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 surprise package - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By subcollector - May 24 - 4:40 am

  After looking at the Accord, Camry, Lexus ES and the Hyundai my wife suggested the Altima. At first I thought it would be too small, but I was surprised how roomy it turned out to be. After driving it I was also surprised how well it drove. It was smooth riding and had adequate pickup for a 4 cylinder. After purchasing we are now very pleased. I dont miss the hard riding Infiniti I30 I just sold. It may not have all the bells and whistles but it does the job. Very satisfied.

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  Appearance is great but... - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Patrick - May 23 - 9:56 am

  I purchased a 2.5S Coupe (Precision Grey) and had 2 problems already. After having it for 5 days, the car would only start after pushing the start button 15+ times (which the service technician claims its a defective battery - well see) and the a/c compressor has to be replaced (was making a rattling noise). Ive had an altima since it debuted in 92 and had no problems with its previous versions. Im hoping that the new coupe doesnt prove me that Nissan is now marketing more on design and failing on overall reliablility.

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  Buy the 2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By andrew ng - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I love this driving machine.

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  2003 Altima Interior design deficiencies - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Haute Harry - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Car has nice exterior styling; however, interior materials are way too hard and plastic. Needs soft covering over all door interior sides. Interior lights on dash need to be different colors for different gauges. Difficult to distinguish between fuel gauge, temperature, and shift/gear selector because of same color and close proximity.

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  Cant let go of the keys! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By buzz5 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Beauty in motion, powerful and graceful.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Rick - May 21 - 8:40 pm

  Overall I have been disappointed with this vehicle. When it is running I would say it is a good car but I have had so many mechanical problems that I rarely get to see how fun it can be. At times it seems this car has been in the shop more than it has been on the road. I have had it die on me in rush hour traffic 4 times, had the struts and rotors replaced within a year of buying it, and now I have to replace the catalytic converter and header pipe. The shifter bezel has come apart on me for the third time and my headrest cover continues to come apart. I purchased this car thinking I would get a reliable car to get me to and from school and work but all it has done is let me down.

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  This car rocks! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Trippen41 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is so fast. Love pulling up to people who think there car is faster, then just tap the gas and they are in your dust. Its unreal.

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  Pretty.....But Noisy Car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Buzz1957 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  At test drive, we loved the car. Great looking car..hard to beat in its class! On the other hand, the car is very noisy; engine sound is high and road noise is higher! The rear end is light, and the trunk floor and jack bounce around. On a smooth highway, ride is nice, but once you get on the regular roads, you become conscious of the noise and the ride.It takes away from the sound system also. The steering does not feel like you are in real control!

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  My fourth Nissan - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Kelly B - May 19 - 3:48 pm

  Bought this car used with only 12k miles. I have had it for two years. The drive is solid and there is nothing fancy about it. Hate the interior. Seats hang onto dog hair for dear life. Random pieces of plastic are found floating around the interior (figured out where two of them belong but cant get them back on the place they should be). The cloth on the rear passenger door handle has come off and will need an upolstery person to fix it. The interior is very cheap feeling and looking. I am the type that buys a vehicle and drives it until the wheels fall off but have arranged for my husband to take this one off my hands until my son starts to drive. My next car will be a Mazda or Honda.

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  I knew better than to buy the first year of a redesign - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By 2013neveragain - May 19 - 3:18 pm

  I know better than to buy the first model year of a complete redesign... Immediately after purchase I had the windshield trim replaced because it would not hold secure and was flapping at highway speeds. Then with about 2K miles on it the car left me stranded at Wal-Mart. Nissan roadside took two hours to get a tow truck to me. Turns out it was a known ignition system recall that the dealer failed to update before I purchased the car. The radio has been replaced already for having issues such as dropping the blue tooth link with any connected phone, flashing on and off and so on. It took 3 weeks to get a replacement radio in. Dash trim on the side of the radio has been replaced...........