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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  If I could marry my Altima, I WOULD!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Terry Cobb - March 21 - 8:36 pm

  The moment I saw it, it was Love at first sight.eSleek sassy, and a lot of class.Then there was the test drive, and after that,I knew that she was the one for me. Great pick up when passing or getting on the freeway.My Altima is the 2.5s with convenience package and 5speed manual transmission, which really makes it drive like an expensive sports car. It has a beautiful paint finish. In a gorgeous color,Sonoma Sunset. A beautiful red that looks different at different times of the day.The engine is so quiet, that sometimes I am not sure that it is running, now thats quiet.I plan to keep the car for a long time, or a least until one thats prettier comes along.

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  Manual transmission issue - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By richard keyser - March 21 - 3:00 am

  I find the interior to be rather cheap for a car of that price range. The dash looks cheap and the ride is not particularly smooth. I had a 15 year old Saab prior to this Nissan and it had less road noise and drove smoother than my new Nissan. Also every time I try to shift into second gear the manual transmission gives me trouble. Almost have to force it into second gear. Very disappointed in my purchase. Dealership not very helpful in fixing the problem. First and only Nissan I will ever own.

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  Never to the shop - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By temecula - March 18 - 8:53 pm

  Many, many miles in a short time. Nothing like driving a sports car while paying sedan insurance!

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  FUN FUN FUN !!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By magnum - March 12 - 2:00 am

  A fun car, I bought the car loaded except for the special headlight and wood interior and fin. Its worth test driving even if your looking at a higher end car such as a 3 series BMW, acura TL and, a lot better than any volkswagon. A lot of POWER. I have had the car a year and it still give me chills when I am on the highway at 70 and I press on the gas (watch out for the person in front of you). I am also a person that does not like rattles within the car, and this car I dont hear any. Very well built very sound.

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  Tires are dangerous - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By RedRaven - March 12 - 2:00 am

  With this car I had a flat tire (Conti tires). My tire was shredded as if someone cut with a knife the back of tire all around. I then read on the internet the following from other owners (many like this one): "Do not buy this car! The car had 2 tires shred within the first 2 months" I paid for the tire replacement (not covered by warranty) I sent a letter & an email to Nissan Canada quoting comments above (attached also pics of the tire) Wrote at the end of my letter: "What I am looking for is a reassurance that the Nissan Altima 2003... is safe & that the tires installed have been tested" Nissan never replied. I recommend AGAINST buying this car.

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  Im part of the 3 percenters - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - March 11 - 1:43 pm

  I rent the 2.5 all the time and personally wouldnt buy that version. I do believe it is too noisy and underpowered. I was one of the few that went with the 3.5 SL (Nissan confirms only 3% of Altimas sold are of the 3.5 variety). Sure, it was several thousand more, but the performance make it worth it to me, and the CVT purrs nicely (nice engine growl) when paired with the larger engine. Otherwise, it is fully loaded and Im loving it. Came from a 2013 Fusion Titanium and had nothing bad to say about that vehicle, but LOVE the new Nissan...

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  Nissan got it right with this one - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kevin - March 8 - 2:53 pm

  I was never a family sedan driver until this model of Altima came out. I never noticed the Altima under its prior body style (like a little compact car). The power, styling, and feel of this car is great and makes for a fun driving experience and makes you feel good to be seen in it.

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  very reliable - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By szefo - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Altima from a salvage auction. Everything was ok except for the engine. I replaced the engine from a year 2000 Altima. So far I havent had any major issues with the car, got it at 32k miles now it has 62k. I do oil changes every 3000 miles. It runs great and has a neat pickup as for a 4 cylinder engine. I put 17" rims on it and now it handles like BMW. The radio broke when I played self recorded CDs. I guess it was not designed for those. I would recomend it to anybody who wants low maintenance and reliability. This car might not be too luxurious but its main parts are well designed and should last many years.

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  Phenomenal Value!!! - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By jair151 - March 7 - 9:43 am

  Dont get me wrong, I love my German engineering (Porsche, audi, VW) but Nissan has always been my favorite brand. The two main reasons is you get great technology and performance for the price. I drive 45 mi. each way for work, I just sold my 2002 VW jetta TDI which was on its last leg and bought a new 2014 Altima. I LOVE THIS CAR! I literally put the cruise control on for the whole commute and I never hear or feel the engine struggle, I also consistently get 520 miles per tank, the ride is so smooth and with 8K miles on it now I have not had one issues. The only think I plan on doing to this car is adding anti-sway bars and lowering springs to fix the family car roll feel.

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  Great Car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Driv3r - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Great Car i Strongly Recommand It