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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  Road Warrior - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Carrell - November 17 - 9:46 pm

  This has been an excellent car for the $; I travel a lot for work; consistently drive 90 or more on Hwy; at that speed only get @ 21 or 22 mpg; at 70 get 26, at 60-65 @ 31;

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  great car but too many problems - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By jessica j - November 15 - 3:06 am

  i have had 2 scary instances with this car where i was driving with my foot on the gas and the car started slowing down by itself which is scary.i brought it to the dealer they said there was no gas filter in the car to ice crystals were forming in the tank. It makes you question why wasnt it put it when it was made.Also i have had the O2 sensor replaced 2 times and it has trouble starting in winter. when you get tires for it there is only one brand availible called continental which arent that great either. but i love the way the car looks on the inside and the outside just to many mechanical problems.

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Vpmartinez - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Excellent, well built, and fun to drive car. Many standard features, and with the SL package, you get almost everything under the sun. Bose stereo w/6 disc changer is great. Little added features here and there also make the car an excellent pick. Style of the car and interior are unbeatable.

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  Altima offers tons for the money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By sturgis - November 13 - 10:00 am

  I had previously driven an Acura 3.5 and was looking at the Maxima and other cars. By chance I drove the Altima and after the first drive was hooked. The Majestic Blue is cool and the car looks great. The drive is nice and the power is incredible for a 4 cylinder. It has as much as the Acura I had. The interior is roomy and comfortable. Best of all is the PRICE! Why spend $10 - $15K more. This car has it all.

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  Not so good - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tazmania - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Ill admit, I love the body design. After driving for about 3 months. The comfort & the details is failing to impress me. 1. No power passenger seat 2. Outdated dail type controls 3. Cant read the clock and radio display when bright sunny day 4. No day time running lights 5. Weak and lousy sound quality for a BOSE system 6. Still uses metal rod prop to keep the hood open 7. Climate / heat system keeps the front window foggy if the A/C is not on 8. Leather seats quality are worse than that of a cheap domestic vehicle 9. The horn sounding, when you activate the security system drives me nuts 10. NO resale value!

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  Good Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Good Car - November 12 - 9:46 am

  I have had this car for 9 years. I have had transmission problems. Its on its 2nd one. The alternator and brakes have been replaced. Overall it has been a really good reliable car. It needs to go in the shop about once a year. Its been on a few road trips. Its a great car for city driving.

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  Good car to commute! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Mustafa - November 9 - 2:05 pm

  I like that car so much. It has 143k miles on it, still no gasket and/or transmission problems. Besides, it is a great DIY car. There are bunch of videos on YouTube about that car, and the replacement parts are not expensive. Installing the replacements are easy as hell! I have driven that car non-stop 450 miles. The only I would concern about that car is the gas consumption. It consumes a lot for a 2.4 4 cyl car (16/22mpg). You have to be aware of a point: 98-99 and 00-01 altimas are not completely identical (the interior as well); some of the replacements are different, such as shocks.

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  Getting Closer to Luxury - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By mbro1 - November 8 - 4:39 am

  Ive owned a 98, 04, and now the 09. Every Altima has been an improvement over its former self, however, this Altima is surpassing every expectation that I had for it. The CVT is smooth and keeps the car in a superb power range, yet maximizing the fuel economy. The noise outside of the cabin is greatly reduced from the prior models and everything is just perfectly improved. Nissan has certainly pulled themselves into an area that is capable of competing with European and American Luxury brands. Think about it...do you want Luxury thatll cost you as much as a house, or car that is almost just as good for a supremely phenomenal deal!!!

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  Cool as a black cat! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By David Baker - November 8 - 1:07 am

  Dirties & shows nicks & scratches easily though otherwise a slightly above avg car I feel, say 3.5/5.

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  Sweet - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Joseph - November 5 - 9:53 pm

  I bought this car for my wife, who fell in love with it as soon as she saw it. Love the leather interior and looks. It also fits in our garage. my wife takes very good care of it (she doesnt want anyone else to drive it).