road in my 2013 Altima 3.5 SL - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By caliguy1 - December 1 - 1:28 pm

  I test drove a 2013 Altima 2.5 last fall and did not like the sound of the CVT transmission with the 4 cyl. engine. I drove a 3.5 SL with the V6 and loved it, but I put off getting one. I recently leased a 3.5 from Mossy Nissan in San Diego and the car is fully loaded!! Its great to drive, comfortable, quiet, smooth with plenty of power when its needed. Although I only have 550 miles on the car at the moment, I can say Im impressed with it and think I made a great choice. My first choice was a VW Passat, but the design was blan to me, especially the dashboard area, and VW just couldnt meet the lease terms Nissan offered.

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  Awesome - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Martin Brumback - November 30 - 8:13 pm

  We have owned this car for about 6 months now and have no complaint excellent car would recommend to anyone the 4 cyl motor has endless power which you don,t see in many 4cyl engines

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  Loving our Altima at 5000 miles - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Gene Nagle - November 30 - 4:03 pm

  My wife and I are very pleased with our Altima, now almost 6 months old with 5000 miles. After looking at several cars of this type (Accord, Camry, Sonata), it seemed like the best value, and it has not disappointed. The responsive 4-cylinder combined with the CVT transmission makes for smooth driving both in town and on the highway -- and the best cruise control system Ive ever had. As noted by others, highway mileage is phenomenal at 40+ mpg, and we average close to 30 around town, about 32 or so overall. Its not the quietest car of this type, but certainly quiet enough. Both the suspension system and the seats are comfortable without being mushy, and cornering is excellent. My wife is just 5 feet and needs good, high seating for visibility, which the power seat in the Altima does better than any other car of this price that we looked at. (Most others at this price had to be jacked up to raise the seat.) The controls are pretty standard, nothing remarkable, but very functional; I really like having lighted controls on the steering wheel for electronics and cruise. We have the middle electronic system, with Bluetooth and a backup camera but no navigation. The backup camera is a bit blurry, but it has nice clear distance indicators to help with backing into a parking space. And the Bluetooth and USB systems work great for our smart phones and iPod. One small complaint on the heating and a/c: when I turn off the fan and then turn it on again, the a/c automatically comes on which seems odd. Both heat and air work fine, however, as do the defrosters. So far so good with our 2015 Altima; truly a good value.

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  Great Car, Great Value - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Phil - November 29 - 3:47 pm

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  My Altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By AF_J_Herman - November 28 - 10:00 am

  So far, Im really enjoying my Altima. Great AC (for New Mexico) and reliable. Easy to change oil and filters and beautiful engine. Go 2.4L!

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  beautiful! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By ceez - November 28 - 10:00 am

  looks like a lexus, but half the price, what more could you ask for, excellent car

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  Cure For Common Car!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Kiranrdy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  It’s True to the Slogan "Cure For Common Car" I like the design and Space inside and awesome power for V4. Stick shift is so much fun to drive in Altima.

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  Not worth the money - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By ubie - November 28 - 10:00 am

  If the Altima truly wants to compete with the Accord and the Camry, then Nissan has to stop adding on all the extras, that already come with on the Accord and Camry. I love the engine and the color but thats about it. The BOSE system that came in most of the pewter colored cars that had the other features I wanted is definitely not worth the extra $800. I paid for it.