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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A jewel - 1997 Nissan Altima
By Phil - June 1 - 5:10 pmIm very impressed with this one. It has proved loyal and dependable. I get offered to sell monthly. Im happy and will continue to hold on to it.
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Chosen over 06 TL - 2007 Nissan Altima
By lchat - June 1 - 4:00 pmI purchased my 2007 3.5 V6 CVT SL with 40K & I love it. This car was loaded w/lther, Bose, turn signals on the ext mirrors, b/u camera, Nav, XM Sat, 6 disc chngr, sunroof, bluetooth phone etc. I chose this over an 06 Acura TL. Yes, its true. I went shopping to replace my much loved 03 TL Type-S. I just could not rationalize spending 2K more & get less. This car has 270hp & rides smooooth. Its black on black. The Bose is fantastic. If you can buy an Altima that is loaded, you wont find a better value, how do they sell Maximas next to this...? By the way I would not have bought the 4 cyl version, only 170 hp.
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2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 Excessive Oil Consumption - 2006 Nissan Altima
By evukmanic - June 1 - 12:46 pmMy 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL appears to be part of a recall (NTB06-028) for excessive oil consumption. The car began exhibiting the symptoms of the recall concerning excessive oil burning at 120K miles in late June 2012. The problem started suddenly, burning one quart every 600 miles and with in two weeks one quart every 300-350 miles. Throughout my ownership of the car the vehicle had always been properly maintained at my local Nissan dealer. At 138k miles the vehicle began making a noise that sounded like a bag trapped underneath the car. Just after arriving home, the car exploded in thick, black smoke that billowed from under the hood and into the vehicle through the vents. Recall campai
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Nothing bad to say about this car! - 2016 Nissan Altima
By Kaitlyn - May 30 - 4:30 pmI purchased this car at the end of September 2016. It replaced a 2013 Ford Fiesta SE that had all sorts of transmission problems. I have also owned a dodge, a Chevy and a Toyota. I had wanted to purchase an Altima before I bought the Fiesta, but at the time couldnt afford one. When I went to buy the Altima I had done my research, read reviews and knew exactly what I wanted. I got a smoking deal on this car and could not be happier. So many great things about this car - the seats are SO comfortable, the exterior of the car is beautiful, and I have no complaints about the performance. Ive got a little over 2,500 miles on it, currently getting 31 mpg. I do mostly highway driving so Im hoping the mpg will increase to the 34-39 range that it is rated for. When researching the car I read multiple complaints about the cabin noise at highway speeds. I drive 80 down the highway at least 5 times a week and I can say I dont know what theyre talking about. Its not any louder than any other car Ive ever driven. Well done with this car Nissan.
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Best midsize car on the road - 2005 Nissan Altima
By JONI - May 30 - 2:40 amI just brought my altima. the a/c works so good car drives really nice. And its one beautifull car inside and out. This is my 2nd altima they are good cars
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Bad Transmission - 1997 Nissan Altima
By E Vining - May 29 - 10:00 amI agree that the mileage is poor with this vehicle. But really bothers me is that I need to put in a new transmission at only 56,0000 miles. There are two recalls on this vehicle 1) transmission part 2) seatbelt Will not buy another one, will go back to Honda Accord.
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Fun to drive and to own - 2002 Nissan Altima
By Miss D - May 29 - 10:00 amWhen I first saw the new Altima, I knew I had to have one. Its so stylish that I thought immediately that it was a Lexus. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that it wasnt, and that it was instead a car that I could actually afford to own. The performance is out of this world!
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Good Transportation - 2001 Nissan Altima
By Careyd - May 26 - 10:00 amBought used in March 04 when forced to become a courier due to being laid off. Was local rental with 41k miles. I only had $10k and had to find something reliable, low mileage, relatively safe and economical. The Camry and Accord were over my budget and the Altima seemed to fit the bill. After 38k miles in 5 months (thats right!) I have been mostly satisfied. I did have to replaced the alternator ($340 changed it out myself) but only maintenance items besides that. I drive an average of 10 hours a day so comfort is important, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the seat comfort. (I am a big guy!) Actually roomier up front than other cars.
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05 Altima 3.5SE - 2005 Nissan Altima
By mortd - May 26 - 10:00 amIm on week 3 of my black, Altima 3.5, 5 speed manual and love it so far. The radio reception is weaker than what I would have expected but Im enjoying the 6CD changer. The handling is good and the engine performance is superb. Only mechanical problem is a loose cover on the passenger side view mirror.
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luv my Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
By ron - May 25 - 4:40 amGreat handling. Good gas mileage, quiet ride. Brakes need improvement. Hard to make smooth stops. Overall great car for the money.
