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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I think its a lemon - 2003 Nissan Altima
By susan persina - September 5 - 2:00 amI have had problems since I hit 17000 in milage. Car wont start up and had to have it towed 3 times aready. First time I was told the car had 2 recalls and they fixed them And the problem seems to be gone. Next times same problems and had to be towed again. Pinebelt refused to fix it and told me to go back to the dealer I bought it from. I had to pay extra to have it towed 60.00 which I dont feel I should have to pay. Then they tell you the car is flooded. I now have ordered a magnetic signs for the car that say this car is a lemon and inform people of all the recalls.
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Great vehicle - 2015 Nissan Altima
By Jean - September 4 - 2:37 amMy Car is a great vehicle. Love everything and the price of it
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Great Car / Accord killer - 1998 Nissan Altima
By DrFast - September 3 - 10:00 amI Love this car. It is April 02 and we have 64000 miles. We have not ahd to do a thing to this car. We change the oil and fill the tank and thats it. The only complaint is the use of Firestone tires that didnt last 40000 miles. This car is much more powerfull than other comparable 4 cylinder cars in its category (VW Jetta 105 HP; Altima 150). It also has more room than the accord in the back seat (also costs alot less). We researched our first new car purchasse for a year before buying this car. After we bought this car I have had 5 friends/family buy a new nissan. Great cars!!
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This car is fast!!!! - 2000 Nissan Altima
By imforjc - September 3 - 10:00 amThe factor stereo system was kinda lacking, so I replaced all the speakers, added 2 6x9s, tweeters, two 15" Rockford Fosgate DVC subs, 3 amplifiers, a four way crossover, and a nice Kenwood reciever. It certainly wakes up the neighborhood now!! And for only four cylinders, this car can move!!! I love beating my friends in races when I get 10mpg better than they do!!! I love this car!!!
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Altima 2.5 S Great Head Room - 2002 Nissan Altima
By buddy - September 3 - 10:00 amThis car has a very good blend of performance with 175HP engine and gas milage with 25 MPG in the city. It has a roomy interior and a huge trunk.
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altima review - 2002 Nissan Altima
By 2thfxr - September 3 - 10:00 am2002 Altima is fun and exciting to drive. My wife was not even interested in the car until she drove it and them suggested buying another one for her.
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Look out the Nissan is coming - 2002 Nissan Altima
By Amit - September 3 - 2:00 amTHe new ALTIMA is way better than any other car in its class. Pickup , accelatation and the comfort of the Altima shouldnt be compared with the CAmry. Its like 10 timeas faster then the cars in its class.
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I tested them all ... this is the one! - 2002 Nissan Altima
By B. Mullins - September 3 - 2:00 amIdeally, I was looking for a car that was fun to drive, 6 cylinders, comfortable, with a higher level of features (luxury) than I had previously. I drove many cars: camry, accord, millenia, some SUVs. So I went and drove the Altima. This car is fun, responsive, comfortable, and while not as quiet as a camry, it is certainly much quieter then my other cars and I consider it VERY acceptable at highway speeds. Altima has won the North American Automobile of the Year. It is a well deserved award for a sports sedan in the mid $20,000s. Test drive this car after the others and you should feel the differences.
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A Lemon - 2010 Nissan Altima
By Unhappy Mike - September 2 - 2:00 amWe like the car when we bought it. At 1300 miles, the car wouldnt start, required AAA to come out. Dealership changed the brake switch ("common problem" with this car), and the problem recurred the same day. Two days later happened a third time and had to be towed in... Dealership is trying to make it right, but they clearly dont know how: lemon. Have owned two prior maximas - and gotten great, reliable service from them, but not this one.
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Nice Car With Nagging Issue - 2013 Nissan Altima
By barry5k - September 1 - 2:06 pmI liked everything about this car: the looks, the mpg, comfortable seats, price. There is an annoying loud whining noise at low speeds. Been to the dealer three times and opened a case with customer care at Nissan. The specialists answer was rude at best. He said the sound is normal and I perhaps have sensitive hearing. If this is a normal sound, why does it irritate everyone in the car and why are some Altimas noise free? If I had heard this noise I wouldnt have bought the car. Nissans response is totally unacceptable!
