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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  2007 Nissan Altima: A+ - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Nissan Altima 3.5 SE - August 9 - 7:40 pm

  This car is definitely a challenge to all eurosport-type sedans. It definitely belongs to a bavarian autobahn, not NJ turnpike.

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  Review - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By RS - August 8 - 4:26 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. Acceleration is surprisingly good with the smaller 4 cyl engine with excellent gas mileage. My only complaint is the limited choice of interior colors to match up with the available exterior colors. I chose the Winter Frost exterior color but was stuck with a black charcoal interior as the standard offering. I live in Texas and believe me the black charcoal interior can feel like an oven if left out in the sun too long.

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  Quiet Lexus-like ride is the 2013 Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By hondaccord09 - August 7 - 4:24 pm

  This car is like the Maxima, Lexus or Infinity, with the quiet, soft, comfortable ride with high mpg rating. Gas prices are not going lower. Its around $4/gallon as of today. I dont know whats is going on with the deal. This car has the qualities of a Lexus or Infinity but is priced a tens and twenty thousands dollars less! The suspension is not stiff at all. The 17" wheel base gives the car a good, quick, controlled ride on the highway. The interior comes with very comfortable seating and everything is laid out nicely and vertically.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ashakay713 - July 31 - 9:56 pm

  I just bought a 2005 Nissan Altima about two weeks ago and I cant say enough about the car. I absolutely love it. It is so much fun to drive, is great on gas, goes great in the snow, and its a very classy looking car. I think the price is extremely reasonable, for the quality of product you get with this car. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  So Many Problems - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By stormchaser32 - July 31 - 12:38 pm

  When we first purchased the car, we had no issues until the 15K mark and car would not start. Brake sensor issue. Another 15K, stopped to get gas in Alabama, car would not start. Brake sensor again. Trip to Florida and a loud whining noise, Transmission replaced 60K. After getting the maintenance, they stated that it will be fine. Whining brakes are annoying and the leather on the console is torn...not covered by warranty. Also, center console is very loose. Now the radio will not power on. Drive about 15 miles and then press the push start w/o foot on brake, radio comes back on. Problems and will not own another Nissan

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  Maxed out, Alt in - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By fcamp - July 30 - 7:30 pm

  Traded in 97 maxima for 07 Altima... what a car! Luxury, speed and affordability doesnt get much better! It will be a sad day when they no longer offer the manual transmission, that is what makes this car such a beast and fun to drive. It has seemingly endless power and pickup, scared sales rep on test drive and didnt even realize going 80-85 mph on highway... good stuff!!

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  2003 2.5S Six month review - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Brian Kristel - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I am writing this at just over the six month mark for my Altima. Overall I am very pleased with the car. The 2.5S engine still surprises me with its energy on the highway and its pickup during merges. The cabin room is fantastic. This is a car that is very comfortable to ride it its back seat. The only options I went with were the splash guards, floor mates, and automatic/compass mirror. The automatic/compass mirror is a must (it saved me several times. This car is a great deal in that 18,000- 19,000 range.

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dawn - July 30 - 2:13 am

  This is a fun car to drive. It gets great gas mileage. I love the 20 gallon gas tank (that was a seller for me!). You can go forever on a tank of gas. I miss the room of an SUV (which I drove for years) but I was tired of the gas prices and poor gas mileage of the larger vehicle.

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  This car ROCKS! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Stew - July 28 - 12:00 pm

  This is one the fastest, most responsive cars I have owned. $75G plua cars have pulled aside it sneered, and then were left in the dust with only factory equipment and settings. The body is gorgeous! Definitely spend the coin on 18" wheels and rims. When you turn off the traction slippage control, this car becomes a rocket.

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  Very comfortable sedan that handles well. - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By manofmyths - July 28 - 10:45 am

  One of the most comfortable cars you can sit in. Good power and handles very well for its size. Interior is nice but the plastic cover of the radio easily shows too many streak the second you wipe it and it was the worst bluetooth commands ive tried. How many times must i confirm to call someone??? Superb fuel economy.