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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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By GG - July 16 - 6:50 am

  Normal maintenance even at 5,000 miles has resulted in a car that is running great at 80,000 miles. Great engine.

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  For Better or Worst - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By AltimaMan08 - July 13 - 4:03 pm

  I was extremely impressed from the altima the first time I drove it. I compared it to the accord which was Nice but it was pricy and only had a 5spd, and to the Camry which had the crapyest cluch feel of amy car ive ever driven, was difficult to hold to floor. I love the keyless everything, very convenient for me bc im a delivery driver and am in and out of my car hundreds of times a day, gas mileage varies widely, when lead- footing it around town I have gotten as low as 20 mpg (burn out at every stoplight driving) to an extreme 40 mpg highway (55-65 mph), my best is 700 miles to one tank of gas. Which holds 20 gal. The best in its class

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  Transmission, tech pkg - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Tiffany - July 11 - 11:06 am

  I purchased a 2014 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4 cy on 8/4/2014. In November I experienced power outage/ shortage in tech system the radio, navigation, LED screen all went out. Everything there is a change in climate or when it gets cold I have these issues, sometimes lasting for hours. I then noticed my car riding ruff as if it wasnt shifting gears properly. Took it to the dealer and the bearings I. The transmission went out had to get a new transmission in May 2015. The dealer replaced free of charge and provided a rental. Now in November I am again experiencing a ruff ride, car smells like gas and a strong smell of burning something has come a loose from the front and side underneath the car. My tech package, LED screen and Navigation has went out again! The side blind spot indicators flash even when theres not a car on the side and in the rain the do not work properly! The interior is not durable at all! Leather is starting to peel. The car does not ride smooth anymore.

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  Great car!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - July 10 - 2:33 pm

  Got my coupe at the end of October after waiting over a month for it to be made in Japan. I wanted to have a specific configuration so I had to wait for it to be custom made and shipped over. It was worth the wait!!! It drives like a dream and looks like it is moving even when its parked. The CVT is exactly as they advertise it. I drive in an area with a lot of hills and never feel the car shift. I suggest getting the SL package if possible as it adds many great features that really give it the feeling of a luxury car.

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  First 4 months - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By naysay - July 10 - 11:03 am

  Solid car for the price! The stock tires on it are no good!

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  Bad transmission - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Wanda - July 10 - 5:47 am

  2013 Nissan altima transmission is no good they need to do a recall on the transmission. I brought my car last year it had about 54,000 miles on it now i have to replace a transmission on it.

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  My Nissy - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Craig Stroud - July 9 - 10:53 pm

  I used to have a serious dislike of altimas. I portayed them as a females car. Well, my mom owned a 98 Altima that I drove sometime and fell inlove with it. I had to get my own. So I bought a 99" GLE. The interior is so comfortable, and the handling is awesome. I upgraded the tires to 205s and man, she takes a 30 mph curve at 70 with easy. Needless to say, no matter how many other cars I buy.....Im keeping her til the last panel falls off.

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  Excellent value and very versatile - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By 280zthuziest - July 9 - 7:30 pm

  My first car was a 280Z. While I prefer my 2008 Maximas ride personally, if I were in the market for a new car I would probably choose the V6 Altima since it has the same engine and _much_ better mpg (~27 vs my 22 average). It has the standard 18" alloys that were an option on my 08 Maxima and is a IIHS Top Safety Pick + which is the highest possible. Its also a bit slimmer which I prefer.

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  Best Buy in the Mid-size category - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Ben K - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car privately in 7/02 with 7,000 miles. It now has 52,000. It is a dream drive anytime I get in it. Recently, my wife took a job that requires 150-200 miles of driving daily so I turned it over to her and bought an 04 Dakota (awesome, too). SHE LOVES THE ALTIMA!! One problem, though. Her company is now insisting she drive a company car (Jeep Liberty). She is very upset that she has to give it up! I would definetely buy another 00 or 01 Altima. I would avoid the 2002 & up as they are very hard on the eyes (ugly).

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  Not-a-full-size-sedan. - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Richard/B - July 7 - 1:46 am

  I dont have enough use of this car to comment on how good it is. Never attempt to drive over a speed bump! In the few months I have owned it, I have encountered speed bumps in strip center parking lots, and on interconnecting streets on large hospital grounds between its buildings. The first instance, even with usual slow approach, resulted in it high-centering until I could roll off it. The next was on the hospital grounds, and with the usual caution, was unable to overcome the high-centering, so had to back off and find another route. At the dealers shop, lifted on the car lift, scrapes were noted by the technicians along the bottom. No telling how bad, should someone drive it, not expecting the problem. Just what would happen on high water, deep snow, dry weeds/grass in fields, and two-rut roads with high center media? The front body-finished metal, extends so low, that often at curbs and parking stop blocks it gets concrete scrapes (and sounds), and who knows how much reshapeing is done?