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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  Altimax - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By John Buller - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought Champagne GLE on a whim after Honda dealer jerked me around buying my 3rd Honda. Never drove a Nissan before, and Altima seemed like a big step up from Civic EX. Mfg was paying Mass excise tax for life of lease, that was swaying factor. Car itself, while comfy, wasnt much fun to drive, and economy was dreadful. Too small an engine dragging around a porker. Dealer brochure showed a 97 with auto climate control and CD, ended up with a decontented 97.5 with manual A/C and no CD.

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  Unbelievable - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By johnny6 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is spectacular, so far. Although, I have only had this car for one day, I would venture to say that I am in for a fun few years of driving. The torque steer is a bit to get used to, but seriously we are talking about a car that has 245 horse power and 246 foot pounds of torque. This car is an fing monster. Every nissan I have ever owned or driven has been high quality and this car is no exception. Highly recommended !

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  2.5 SL w/nav and Loving It - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff - March 11 - 7:23 am

  I traded in 2 gas guzzlers, 15.5 and 18.5 mpg. Im now getting 27 mpg traveling the same route. I always wanted an Infiniti but couldnt justify the price, mpg, and rwd. The 2.5 is fine performance wise, the SL, connection, and nav packages give you everything you could need. Things I miss are memory seats, power pass seat, and folding mirrors. The 3.5 folding mirrors with turn signals will swap out for less than $300. The car has state of the art features and is well put together. I purchased on 11/12/07 and have 500 miles on her. Im looking forward to many more.

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  Got screwed by Nissan again - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By nissancrap - March 10 - 5:53 pm

  I have a 2005 altima SE 3.5 with 80K miles. It was a fun car to begin with and plenty of power and torque for a $25,000 car. But I had spent more monies on this crap even more than my 2002 BMW. I ran into the timing chain tensioner guide cracking issue @40K miles which I was lucky it still covered warranty. Many owners were not so lucky but have to pay close to $2,000 after warranty expired. But after Premier Nissan at Fremont, CA fixed it, the air conditioning stopped working. Took it back to Sunnyvale Nissan to get it fixed again. The car interior had some strange rattling sounds which the dealers thought it came from the dash panels and never able to eliminate it.

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  Good sports sedan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By abenator - March 9 - 10:03 pm

  Overall a good car. Fun to drive and is eye catching. See favorite features and suggested improvements.

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  Noises? - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By teacherman - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I only have 500 miles on it but notice when the car is full until ¾ a tank I here a sloshing noise that results in a knocking sound when slowing down, backing up, etc in the rear of the vehicle. The sound seems to be the fuel moving around the tank, but it is quite loud, and usually results in a few knocking sounds each time I hear it. I do not even need to be traveling at high speeds to hear this noise. I have never heard anything like this on a vehicle and was wondering if anybody has had any similar experiences. I took it to the dealer and they hear the noise, but according to them it is common in the 2010 Altimas.

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  Lemon!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Fred - March 8 - 6:10 pm

  For the first year or so, this car was the best thing I had ever driven. It looks great inside & out, its very powerful for a 4-cylinder, and its pretty good on gas. Then the problems started happening... having to replace a steering joint, numerous brake work, engine cover coming undone, sensors out of whack, you name it. I am extremely meticulous when it comes to servicing my car, which is why I dont understand why all these problems kept coming up. And the car just turned 5 years old, with just about 100,000 kms only. This car has become a nuisance - I will never buy another Nissan, and Im now hoping I can sell it or that it gets stolen. Seriously.

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  Pathetic Fuel Economy - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Sorrybuyer - March 7 - 7:30 pm

  I traded in my 4Runner thinking that I would get better fuel efficiency based on the advertised 23/31 mpg. Its giving a dismal 18 mpg in the city and a pathetic 20.5 mpg combined. And yes it is the 4 cylinder 2.5S. My 4Runner was giving me just a mile or two less with a 6 cylinder engine! Besides the poor fuel efficiency its a decent car but if you are looking for better mileage, look elsewhere. My last Nissan purchase!

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  Wonderful First Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Anon - March 6 - 9:03 am

  This car is wonderful, it has lots of power, great pick up, nice exterior design, many standard features and more. If I had the choice between the Altima, Camry, or Accord I would buy the Altima with no hesitation. The interior could definitely use a change, especially some of the material that is used. But at this price, who could complain? Brakes wear out quicker then some other cars, but that is just wear and tear. Engine is great, first thing in the morning it does sound louder then usual, other than that I have not had any problems with this car!

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  would i buy another nissan? - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By kcook - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Love the looks and performance from the 4 cyl. Car is a little larger than i like.It feels lite on its feet. The interior is nice but could use a little sprucing up. Alot of car for the money and gas mileage is pretty decent. It handles well for its size. When i bought it I compared it to the accord and camry. It had both beat in looks and performance. It just looked like a much more expensive car.