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:

• 

  Nice Appearance - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Rita - July 6 - 6:26 am

  We always drove a Ford until 2006 when we decided to try a Nissan and have been very satisfied with performance, comfort and style. We like the steering wheel controls, the roomy trunk, the nice wide opening of the 4 doors and the doors are much more water tight than our last Ford. Our next car will most likely be another Nissan.

• 

  Dream Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Mary Beth - July 6 - 1:23 am

  I love this care. I have only one concern -- my sun-roof does not line up totally flush. I have noted no unusual road noise and no leaking at this point. Has anyone else had sun-roof issues? This is my first vehicle with a sun-roof, and I love having it. I just want to make sure it wont leak later on.

• 

  A Big Disappointment - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Rifkin - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I was really looking forward to this car as a replacement for my 1995 Maxima, but I had to forget it. 1)The slight torque steer in my Maxima is absolutely outrageous in the Altima; driving this thing aggressively on anything but absolutely dry pavement would be suicide. 2) The interior material quality approaches a Yugo. Even the 3.5 liter has the worst interior quality ever. 3) The 3.5 has performance tires rims that fit snow tires - hello new rims and tires.

• 

  fuel mileage poor 4 cyl like v6 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By d gussie - July 3 - 6:13 am

  just got car, has 25000 miles. drove 1000 got 22.5 mpg city &29 hwy. my 95 avalon v6 gets better at 24/31mpg. like style, sound, hot seats and all the toys. watch the gear shift, its tricky to work. also, dont lose your keys, they are dealer only item @ 128.00 ouch. two recalls cost 775.00 paid by nissan. so far so good. got agreat price 12.5m good value hope i dont have too much mechanical problems

• 

  Option to the Maxima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Boxsky - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Good power, avg 25mpg highway and i have a lead foot, handles well for front wheel drive, roomy, surprised my friend with his mercedes 400e seemed to have less room then the altima

• 

  you have seen it, drive it you will know - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rhl - July 2 - 10:00 am

  i have driven most of the cars available in the market, but altima is the best. think about this that altima has most powerfull engine in its I4 class(without supercharge or turbo). if you know about any other car which has more than 175 HP without supercharger or turbo let me know.

• 

  Great car so far! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By kristian - June 30 - 10:16 am

  I absolutely love this car! I just purchased it a week ago and have fallen in love with it already. Great steering and maneuvering, great handling, size (inside and out), and space. I previously had a 2008 Nissan Sentra and felt that it was just too cramped so I moved up to the Altima and wouldnt change anything. I wanted this car for some time now and glad that I was able to move up.

• 

  2005 Nissan Altima is outstanding! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tim Cassidy - June 30 - 4:10 am

  My wife and I purchased a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5SL in August 2004. It simply is an outstanding car! The power from the 2.5 is surprising while the amenities of the SL package give us the luxury feel and handling of sedans that cost almost twice as much. It averages almost 25 MPG in city driving while getting 30 MPG on the highway. The editors of Edmunds bemoan the fact that antilock brakes are still not standard but I applaud Nissan for leaving them optional as I am one of the doubters of the safety of antilock brakes. I drive in upstate NY and I have had many vehicles with and without antilocks and I am NOT convinced you stop any faster with them. Good job, NISSAN!

• 

  You dont need an SUV for leg room - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Claudia - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is extremely spacious... It can hold up to six (small) peolple comfortably! It has a pretty big fuel tank so if your concerned about $$$ in gas-- this may not be for you. Its very sporty, stylish yet conservative and not too trendy. I plan on keeping this car for five years and then passing it on to my son when he gets in highschool. Highly recommended for all types of drivers.

• 

  Middle of the Road, Not Without Its Problems - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By Steven - June 28 - 11:15 am

  Acceleration, braking, handling, steering are all about average, not a fan of the 4 cylinder and the CVT is too noisy. Fuel economy is OK. Car feels plastic-like inside and out, though quality of materials and interior design is not bad. Front seats are comfortable, rear seats are OK. Car could be wider inside. For a modern car it has little features (no bluetooth!). Have had transmission and engine issues, as well as issues with the tire pressure sensors. CVTs are not cheap to replace! Would not buy again, but its a fine middle of the road car for most people, just doesnt fit my needs as much as other cars/trucks. I drive my other vehicles usually and leave this one as a third car.