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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  Whats going on? - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Pat Clarkin - October 14 - 12:30 am

  2004 2.5 automatic bought 2/2004; 106,000 99% hgwy miles; excellent maintenance; 1 driver only. Within six months of purchase, 1 piston not firing fixed under warranty--told I was LUCKY!); replaced serpentine belt (3 yrs); hesitating 4 1/2 yrs ($1500. to fix); now, oil leaking into engine, told I need a NEW ENGINE! My 3rd Altima, other two (standard, 95 & 98, no problems at all. THIS CAR A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT.

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  Monterey Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ronn - October 11 - 1:46 pm

  Has a really great look about it. Great color combinations. V-6 has nice acceleration to pull you out of traffic situations. Nice gas mileage on the road for a V-6. Warms up fast. Spacious trunk and heated seats great for long distance driving. Would be nicer if the turn radius was tighter. View past the 90 takes some getting use too. Bose speakers very nice, great bass. Leather interiosr has a real sense of quality about it. Seating just a little stiff. Rain on roof a little tinny. Navigation package factory insatlled only, too bad. Wants to go fast, slips through the air, quiet ride at freeway speeds. Great service from dealer.

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  Good Car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By GOntah - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Good Car With a very good price tag and body style, would buy another one if given the chance

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  2005 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By resortmb - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Altima, the 1994 I traded in gave me 150,000 miles of excellent service....I also have a 1999 with 40K that runs perfect! The new design and the large interior make a huge difference...This is much larger than the 99...

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  A nice upgrade since my last Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Coneman - October 6 - 12:10 pm

  Traded up from my 2000 Altima SE; big improvement. Went with all the bells except the NAV option and brights. Performance is very good and fun to drive. Pickup is awesome. Would recommend to anyone who wants a roomy, stylish sedan with performance.

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  Very nice care - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ruben C. - October 3 - 5:00 am

  The 2.5 SL is a very fun car to drive. The interior and exterior design are beautiful. Too bad that Nissan does not offer ABS standard. Color choices are few. Plenty of space for back passangers. Overall, this is a very nice car and a good value.

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  Its All Good ! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By btabor - October 1 - 9:30 pm

  I had purchased my 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S sedan in December of 2013, no problems noted, what a great car its been so far ! Sleek/ sporty in appearance, the 2.5 4 cylinder engine has plenty of get-up and go, and the gas mileage is excellent too. Im not experiencing unwanted engine/ transmission noise as some report, and the CVT transmission shifts flawlessly. Road manners is outstanding also, the vehicle remains near perfectly even/ well balanced in hard turns at above average speed, and can navigate a road w/ many twists/ bends in it in a sports car like manner while not having to let up from the gas. All in all, its far more than just your average family sedan, great job Nissan !

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  2.5 S Special Edition - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By The Ice Man - October 1 - 8:16 pm

  The Altima in my mind offers up everything at a great price. Styling, quality and performance all in one very attractive package. Since I picked up the car everyone just raves how nice this car is and how roomy it is. I order the wood grain dash kit from Ebay and installed it and what a diffrence. Turns a nice car into a classy sharp car. Also Honda & Toyota could not come close to the price I gave for this car, almost $4,000 less. Real quality and value for the money and FUN to drive. Zoom Zoom , , ,

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  2003 Altima w/ 15000 miles - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Mike H - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Wanted to check in after 15k miles. Ive never fixed anything and the car drives as nicely as the day I brought it home and is actually quicker now. Even with the 4, this car picks up nicely and is an effortless highway cruiser. Ive found the build quality to be good and the car to be very reliable. Make sure that you get one with the alloys so that you get the Bridgestones instead of the Contis that everyone hates. I understand the criticisms of the interior but have found the functionality and comfort to be quite good.

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  02 Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Alex W - September 29 - 12:33 pm

  Great Mid-size sedan, Powerful 4cyc, and V6 engine, a lot of fun to drive in and out of traffic, people love it every where you go.