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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  Best Value Midsize Sedan - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Phillip - July 20 - 10:10 am

  My 2006 Honda Accord lease was up and I wouldnt lease another noisy Accord!After test driving the Mazda 6(uncomfortable seats,strange engine noise),Malibu(not a fun driving experience),Accord(still noisy),Audi 4(loose low speed steering),Acura TSX(slow acceleration,small back seat),Fusion(poor steering feel),I kept coming back to the Nissan Altima 2.5SL,with connection package !After 2000 miles,Im very happy!The car rides very smoothly,great acceleration for a 4cyl,23-25mpg in city,very quiet,Bose stereo,Bluetooth,ipod jack,are wonderful!No problems!

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  My Altima - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By K - July 19 - 11:50 pm

  This is my 4th Nissan. I go back to Datsun 1967. My Altima is acting strange - warning lights go on & off, and doors lock and unlock. The automatic/remote door lock device has never worked well. Also, the air conditioner keeps leaking.

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  The Altima is Awesome - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Real Deal Neal - July 19 - 6:16 pm

  My 06 Sonata was wreck, so had find another car and paid nissan a visit during the sales tent event over the memorial day weekend. The car is well equip w/ the convenience package. It rides and handles very well and I find it to be comfortable even in the back seats. I did very little hwy driving and manage 500 miles on the first tank which averages about 25 miles/gal in mostly stop and go. I love this intelligent key the rest of the auto world needs to catch up with nissan, no more fumbling for the keys, I was sold on this feature. 175 horses is plenty of power for everyday communting and hwy passing.

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  love it - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Fall River Mike - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. My choice was between a Jetta, and the Altima, and very glad I chose the Altima.

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  A race car disguised as a family sedan - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Educated Consumer - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car performs really good for a 4 cylinder automatic. Once you drive it, its hard to believe its only a 4 cylinder engine. I find the ride quiet and pleasurable. Afterall tires do make a difference with regard to road noise. This car came through with Bridgestone tires, good choice from Nissan, excellent tire. The cheaply made door panels have no affect on the overall performance.

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  Best Car Ever!!!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Sarah Ryals - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first brand new car and I LOVE IT!!!! Ive gone to Georgia, Michigan, and now back to North Carolina and it has handled so well. The car has a sporty outside look but has the luxury feel inside. My husband and I looked at the Grand Prixs and the Chevy Impalas and the Altima STILL had more room than both combined. I was shocked. It handles so well on the road and has such a smooth ride every time I drive it. Its amazing. We put a sun roof in it and a spoiler on the back and I love it. Everything about it, I love.

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  Transmission sucks - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Dawn - July 17 - 10:27 am

  Bought mine with 22k miles beautiful car drove for 8 days and the transmission went out. Dealer gave me a hard time. Also the air conditioner quit they said there was a leaf in it so it was not covered under warranty. Ive only had the car 8 days. Nissan dealer told me I have to take it back to the Nissan dealer I purchased it from to get it covered and refused to fix it unless I paid. So here I sit in a car rental while I have a car in the shop that I havent even made a car payment on yet unbelievable!

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  Built for speeding tickets! - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Kevin Ray - July 16 - 5:38 pm

  When accelerating pay close attention to the speedometer, you go from 0-Mach50 in seconds. Its hard to go the speed limit. But it does get great mpg and great for having children and car seats. Built for highway not country roads

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  Built for speeding tickets! - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Kevin Ray - July 16 - 5:38 pm

  When accelerating pay close attention to the speedometer, you go from 0-Mach50 in seconds. Its hard to go the speed limit. But it does get great mpg and great for having children and car seats. Built for highway not country roads

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  2002 Altima Review - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Aaron Batson - July 16 - 10:00 am

  The four cylinder model offers suprising power when coupled with the five speed transmission. The large windows offer great visability and ease of driving. Rear passenger accomodations are excellent and capable of supporting three adults comfortably. Fit and finish fpr this car are exemplary. Ergonomically the car is near perfect with a telescopic and tilt steering collumn. The stock audio selection is adequate and crisp. Over the road noise is minimal.