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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  2007 Nissan Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By LOU T. CHURCHVILLE - November 8 - 10:36 pm

  I recently bought an Altima after 30 years of American cars. This car is solid, quiet, fast, smooth and very good on gas. Nissan Altima is excellent!

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  Buy used not new - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Quippa Man - November 4 - 2:00 am

  First Nissan Ive owned out of twenty- three cars.I do not think I will trade this one in, but will keep it. Have not been disapointed, it came equipped as I wanted it for the most part. As a SE Limited it should have had leather and remote trunk unlock should have been put on the remote. Other that this NO complaints.Looked at 3.5 2004, who knows, I might have two.

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  Great car & great reliability - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By stickywickett - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 2001 and have had absolutely zero problems!! Its been one of the most reliable cars Ive had (so far 32,000 miles). Handles great, even in the snow/rain. Great value for the money, too.

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  V6 is da Bomb - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By FLAspeedy - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought the V6 Altima and love the power. I dont have to ask to merge on the expressway. Also, the auto climate control is very functional. I wish Nissan would look to Toyota/VW on the interior quality of materials.

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  Ultimate Ultima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By greg burnham - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my mother and sister and they love it. I drive it sometimes and want one ion my driveway. Highly recommened. Love the styling and quality!

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  2006 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL - Great Car !! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By ungrecco - November 3 - 8:43 am

  This car has a great engine, good brakes, great interior, xenon headlights, great stereo, nice interior, fold down seats, just about everything I could want in a car (at this price point anyway). I lugged tons of pipe, wood, and materials with the fold down seats - never let me down. Make sure you dont leave the xenons on without the engine. They suck juice fast! Again, great car, spacious, has a luxury element to it (gray with black leather interior). Steering wheel radio controls. I turned in my lease, no regrets!

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  Had it right with 2012 - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By swallerstein - November 2 - 6:10 pm

  We leased a 2012 for a couple of years. Ran flawlessly, pretty comfortable, fun to drive. Lease ran out so we leased a 2013. 2013 engine is powerful with great gas mileage; weird high pitch whining, rattling though. I find the drivers seat to be one of the most uncomfortable Ive ever sat in. Very difficult to find a comfortable position that doesnt cause back pressure. Passengers in back dont find those too comfy either. Gearshift console is very instrusive which further compromises comfort. The dashboard is extremely reflective. Even in low light, you are always looking through a reflection of the dash. In strong sunlight, its a safey hazard. Designed by monkeys!

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  farro - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By farro - November 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It is fast, comfortable and it turns heads. I have gotten so many complements for it.

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  Some minor problem - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By DonCT - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Got it 3/23/2002 and have 2500 miles on it. It handles very good, and has amazing acceleration. Some minor problems:1)this thing is a gas hog.I get an average of 25MPG but I have to put premium in it. 2)There are some cheap interior details: The center console and the trunk have to be slammed hard to be closed.The center area in the dash is made out of cheap plastic.3)I am getting some noise on my left side when I am doing over a 100MPH but since the noise comes and goes randomly I wont worry about it.4)My right speaker vibrates too much when I crank the stereo and listen to something with a lot of bass but I can always turn the voume down!

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  I absolutely love it!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Da Kings kid!! - October 30 - 8:33 pm

  I overworked my poor little 97 Nissan Sentra and needed to buy a new car. I actually was prepared to buy the new Camry, but then I walked into the Nissan dealer and saw the Radiant Silver Altima. Once I test drove it I was hooked! This is the only car I test drove that I didnt care whether it had a spoiler or a sunroof. And those 177 ponies under the hood make driving fun, especially on curves!!