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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  Double take - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By YANKEE51 - May 4 - 6:46 am

  I have been looking for a car for the past year. Looked at Audis, Benzes, Lexus, Infiniti, Hondas, Toyotas and finally Nissan. I was leaning toward the Accord coupe V6 but when I saw the Altima coupe in precision grey, I was hooked. I got mine fully loaded and I cant believe all the looks and double takes this car receives. This car makes me want to leave work early just to drive and park around a group of people just for the comments.

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  Best Car I have yet bought - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By melita - May 2 - 1:36 am

  I just recently bought my Altima. I had looked at other competitors, but thought that the small interiors would not work with my growing teenagers. I wanted a car with excellent gas mileage and great handling and I think I have gotten both. Couldnt recommend a nicer car for the money. The gas mileage on it is excellent!

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  Fun to drive - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By nissanfixr - May 1 - 11:46 am

  I am a Nissan master technician with 30 years in Nissan dealerships. I normally dont get too excited when the new models come out, but after attending new model training on the 07 Altima, and just sitting in one, it just "felt right", and knew I had to have one. Driving the 3.5 V6 was the clincher. I have had it for 18 months and 24,000 miles with no major complaints as far as reliability and drivetrain performance. It keeps up with anything off the line. After 30 mph, it really takes off. Use premium fuel or you will notince some slight hesitation in midrange RPM. Climbing long steep grades with the CVT is impressive when youre passing everything else on the road. A great car.

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  2010 Altima 3.5SR - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Altima - April 29 - 7:30 am

  This is a decent car with a load of techno stuff. I bought mine fully loaded and love every bit of the techy stuff. However, this car will rattle like a can w/ rocks inside. Please beware!!!!! Other than that you will enjoy every bit of it. Its smooth (even with sport tuned suspension), fast, fairly quit and full of gadgets at a decent price. Since this is my 5th nissan I know that they could have done a better job with the cabin rattles. I would definitely buy another one in a sec. In comparison to my 2008 Maxima SL, this car is average. My Max was better quality, had only a few rattles at 25000 miles and faster w/ less horsepower.

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  Used to love Nissan, now Im not so sure - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By soulemanrx - April 28 - 1:15 pm

  Ive been a Nissan guy my whole life, have owned 4 of them. This 2013 2.5 SL Altima was great for about the first 1,000 miles. Since then the issues are starting to pile up and get on my nerves. No fixes, not even any acknowledgement from corporate. 1) CVT rattle between 1,500-1,700 rpm. Fixed with a new tensioner and belt. Went away for 500-700 miles and vibration came back. Gets worse with more mileage put on the vehicle. 2) Whistling from drivers side mirror. 3) E brake light comes randomnly. Dealer cant fix. 4) Heated seats dont really have a high and low. High heats the seat pan, low the seat back. They are both HOT!!!

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  The Best Car I have ever owned - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By akinchen - April 28 - 7:05 am

  This is a fantastic car , I opted to get the 3.5 SV mainly due to the performance . It is extremely fast for a sedan and extremely fuel Efficient . Slow down the RPM to about 68 on HWY and I consistently get 36 MPG, Brim to Brim fill up , Go about 75 and it will go down to the original specs which is 31 MPG. I use only synthetic oil in all my cars . For Texas hwy it is a fantastic car , quiet and Luxury. I also have Lexus and it is to me a bit better than my 4 year old Lexus which I paid a lot more for. Nissan CVT is considered the best of all Car makers . I prefer Cloth interior , not a big fan of leather . The car is Super quiet and is the best car I have ever owned , beat all

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  Entry level sedan? - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Matt Gaskins - April 27 - 3:43 am

  This car has overwhelming power with its 3.5liter V6 which will get you from point a to b faster than the desired Nissan Maxima for a cheaper price. and exterior styling.I recommend upgrading to the premium sound system which is definately worth the price. Standard options such as cruise control, remoteless key entry, cd player, and ac set this entry level sedan apart from the rest.

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  Border line luxury car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By CBooker - April 26 - 8:03 pm

  This is a great car for the money. With all the features it has it beats the competition hands down even on the lower trim level. The 4 cylinder engine is faster and sportier than you think with plenty of power for passing maneuvers on the highway. The looks of this car can be deceiving, at first it looks the same as the last generation until you see it in person and look closely. All around this is the best car for the money.

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  2013 Altima review - Nice car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By txman - April 25 - 11:24 am

  I just bought an SL model and am very pleased so far. I rented one (S model) from Hertz before I bought one, and. got 40.8 MPG on a 90 mile highway trip with the cruise set at 69. That sold me. A couple of thinfgs of note: The car is very comfortable, but the S model lacks lumbar support - you notice after a while. The oil change interval is 3,700 miles -expensive over the life of the car. There is a 500 rebate on the car that I didnt know about until after I made my deal. I paid 26,300 after the rebate. I also rented a new style Malibu as well. It also drives great, has a nice interior and got 37 mph on the same trip. I found the cars drove similarly, but preferred the altima styling

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  Disappointed - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By xray2 - April 24 - 2:36 am

  Bought new in 1998, and am quite disappointed. Almost made it for 12 trouble free years, then at 210,000 miles the transaxle fell apart. Replaced the transaxle with another used one. Other that that, the body and interior has remained in great shape. Hopefully the piece of junk will make it another 200,000 miles. lol