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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  Competent and reliable - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By oldsport - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Reliable. Conservatively iconoclastic styling. Very competent handling. And did I say reliable? Ours is about to turn 100K, and all weve done is change the fluids, plugs, and timing belt at normal intervals.

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  our car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By pam thomas - December 11 - 2:00 am

  i feel that it is the best preforming car that i have owned. being a sedan its hard to believe that when you are driving that your in a family car and not a sports car. it has a classic style of the cars that was made in the 50s. over all a very nice car.

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  Wow, this is fun to drive - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By j7469 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I decided to try a Nissan. I went and test drove a 3.5 SE Altima. Just 30 seconds into the test drive and I knew this was the car for me. I immediately appreciated the drive by wire accelerator, I also couldn’t help but noticed on my first turn how well the Altima handled and the lack of body roll was impressive. The car is sharp, looks like an expensive sports car. The comfort of the vehicle is good however I have yet to take a road trip of more than 2 hours. The leg room is impressive. If you’re looking at a mid- size V6 car then do yourself a favor and at least test drive the Altima, you wont be sorry.

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  My Favorite Car of All Time! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By AMFM - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car and especially the perfomance and handling!! So easy to drive!!

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  All Good Until Now - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Roman M - December 10 - 7:58 pm

  As long as you perform routine maintenance you should have a long lasting Altima. The items needing attention after 120,000 miles include ignition coils and now the most important and costly single item to date, the electronic steering lock. The extended dealer warrant for the ESCL ran out in 2015 for the 2009 model. Of course mine failed a year later. There is no recall for this well known issue concerning the lock so it will leave you stranded somewhere down the road, believe it. You can bang on the box for a temporary remedy, disable it with the knowledge that you are driving with a faulty item, or cough up $1000 to get it fixed at the dealer. All good choices. The honeymoon is over. I can live with the tire press low light (how easy is it to check your own pressures?), the CVT surge when accelerating, the routine maintenance, affordable brakes and parts easily replaced, but the one item I feel entrapped by Nissans non committal to address and fix is what burns me. Again, $1000 for a box you need to get going. Before you buy that used Altima consider this and ask if the ESCL was changed. Otherwise, its a good comfortable car for commuting or day trips.

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  Impressed - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By bdruggan - December 9 - 3:46 am

  I am a Nissan fan as I have found that their customer service is tops. So it was not a tough decision when I traded in my 4x4 08 Pathfinder for my 10 Altima Coupe. The same week I got the Coupe, a snow storm hit burying us under no less than a foot of snow. I was concerned about driving the Coupe and wished I still had the Pathfinder. No need to be concerned. The Coupe pulled through the snow like a champ. I love this cars interior design and love the Bose with back up camera. CVT feels odd at first, but give it time. Well done Nissan! By the way, I now have two Altimas, an 09 Sedan and now the 10 Coupe.

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  Former Camry Driver - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Former Camry Driver - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Having just traded in my 1998 Camry LE, Im quite pleased so far with the Altima 2.5 S. It drives smoothly and picks up speed very quickly. It was also more advantageous to purchase the S model and add leather from a source outside of the factory installed leather.

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  I own a yugo with a nissan sticker on it - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Paul Shotwell - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this nissan hoping to step up in class from my ford escort, only to find numerous problems, including, transmission slippage, caused by gear ratio setup not correct. In the suspension system, I noticed extreme dampening during braking intervals on hills. My microfilter worked terribly. I would say I loved the gas mileage. Some would say 12 mph for the highway might not be acceptable, but after experiencing this car, I was just thrilled it was able to make it to a gas station. Never again will I buy a Yugo..oops I mean Nissan

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  Good turned bad - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Disappointed - December 4 - 5:53 am

  I bought the 2.5 S in a 5 speed manual and loved it at first. Then I started having clutch problems. The clutch would suck itself to the floor. Yet no problem found when taken in. After warranty was up my engine blew. Turns out I had a faulty oil pump. other mechanic fixed my car AND my clutch. Have to put in 3 qts of oil a month because it is burning oil so bad. Yet no recalls. called nissan directly and they were no help. 2004 and 2006 has a recall for the same problem. Car has a problem starting which is also a recall on the 2004s. So disappointed. Will never buy Nissan again. Trading car for a Camry

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  Fantastic Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Kat0402 - November 30 - 12:06 am

  I traded my 2003 Tahoe for the 2008 Altima S yesterday. It had 6 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. It has 96 now. I love driving it. The gas mileage is great and the main reason for buying it. The style is a lot sportier than the Accord and Camry. I love the CVT. It is extremely comfortable and has lots of storage in the glove box and trunk. Ive driven a V8 for the last five years and was happily surprised at the power in this 4 cylinder. I cant wait to take it on a long trip. My daugher loves the back seat. She has plenty of room and finds it very comfortable. The keyless entry and pushbuttom start are great. The ride is smooth. You cant go wrong with this car!!