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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  My First Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By LeahElizabeth - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love the Nissan. It makes me feel so safe because of its design (did you know its made from one piece of steel, not many fused together?), and I never have any problems. If it werent for this car, I wouldnt have been able to avoid a wreck with some stupid teenager. The price is so much lower than the worth, and the value stays high. I love my car, and I know anyone else who buys one will love it to! Also, although I bought the 2.5, I specialized it with everything the 3.5 has, and even wound up saving a little money!

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  Perfection getting closer - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Lobo_0250 - July 23 - 5:40 am

  Riding an Altima far few mounths now, I just can say that Im always more interested in my car. The 250 HP seem to be righr to the wheels, like th full pedal is direct to performances. the only way that car could be optimized is by making the stering wheel a little stiffer. But my heart is giving a BIG 9.5/10.

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  STAY AWAY PLEASE be safe not stupid like me - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By RALF - July 23 - 12:29 am

  ill be short and to the subject : on the highway the 14 altima is all over it slides side to side (if windy do not go more than 50 you will lose control easy) -when the RPM stays right on 2 the whole car vibrates like a washing machine (i am not joking try yours , it dont matter what the speed is just keep it at 2 on the dot ) -radio is peace of garbage who just blows out the speakers -back up camera turned pink and some lines dance up and down all over the screen -the engine makes a funny noise when u start it and stays forever -tires are garbage who let it me down in the middle of the winter storm jan 2016 -transmission also let it me down on the same day winter storm jan 2016 -road assistance dont care and they do nothing for you at all i had to wait 3 days for the towing truck to bring my car at the dealer and i had to remove the car from a dangerous spot where died and i hade to pay tow truck out of my wallet ... POOR SHAME ON YOU ROAD ASSISTANCE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHAME ON YOU all - and now the miles start to go down from 23 mpg to like 19 mpg whats about that ??? it was 23 mpg for like 1 strait year

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  Its a nice car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Alex from Houston - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Own this car 3 years (60K miles). Fun to drive. Very precise and responsible. No technical problems. I think its a great car for the money!

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  My Second Altima and Sixth Nissan - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Scott Killian - July 22 - 2:00 am

  This is, like I stated, my second Altima. I love the entire Nissan product line. The 2002s are just simply awsome!!! However, with my budget the 2001 is more affordable. I also have had a 2000 Sentra and a 97 Maxima. Both of which gave me nothing less than perfect service!

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  Good overall value - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Dexter - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Great reliability, only issue is this is my third and there a lot of squeakes and rattles.

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  i love this car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By thomas - July 22 - 2:00 am

  great car handles well very roomie engine response very quick

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  A True Work Horse - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Rick - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 6 years. Purchased used with 55K miles, it now has 176K miles. It has been extremely reliable. Aside from changing normal wear and near parts, Ive had no extremely expensive repairs done on it. I plan on buying a new engine for it when the current one finally gives up on me.

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  Ready to trade. - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By KP - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought brand new in June of 2008. I have 35,000 miles within 2 ½ years. Gets great gas mileage, very sporty and I really do like the push button start. But I have had problems that in my mind outweigh the good things. Had to have the radio replaced. That took 4 trips to the dealer before Nissan would finally replace it. Had the trunk latch replaced. Now I’m dealing with the radio display again and they won’t do anything and my warranty is up in 999 miles. Windows roll down if you hold the unlock button on the key. I didn’t know that till it happened the other night with the key in my pocket. Then the lights were on and I couldn’t get them shut off. So now I have to take it back in.

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  Love it - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By proud owner - July 20 - 7:33 pm

  Ive had my 2.5 sl for almost a month. Wow, its amazing! Definitely a headturner. The engine is very smooth and the styling is very beautiful. I was in the market for a Maxima, but when I saw the Altimas new design I had to pick that up instead. I never thought Id be able to get so many features for the price! Some of the reviews say the seats are uncomfortable, I disagree, theyre firm in a good way and supportive. The intelligent key is amazing and the metallic jade color is gorgeous. Did a lot of research and this is by far the best value!