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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  2005 Altima in the hands of a 16 yr. old - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Blake Otwell - October 8 - 7:16 am

  My car gets a lot of looks, however I have added a Trenz chrome grill which really compliments the satin white paint. I have also added a few Stillen body parts painted the body color. My Borla mufflers with 3 1/2" chrome tips sound great and enhance the look of the rear a lot. Although my car looks a tad different than stock, I love the lines of the car which I have strived to keep.

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  2.5 SL - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By ritkid - October 6 - 5:23 am

  Great car for the money. I bought it brand new and it is now 2 years old. Nissan did a wonderful job of picking nice features to include and leaving others out to provide a wannabe luxury car at an economy car price. This is a very comfortable car, and performs wonderfully on the highway. I have added a K&N filter and that has given me a few extra MPG. The mileage is not as good as advertised on the sticker, but is still exceptional. I get about 32ish on the highway and 26 in town. The car handled very well in the snow. The only maintenance I have done is change the oil and clean the air filter in these first 26000 miles and I have had no problems at all. Just a great car. Highly recomended

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  bad brake pads - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Chesley Garrett - October 5 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I have had with my 02 Altima besides the bad dealership experience in a persistant squeaking of the brakes. Repeated forays into the dealer to have this problem remedied had proven to be an excercise in futility. They only say the Nissan brakes are just that way and the new Maxima does the same thing.

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  great first car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By carina - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car and so far it has been great. The interior quality could be higher but is reasonable at the price. It is a very smooth ride.

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  From TX - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By chong - October 3 - 11:53 pm

  Great sedan. Without transmission delay and with the powerful 2.5l engines drive, its really a great experience for a driver. Lots of fun, all of my family loves it: toddler, husband, wife. We really love it.

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  Reliable Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Z - October 1 - 5:03 pm

  I would recommend buying a Nissan. It was reliable while I traveled back and forth from college. I found out the hard way that my Nissan is picky about what types/brand of parts that I use. The engine light has been on for the past year. Other than that, I havent had any problems.

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  A steal at $7800 though some worries - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By DavieJ89 - September 29 - 10:06 pm

  Im a 19 yr old who bought this as his first car, and Ive had it for exactly a month now and it has been awesome but I have had a few problems with it. The exhaust emits blue smoke when I rev the engine while idling, and though nothing seems wrong the check engine light will not go off. And thats beginning to bother me. But who woulda thought a 4 cylidner engine could be so powerful yet so efficient? I can reach 0-60 in 6 seconds and I get almost 32 mpg on the freeway, the downside is the 20 gallon tank. The stereo system is amazing for something thats so standard, and the a/c is ice cold. And I always turn heads when I drive by.

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  I love my 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Zack - September 29 - 3:26 pm

  I love this car. It has style, it has performance, its economically feasible, and it is also reliable. The BOSE sound system is awesome. The red and black leather is totally unique. I feel like I am driving a German sports car rather than your typical Japanese mid-sized sedan. I bought this car right when it came out when it had zero miles on it, and now it has around 68,000 miles, and I have had zero problems with it. I plan on driving this car till the day it dies, which I do not think will be anytime soon. Thanks Nissan, you can pat yourselves on the back for making the 2005 Altima SE-R!

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  Dealer Employee Review - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Johnny967 - September 29 - 11:50 am

  Ive been a Nissan dealership employee since 1992. My last car was an 03 Altima and I was happy with it... until I saw a white 07 in our showroom. I took one for a spin around the block and I knew right then I was going to own one. As the one responsible for processing warranty claims, I look at cars from a different perspective - not from what I like, but what can easily go wrong and how much it will cost to maintain. I can honestly tell you, Nissan put a lot of time and effort into this one to get it right. This one is a winner! Its hard to believe the Maxima is the flagship of the Nissan line when they released this beauty. Maxima will be redesigned for 08 but this is top for me!

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  I love the Nissan Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Will - September 29 - 6:33 am

  This is by far the most fun sedan I have ever owned. I got the special edition and I love it! Even for a four cylinder, its extremely powerful. It is the most powerful 4 to date over its competitors at 175bhp. Gas mileage isnt that bad, at about 22.8 mpg. I like this model over the revised 07 model. One of the things that make the altima great is its astronomically large rear seat. I am 64 and I am very comfortable back there even with the seats moved all the way back. Highly recomend as a used car! Even to buy over a new one.