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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  Beats the competitors hands down! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By 2w05thletes - August 23 - 1:53 am

  I researched the mid-size sedan market for months. The Accord, Camry, Fusion, Mazda 6, and Sonata. The Altima is a cut above the rest. The exterior design is beautiful, and the interior is sharp and crisp. I have 2 little boys both in car seats and they fit perfectly in the back seat without feeling cramped. Fuel economy is as advertised if not a tad better. Im averaging 31MPG, mostly HWY but some city. I LOVE the CVT. Nissan did an incredible job with it. Its smooth and the manual option is a fun bonus when I feel like it. The ride is smooth and surprisingly quiet. Trunk is HUGE, only complaint there being the hinges. Plenty of cupholders including an adjustable one. 5 Stars!

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  Nice Car, Interior needs upgrade - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Scott - August 22 - 12:36 am

  I have 16k on my vehicle. Zero problems mechanically or other. This is definitely an excellent car especially on the 24 month lease special Nissan was running. I tend to get tired of cars quickly and that was a nice change of pace. My only real complaint after 16k is that the interior is just plain boring and a few pieces of the interior pop out (fairly easy to pop them back in). The exterior has excitement, the interior is a bit drab. All in all, an excellent competitor overall. I would say this is a good bet for buying used as well. Compare pricing on both new and used though, because the used models seem to be hovering close to what you can buy new for. Hope this helps!

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  I LOVE my COUPE!!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By JessInFL - August 21 - 7:53 am

  I bought my Azure Blue premium package coupe on Friday and I am in love with this car. I went from a V6 down to the 4 cylinder but this car has plenty of power. The ride is so smooth. I havent seen one in my area yet but I know a few have been sold. I was actually looking at my car at the same time as 2 other people. There are so few on the lots you can get into a war trying to get yours. At this point I love everything about this car. The features in the premium package are great. The dual air conditioners work well since I am always cold when my husband is burning up. The stereo (Bose) has great sound quality. The seats are very comfortable.

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  Disappointed & Regretful - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By RPorter - August 19 - 2:07 pm

  My fault for being talked into buying this car. I dont like it. The price is too high for the features -- or lack of. I am currently on a road trip visiting family in another state and found out there are NO REAR SPEAKERS in my car! I couldnt understand why they werent playing and when I arrived, my brother and I looked in the trunk and he said theres no wiring and we could see air space where the speakers are supposed to be. I dont know if theres supposed to be rear speakers or not (what car wouldnt??) but will definitely find out when I return home after the holiday! I have been disappointed from the start and horribly regret signing the contract! Note: I love Altimas. I just do not like the base model not the price they charge for it. Please look and consider all models til your feet fall off before you sign any papers!

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  Perfect - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Emily Anderson - August 19 - 10:00 am

  The ride is so incredibly smooth. For the price, it is really fast as well. Its got 175 hp and V-Tec, so the pick up is nice. However, after about 40,000 miles, I noticed a slight increase in engine noise. Also, as I had never felt previously, I felt it change gears ever so slightly. This car is beautiful, I recommend it to everyone!

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  Big mistake, transmission out at 23k miles - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By nick131 - August 18 - 10:02 pm

  I bought this car after was told it is sporty to drive. It might be sporty for old folks. The engine is loud as a jet taking of every-time you accelerate. My main issue with the car is highway driving. After driving on highway for more than two hours and then you decide to get off an exit for gas or a quick break, the car wont move. It has done that to me every time i had come to a stop after highway driving. It is very dangerous because the car wont move at all while the gear is on D and gas pedal pressed all the way down to the floor. Dealer wants to replace transmission. The second thing is this car is the worse vehicle for winter driving, especially in snow.

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  Just OK - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By LRS1217 - August 14 - 11:23 am

  I purchased this car used in 2004. Dont get me wrong, I do like this car but I have been a bit disappointed as of late. I have always taken care of my cars, but I feel like in the past few years Im always taking this thing in for maintenance. I know this car is getting up there in years (I also have 75000 miles on it) but I feel like Im always taking time off from work to get this and that repaired. Mind you, I do routine maintenance and treat my car well. I am disappointed that I cant trust this car as much as I would like to. I highly doubt I will be buying another Nissan.

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  Lien holdet - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Fredrick Cole - August 14 - 3:11 am

  Good running car

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  windshield wiper malfunction! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By concerned owner - August 11 - 7:30 am

  I have a 08 Nissan altima coupe - V6. My windshield wipers are giving me major problems. They will work and then all of a sudden will stop working. This is a safety concern since they will randomly stop working for about 3-4 minutes and then turn on again. It happened again just this past saturday when it was raining out and I was on the highway. They stopped working a total of 3 times in just a 40 minute drive. I could not see a thing and had to pull over. This has been an ongoing issue pretty much since I purchased the vehicle but been even more problematic these past months.

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  Excellent - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By altima - August 11 - 1:23 am

  my experience with my vehicle is excellent i love the way is drives very smooth and i love the color