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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  2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By EMK - April 4 - 2:00 am

  It was between this car and a new Honda Accord. I test drove both and actually preferred the Altima over the Accord. I thought the features inside were better & the exterior just blows the Accord away. Overall I have been very impressed!

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  Above All - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By " THE BEST " - April 3 - 12:33 pm

  This is absolutly the best car in its class. I test drove them all and for power this is the best, for looks this is the best, and the push start button is the best. This is my first Nissan Ive ever owned and Im glad I chose it.

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  Wish I still had my Honda - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Sam - March 31 - 8:56 pm

  Purchased this car in December 2007. Returned to dealer 4 times for clunking noise when starting out.Dealer was unable to locate problem. Now drivers seat is loose when turning.This is my last Nissan product.

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  Nice Looking, Noisy Car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By dcwjr - March 31 - 5:46 am

  Having driven the 2013 Altima SL 4 cyl. for 5,000 miles now I have some things to say. I have taken the car back to the dealer to address some issues. They are as follows: 1) Acceleration through 1,400 rpms is rough, the transmission seems to struggle creating a noticeable rumbling/vibrating sound which you can hear in the car. The dealer says that is normal for the 4 cyl. 2) The power steering assist motor is loud and you can hear a whirring sound inside the car. The dealer says that is normal. 3) Sitting at a stop light the car sometimes vibrates and shakes not violently but enough to notice. I drove a 2009 Altima SL 4 cyl. for 3 years and loved its smooth ride so much I was sold on the new model’s better looks but now I miss the 2009’s smooth ride. The gas milage is better and it does ride smooth under and over the 1,400 rpm range. One mechanic suggested I use premium gas to alleviate the vibration/rumbling around 1,400 rpm but that did not help. The issues above take away from the positive features of the car. For Nissan the issues above should be unacceptable and should be fixed.

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  Transmission - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By John - March 30 - 2:28 pm

  I own a 2015 Pathfinder and 2014 Altima 3.5SL loaded Two transmissions in altima and its still has issues, jerks between 17-32 mph and 59-70 first transmission 30 days after purchase and multiple visits to dealer! Would stay away! I also own a 2012 and 2000 Altima both have 100k plus never a issue

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  An accident waiting to happen - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By FERN - March 28 - 10:06 am

  Bought our Nissan Altima band new 2015. When we were not using it on a day to day basis, it was great - fuel economy and comfort wise but when we started using it on a daily basis it started to have problems. At 3000 miles, steering pump gave up on my husband while he was driving. Took it to dealership. Dealership was proactive and got the steering pump fixed. Car had to stay for four days but it was okay they gave us a loaner anyway. Now barely two weeks after getting the car back, I was driving to work and the steering wheel gave up on me almost causing an accident. I know the dealership is gonna do the best they can to fix the car but I do not feel safe in that car anymore. This has happened twice, a Nissan truck and now a Nissan car. I dont think I can rely on the brand anymore. Ours might be an isolated case but hey Nissan, step up on checking the safety of your vehicles when they leave manufacturing. I paid for safety more importantly than comfort - I want to get to work as a nurse and not as a patient.

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  What a nice surprise - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff - March 26 - 11:03 pm

  This is most beautiful and amazing car I have ever owned in that it didnt cost a mint. Forget a Lexus or Infiniti. This is a luxury car in almost every since of the word. Its large enough for my 66" and 280lb frame. I could use a little more room, but what car wouldnt I need more room. I have the Satin White, and boy does it get noticed. The tan leather interior looks like your average $40,000 plus luxury car. It flies for a four banger. It only requires 87 octane gasoline. Its sister V6 model requires 89 or higher. That was a major selling point in and of itself. Just pure joy to drive. Go out and get one.

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  Nice Choice... - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By SW - March 24 - 5:56 am

  The 2.5SL was my first "new car" purchase. I love the look of the car and the way it drives, although I should have purchased the 6 cyl. instead of 4. I didnt get the navigation system, but other than that its fully loaded (bluetooth, leather, 6-cd changer, bose sound system, sunroof, etc). The car has been very reliable for me; no repairs needed other than recalls, BUT there were/are a LOT of recalls. The day after I purchased the car, I found out about a recall and had to go back to the dealership (would have been nice if they told me before I drove off the lot - they could have just kept it for a couple more hours to fix the problem). I plan to keep this car for a while.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By m1109 - March 23 - 11:16 am

  I love this car. Since it is my wifes car I don’t get to drive it enough. Excellent highway mileage. I will agree that the interior has a somewhat of a cheap feel to it but if you choose the right color combination you can minimize it. The 3.5 se has way more look and drive that any other car in the price range.

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  A G35 for less than 35k - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By edwin - March 22 - 12:56 am

  I love this car! Every time I pull up to the valet, everyone always comments on my super black, fully loaded coupe! The gas mileage is fantastic. I never get tired of the push-button ignition. Nissan doesnt advertise this model too often, so when people see they are very surprised. A great 50k car for under 30k!