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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  Problems - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mad mad person - November 28 - 4:56 am

  My car 2008, Nissan altima 4 dr put 80k on my car. 2 days ago I was driving my car and it started on fire through my air filter I have never heard of that a car starting on fire through air filter they have my car now been waiting on what happened not happy with car so everyone be aware. They probably will be charging me with the damage to the car oil change every 3000 miles and all parts kept up to date.

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  Love my car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By bmartellaro - November 27 - 7:30 am

  I wanted this car for over a year. I was driving a 2004 Sentra and passed that down to my husband for his econo car. The car handles great, looks great, and the gas mileage is better than what is on the sticker. My 17 year old son says the back seat is very comfortable. I would recomend this car to everyone I know. It has been a dream to own. When I need to get another car I plan on getting the fully loaded 3.5 SL maybe in about 4 or 5 years. I still need to break this one in. Billie Martellaro

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  Love my Altima - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By LizzieGirl - November 23 - 5:00 am

  Ive had my Altima 2 months, and the longer I have the more I love it. I get 35 mpg on the Interstate and 25-26 in town. I did a lot of research and test drove most of the competition. But when I saw the Altima, it was love at first sight. I have just under 2,000 miles on it and it drives like youre on a cloud. It is quiet and the CVT transmission is very smooth. I love the sporty look of it. I thought I got a great deal for this amount of car. I would highly recommend the Altima.

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  New Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By merimac - November 23 - 2:00 am

  We have only had our Altima for a week but we love it. Great handling and cornering and terrific acceleration for a four. The engineering of the car is outstanding. We felt the Altima had a sporty feel to it that was lacking in the Camry and Accord. We traded in a VW Passat which also had great handling but poor reliability.

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  Early Mid-Life Crisis Revenge - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Don D. - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I have found the 2002 Altima to satisfy that craving to have a sporty car with zip while realizing I have to have room for my wife and son. Even the 4 cylinder is quiet yet responsive. Interior offers plenty of space and good trunk space as well. Nissans strong performance history and fully adjustable "race-car" driving compartment was also a selling factor for me. But truthfully, the primary feature which drew me to the Atima was the beautiful exterior, crowned by the jeweled rear lights which are classy and reflective of a generation gone by.

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  Hotshot Altima 3.5SE - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By ash - November 22 - 1:56 am

  Great car to own and drive. Its fast,quiet,smooth amd sexy looking!CVT gives it a smooth takeoff and it just keeps going! Interior is well built,however, there seems to a rattle noise fron the rr speaker mounting panel on rough roads.It is annoying and 3 Nissan dealers failed to fix it.I have learned to listen to loud music when driving on rough roads! Unlike the previous model of nissan Altima(2002-2006), the steering turning angle is great and the tires easily last for 35k miles. Maintenance cost is very reasonable and so far had very little warranty work done. Definitely a car to be proud of.Go buy one and see for yourself!

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  Perfect Family Sedan/Comuter - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By nissanowner7 - November 21 - 11:28 pm

  I recently purchased the 2014 Altima 2.5 SV. After test driving the 4 cylinder models of the Camry, Accord, Mazda 6, and Hyundai Sonata, I felt very please with what the new Altima delivered. I am averaging about 31 MGP - Highway and City combined! The materials inside have a nice look, comparable and maybe even nicer than both the Accord and Camry models. I paid 20,500 for my car after a 5K discount from the dealer. The ride is very quite, smooth, and comfortable. I really dont find the CVT transmission noisy as some people say it is, but the shifting makes the ride even more comfortable. Now even the 2014 Accord offers the CVT transmission because it provides a better ride.

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  Great value - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Andy - November 21 - 7:26 pm

  I bought mine used off of a corporate lease w/ 40k mi. Just clicked over 100k. The brake pads were replaced at ~65k, and it now needs new struts. If youre looking used, look for the 3.5L V6 and the 17" factory wheels. The 2.5L has good performance and fuel economy, but the 3.5 is a much better design and build quality. Fuel mileage is only 1-2mpg down from the 4 cyl. 17" wheels have larger brake pads that handle heat better and dont warp. Only downside is pricey tires. Still looks sharp and rides great, and I can tow a small trailer (PWC, and a flatbed for motorcycles/ Home Depot trips) with no problems. Much better than the Accord I traded in in every way... havent looked back!

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  Good mid-level sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Bigsackomeat - November 21 - 3:43 pm

  Quick enough with the 2.5L 4cyl that I chose it over the V6. While the CVT takes some acclimation, I am now completely comfy with it; careful throttle application lets you accelerate to 45-50mph within traffic, never exceeding 1500 rpm. Excellent mileage. The gadgetry all works as advertised: bluetooth connection, very useful voice controls, etc., as well as the "magic key". Brakes are strong enough, but I havent tested them all the way to fade. I do wish for slightly larger diameter wheels (would smooth the ride some more), and a bit more confidence stuffing the nose into a high-speed turn, but the overall handling/ride/comfort still beats the 2010 model contenders in the 4 cyl sedan class.

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  Improvement - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By grace - November 21 - 7:26 am

  This car does not perform well in the rain. My brakes were squeaking after 5 minutes in the rain. This car needs ABS brakes. I am somewhat disappointed. The commercial said buy Nissan, built tough. I had a Pontiac Sunfire, it performed very good in the rain. The only reason why I bought this car is my car was wrecked. The under side is too low, it drags on some drive ways. Some time I think the transmission is dragging. For the price it should have HD radio