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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  Yes sir!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Peggy - October 20 - 4:23 am

  I am a 45-year old mother of five and can I say owning this car has been the most fun! My older kids all want to drive it and show it off to their friends. The younger ones think its such a treat whenever I let them go for a ride in it. The whole look of the exterior and interior screams luxury sport. And the Code Red color sure does turn heads.

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  Nissan, maybe Japans best? - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Richard S Britt - October 19 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5S is right on the money ,when it comes to reliability, perfomance,and price. ive seen more new altimas than the Flagship of Nissan. The Nissan Maximia, Is this the new Flagship for Nissan?

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  value - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By toml - October 19 - 10:00 am

  The altima was the best buy for the money in the cars that I looked at. It had the most space except for the paasat. I got the 4 cylinder which has some power. The 3.5 has quite a bit more but for 5 grand more. I did have a tough time in the s model trying to find abs as a option(I think it should standerd) like it alot so far and got lots of complements.

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  Oldie but goodie - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Cel - October 16 - 2:57 pm

  This car is one of the most reliable cars Ive ever owned. Superior engine and surprisingly good mileage. The flaws are the cheap plastic used for the sun visor and radio buttons. Other than that, I feel very safe driving in any weather. This 1998 still has freezing cold air and toasty heat.

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  Hmmmm...well - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Cafasco - October 16 - 2:46 am

  Lots of room...luv the large trunk. CVT makes the 4 feel like a 6cyl (up to 65mph anyway). Doesnt help it sound any better though. MPG is pretty good @ 28 mixed driving, but stinks on the freeway over 65mph; quickly drops to 24ish at 75. Its not much fun to drive faster than that. It does handle the curves well, but road noise is more than I care for. Its great for around town and going the golf course. I owned a Pontiac G6 3.5L v6 that got 30mpg all the time, even at 95mph across Nevada. It didnt shake like a tractor while waiting at a stop light (like the Altima does) It was a far better road car...am looking to get another!

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  I love my new Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By J.Short - October 13 - 3:20 am

  I am so in love with my new Altima. I am a previous owner of the 05 Altima. I loved that one too but this one is a much better car. I went into the dealership just to look at the new Altima and three hours later I was driving my Midnight Blue Altima home. This car is aesthetically pleasing... so much that my neighbor went and bought the exact same color and style.

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  Smooth - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Domingo - October 10 - 11:50 am

  I just drove this car up toward Boise, Id. from Mt. Vernon and wow its got power when I needed it. Especially when you want to get away from those 18 wheel guys. You know what I mean right. Up the curvy hills know problem, passing up the hills, zoom bye Im gone. But look out for Mr. ticket man.

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  Navigation System - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By rtinaglia - October 10 - 6:42 am

  Weve had the 2013 Altima 3.5 SL for about a month. Even after 4 weeks we cant figure out the Bosch Nav system. It is the most UN-intuitive system Ive ever used. Nothing is simple, everything requires at least 1, usually 2 more menues to accomplish a task. Dont waste your money on this. My $200 Garmin will remember the deviation from the calculated route, and provide this re-route everytime. Not the Bosch. And, if your lookin g for a smooth ride, pass the Altima, its stiff and hard over bumps. We made a misteake - dont you.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Elzaida Smith - October 9 - 9:23 pm

  This is my 3rd Nissan and, I have been nothing but satisfied. I was concerned when I purchased my Altima, because I had a maxima, and the power and the way it handled I really loved, and I didnt want to feel like I was taking a step down. But after driving my altima, Im really in Love!! Great vehicle.

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  Have the craving to drive every day - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Peter - October 9 - 7:13 pm

  Having owned this pre-owned Altima for several months now, I can safely say that Im glad I bought this car. More power, room and economy than my previous car. The car looks great inside and out. No mechanical issues except a fuel-starved engine from parking on an incline (hard start afterwards). Luxury touches like auto windows, trip puter and power seat are nice. Overall, no mechanical issues. Some of the coloring/dye in plastic has worn through and leather on steering wheel too. "Wood" trim scratches easily. Nothing deal-breaking: no trim falling off, no significant squeaks or rattles. Fuel econ: 24 city/32 hwy -- 20 gal tank