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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  Aging quickly - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Prashant - April 8 - 12:06 am

  I loved the new car. My first car ever. Had a lot of fun with it but getting pretty tired of it. I had a recall issue with the engine crankshaft when it was 2 yrs old .. spoiled my vacation. The car has failed to start on half a dozen occasions. Lately Ive been getting a cylinder misfire. The car also started knocking about 3 months ago so I went back to 87 octane fuel. Ive also noticed a lack of power recently. Or maybe its because I am hesitant to push it now because of all the reliability issues. I have 85k on it and hope to get it to 6 digits before letting it go.

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  After 11 months ownership - Very Pleased - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By digitalexplr - April 7 - 6:13 pm

  Just got back after 2300 mile vacation to the Colorado Rockies. The Altima was terrific. Wife has back problems - no issues riding for that distance. Up and down the mountains was effortless. Mileage was outstanding averaging 34mpg for the whole trip. The CVT in mountain driving was pure pleasure. On a couple of really step grades I manually downshifted just for grins. The rest of the time the engine/transmission did a great job of keeping things under control. Even took the Altima on a couple of roads marked for 4wd. it did not complain. I think its part mountain sheep! Very, very please with the Altima.

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  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By ChadNGT - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Much better than I expected.

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  Why not to buy Altimas from an Engineer - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By daveed - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had multiple problems with my 2005 3.5SE. I have been to the dealer 4 times in 3 months for different reasons. Nissan consumer help is lacking in technical knowledge, and always says, "That is normal operation." The alignment will not stay straight, radio reception is poor, A/C wont shut off until the car is turned off, rear view mirror is impossible to see out of at night (dangerous!), glare from front and rear dashboards obstructs view, and it doesnt get that good of gas mileage. So overall, the designers of this car did not think through their comfort factor of the car, only the power and the looks.

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  Perfect car for first time new car buyer - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - April 2 - 9:13 am

  I bought this car when I was 18 as a left over brand new. Its my first new car and I have it for 11 months now without a single problem. Fuel mileage is amazing. I dont think Ive ever had under 25mpg in the city which is rare for a car of this size. 5-speed is almost to easy to drive. I think this is a perfect car for anyone who wants to buy new affordable car but doesnt want a compact.

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  Great car! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By sbjacobs - April 1 - 4:18 am

  Third Altima after 4 Infinitis and this is as good, or better, than any of the previous. One year old with only 7000 miles and not one problem! The previous 6 were all V6 and this is my first 4 cylinder and I have no problem with less horsepower. Actually got 41 MPH on a recent trip to Phoenix. Quality of build is excellent, ride and handling are super and my dealer is superb. I see no reason for me to ever consider another brand.

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  Every Manufacturer Has Their Bad Day - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By quasibozo - March 31 - 7:08 am

  My 2003 Altima, had a number of issues. Excessive oil use, random start up problems top of the list. The crankshaft position sensor a major player but not the sole solution. Dollar for dollar, amount of money I spent on it Id probably have spent on an American make that wouldnt have given me the same mileage. That 2003 was the fifth Nissan I purchased new. My philosophy, 200,000 miles or ten years, which ever comes first. I never made ten years before a new one. I took best care of this Altima than all the other Nissans I owned and it gave me the worst repair record. I dont understand why the whole fleet wasnt recalled for repair. Buying my sixth new Nissan since 1973, a "2011 Rogue".

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  Just not quite good enough - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By HarveyRussell - March 30 - 7:36 pm

  I have had Acuras for 12 years and decided to go with the new Nissan as a change and in response to high fuel prices. Tried the Honda, Nissan, Toyota and choose the Altima because of overall package for price. Aside from the recalls which I had expected given the first model year of new model, I have had a number of issues that should not have happened and have lead me to believe it is not worth the price. To top it off, I do not believe Nissan places as high a value on dealer customer service. I would not recommend Nissan cars or their services and I am trying to get my money in order to unload this car that is just not good enough.

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  good car BUT........... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By car guy - March 28 - 9:53 am

  Bought this car with 109,000 miles on it. reallygood deal, the car was awesome, but after 3 months the check engine came on so we took it to the dealership they said it needed new spark plugs $120. After it got fixed we drove about 300 more miles and the check endine light came on again. so we took it to the dealer again. after a few days the dealer said that the car had a blown head gasket in the engine and the coolant was getting inside the engine, the estimate for repairing was $2000 and that is a lot of money. i think that he was lying because it doesnt cost more than $900 to fix it. I think i am going to sell this car and buy another 2002 altima with lower miles.

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  Nissan Has A Winner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Mister B - March 28 - 2:00 am

  A fast, powerful and fun car to drive. Steering at times gets dicey. Large turning radius makes for awkward turning maneuvers. Owned several ZXs and this car is just as strong...lots of interior room and cargo space