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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  2010 altima v6 - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Rick - September 2 - 6:46 pm

  fun car for the money. worth every penny over 4 cyl. got leather and sport package. must drive with transmission on "sport" (see manual). completely different car in regular "D".

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  Nissan Altima is the Best - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Tina - August 31 - 5:33 pm

  I needed a mid size car and I looked at the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and the Nissan Altima and by far the Altima was the best deal. Honda and Toyota did not have any special offers but Nissan did and the features of the Nissan were out of this world!! I owned a Honda Civic which I had no problems with but I needed something bigger and the Nissan Altima surpassed all of my needs. THANK YOU NISSAN!!

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  Nissan Altima...SMH - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By soa - August 31 - 10:50 am

  My 2008 Nissan Altima has been out of commission for a month! At first I thought I needed new spark plugs, but found out that one of the cylinders needed to be replaced. Mind you if only has 67k miles on it. Took it to the dealership and they could figure out what was wrong with the engine and wanted to replace it. Ive been back and forth with them for a month now and Im tired as heck! I found out that other consumers have been having the same engine issues and there is a class action suit building in California. Honestly, I think the consumers need to all get together and sue the pants off of them for not correcting this problem. Lest we forget Toyota ? Im not trying to be a causalty!!!!

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  Excellent Car - Great Value - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By John - August 31 - 9:16 am

  I have had this car for about a year now, and I have been extremely pleased. The car performs better than I dared hope, and I have not had any reason at all to complain. I really believe this car is one of the best buys available when you consider cost, performance, and reliability. I have been totally satisfied.

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  Best for your money!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By krissy - August 31 - 2:10 am

  I previously leased an 05 Altima 2.5S and absolutely loved that car. I was a little nervous about leasing the 08, hoping that they knocked all the kinks of the new model out. This car truly is awesome!! They bumped up the safety features by making side curtain air bags and ABS brakes standard. I now have 8 speakers instead of 6, dont let the stock fool you. Plug in your iPod and the car is amazingly loud, dont need any kickers here!!!! CVT is really nice, no kick backs or sudden jolts, just nice and smooth. Ive only had the car for a few weeks so the MPG arent too great but hopefully in the future it will be better.

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  16 Years of Dependability - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Eric - August 30 - 5:49 am

  I got this car new in December of 1999 with the help of my parents and just now finally letting go. Day in and day out this car has been there for me, even after 2 accidents (Rear ended in 2001, front driver side wheel well smashed in 2009). I cannot recommend this car enough. Im trading it in with 206k miles on it. Outside of my gushing love and nostalgia, I do have several minor gripes that I just got accustomed to over the years: - The acceleration is fantastic in 1st and 2nd, but not so much in 3rd and 4th - Interior overhead cloth came loose where the roof and rear windshield meet around 130k. Has never came completely undone or had more than 2 inches loose. - A/C compressor died somewhere around 150k miles. Never bothered to fix it. - Sun damage got the best of the leather interior, specifically the driver seat, which now has a miniature rendition of the Grand Canyon in it. - Rack and pinion started leaking at 180k at miles. - On days that were about 50 degrees or lower, transmission would struggle shifting from 3rd to 4th, but would eventually get corrected after about 5 minutes on the road. - Weird spurts of feedback occasionally (like 4 times a week) coming through the speakers at 190k. The only time the Altima ever died on me, outside of batteries or the alternator, was when I was young and dumb. Never checked the fluid levels and let the coolant drop super low, blowing a head gasket. That was somewhere around 80k.

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  Seats are constructed poorly and cheap. - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Daphne Mack - August 29 - 3:10 am

  If you are looking for value do not purchase the 2015 Altima SL. Ive had mine for 5 months and have returned to dealership 4 times so far for repair of front passenger seat, and yes its broken yet again, at this point I will have to say Ive purchased a LEMON. I plan to contact the media if this is not resolved soon. Leather apparently poorly constructed in back seat beverage holder as well, which came off the first time I pulled it down to use the cup holder. Have not brought that to dealership attention, as Im still working with getting a passenger seat fixed that keeps popping off its hinges (very afraid someone may get hurt if I give them a ride.) Nissan Of North America Corporate office hard to reach assigned customer care person assigned to my case... they also are not allowed to give out their last names, only first name John.. Why so private when Ive purchased a car with my full name address and social security number on the contract? Stay away from 2015 Altima unless maybe cloth seats. Otherwise rides well.

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  Good value but lacks some quality - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By egydarceyes - August 28 - 12:09 pm

  Ive added the convenient package and so far Ive put on 30k miles on it. The car is very nice on the inside, very adequate space and comfortable seats. Engine is a bit loud when moving from stand still, CVT is nice for gas mileage but is definitely a snooze at times, dont expect to be passing all cars when you really want to. Head unit is nice but the non-touch 5 inch is made out of bad glass that scratches very easily. Software embedded in the head unit is just plain crap... Needs refreshing and fixing of defects. Nice wheel button controls but wish they were designed a little more moderate. They just seem big and poorly designed.

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  Aggressive sedan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Vinny of OC - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I have traditionally only purchased sport cars, because of the typical weak performance and styling on sedans. While I typically admired the quality of Japnaese cars, I was always disappoint with their conservative designs, like Camry and Accord. The Altima is truely cutting edge design. The V6 is great, even the 4 I tested was exceptional. I wouldnt compare it to a CamaroZ28, for which I also own, as a previous author had done. Hard to compare a 0to60 of 5.5 sec to 7.3 sec. The Altima will definitely blow away another sedan on the roam. I am 6 4" and have plenty of room. Nissan did an excellent job everywhere it counts.

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  Front Bumper - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Joyceb5 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Very, Very disapointed in quality of bumper. Snow bank damage suffered and have to go to a body shop for repair. Dealership could not fix. Cant believe all the plastic on this vehicle. Will be sending a letter to Nissan Corporate, will trade in as soon as feasible & will not recommend nor will I purchase another!