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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  Not Too Shabby - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By PJ - June 10 - 10:03 pm

  Bought the car slightly used, and Ive only had two minor problems with it, both outside of warranty. First, the radio, which Nissan replaced, rather gave me a gift certificate to Circuit City, which turned out to be a better deal. Second was the CPI, which Nissan fixed at a highly discounted rate. The car has been a true workhorse for me. Multiple trips almost the length of the East Coast and one cross country trip. Ive put a little aver 80,000 miles on the car in less than 4 years. Other than the radio and CPI, I have yet to do more than just regular upkeep on the car, and I am very hard on cars. Id definitely recommend the Altima to a friend, and would definitely buy another.

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Roni - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my new 2010 Altima. I had been driving a 2005 Sentra for the last 6 years. I wanted an upgrade and more safety for my 9 year old daughter. Altima has a 5 star rating for safety, lots of standard safety features. I love the Nissan line. The Altima is just a fabulous car. Its stylish, classy, has substance and handles like a dream. I would recommend this car to anyone. If youre shopping for a classy looking, safety packed, drives like a dream car, please GO TEST DRIVE ONE TODAY!

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  Noisy vibration - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bab12078 - June 9 - 12:24 am

  Love the riding quality and comfort of the interior. But the noisy vibration when starting to accelerate is overwhelmingly annoying. When the rattle is louder than your radio something is wrong. We have taken it to the dealer and they are going to replace the drive belt and tentioner in the transmission. They have already changed the exhaust pipe due to finding the O2 censor cross-threaded in the pipe. This however did not fix the problem. Hopefully changing the belt will. Apparently Nissan is recognizing the problem and trying to find a solution. We were much happier with the old CVT transmission and one less mpg on fuel mileage.

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  I love this car... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By tea - June 7 - 8:13 am

  I had my mind set on a altima, a camry or an accord and went for the altima and boy am i glad. i have black on black and people comment on this car whenever i stop somewhere. i love that it is roomy in the inside and that no one is cramped. the car is just cool and well worth $24,000.

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  Want to hate it... but just cant... - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By JWestie85 - June 7 - 4:56 am

  Ok... Heres the deal... The only way to go with an Altima is the 3.5 V6. After reliability and quality issues with our 03 3.5 SE, I swore, never again for Nissan. The 03 was quick and also luxurious, but simultaneously felt like it could just explode at any minute. Example: We spent $1,700 on electrical issues (straw that broke the camels back) "NEVER AGAIN!" I shouted. Until.... My wife started wanting another one. "Here we go" I thought. Surprisingly though, the 2011 consumer reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Did Nissan really up their game? We took a chance and bought high mileage, but seemingly well kept one. (High mileage, as in 148,000). Ive got to say, its been a great car. Styling is not my favorite as Mr. Magoo could even tell that its going to date fairly quickly with all of its Transfomers body lines, however, premium wheels seem to help aesthetics tremendously. Bottom line, I set out desiring to utterly despise this car, but its just not possible. After 2 years of ownership, all weve had done is brakes, oil changes and a new set of tires. Nissan has proven to me that automakers can change.

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  My new Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Chuck A. - June 5 - 2:40 pm

  Ive had the car 3 days now, and am very impressed with it. The interior is way above what I thought would be available from a low cost Nissan (like my last car, a Sentra was). The ride is very smooth (consider Im comparing it to my Sentra SE), and the car seems tight and quiet. It seems very peppy, and the engine is totally silent at 70 mph (as is the interior, except for road noise). No wind noise. The fit and finish appears to be very well done, with no blemishes noticed thus far.

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  Dissapointed with 03 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By harkel - June 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had the vehicle for 18 months. In which time I have had to replace the tires twice and evidently the only tires available for this model are the ContiTouring and they are very cheaply made tires. I have had to have the driver side window mechanism replaced 3 times and it is going into the shop this week for another repair. Also, the driver side door latch will not work, which means the door cannot be opened from the inside. At 15000 miles I replaced 4 tires and then again at 30000. I have had to have wheel bearings fixed at 22000 miles.

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  #1 - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By aka - June 4 - 10:00 am

  excellent car / good buy / more than your moneys worth

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  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By jhandu - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Good acceleration. Ordinary build qulity.

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  My Review - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By PSK - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I got my 2002 Altima because my 2000 Altima was a lemon. The Dealership was great in working to buy back my car. The 2002 overall is just fair. I have an annoying rattling sound coming from dome light that I have to take back to the dealershio again (second time) to fix. The design of the exterior is beautiful. Renault (parent company) is showing its crappy history of not paying attention to build quality & detail.