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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  Great - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By altimacpe08 - August 27 - 3:46 am

  This is definitely the best car I test drove and finally bought. There is nothing I dont like about the car. Comparing this car to the Mazda6, Dodge Avenger/Charger and Audi4, this car blows them away with style and performance. Even though I have the V4 for CVT, I feel more power driving this than in any Acura or just any car I have driven. Easily said, Nissan has made a car that will be a collectors item in the years ahead.

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  One Fast 4 Door - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By altimateone - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because I was impressed by its performance the V6 w/5speed. I also love the exterior styling. Its one classy looking car. The front seats could be more performance oriented. For the performance this car is capable of it doesnt hold you in very well. If it had seats like the 350Z. I can get better than advertised fuel mileage if I keep it under 65mph. this car is like a race horse it wants to go 80+mph. You get on the freeway before you know it your going 80mph. You have to feather the throttle lightly to keep it under 80. I love this car I was not dissapointed in buying this car.

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  Loved This Car! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Scarlett_1750 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in 2000 with only 16k, and had nothing but positive experiences with it. One of the best buys out there- dependable, clean/great interior, ran very well, and huge roomy trunk could fit just about anything. In three years, I didnt need to replace a single thing, only needed oil change and tuneup. I was heartbroken when car was totaled in accident at 60k; I would have driven it forever!

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  Dont trust the Bridgestone Tires - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Dixie Gordon - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 3.5 Altima SE in May . The next morning I was driving to work, at 65 miles an hour the front of the car began to shimmy. They said the tires were out of round and were at fault, that they had a lot of problems with them, The car was taken to a tire co. It took the Bridgestone dealer 8 tires to find 3 to put on my car I have less than 4 thousand miles on my car at this time, the sunroof is broken, pieces fell out of it the second time I opened it, Trust me, this will be my last Nissan....

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  My best car ever! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Daddyniowa - August 15 - 3:50 pm

  I purchased this car with 58,000 miles on it and it is a five speed manual transmission. I only opened up the exhaust and installed a Tornado fuelsaver (for whatever thats worth). I burn Mobile one full synthetic oil in it changed at every 8,000 miles. For some time now I use the car 100 miles five days a week to commute my non-driving wife to work. I have done "nothing" to the car basically except put gas in it. Gets anywhere from 31 to 34 mpg on highway, and shifts out of third gear at 103 mph! Uses one half a quart of synthetic oil every 8,000 miles. If you see a white 1998 Nissan Altima in northern Mo. to Southern Iowa screaming down I-35 highway, that would be me!

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  So nice but, an important detail - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By GioP - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The car has performed very well since I bought it brand new in 2008, except for the brakes which Ive reported in all my service visits, 4 in total from north Texas dealers until the last one in north California. Brakes do have a sound like scraping metal but dealers havent been able to fix it.

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  2011 Altima - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By bailey26 - August 14 - 1:22 pm

  I test drove quite a few cars in this same class and by far the Nissan was the best choice. Its comfortable, steering and handling are tight, the fold down seats in the back are easy to use. The features that I have are all easy to access and easy to use.

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  the best af all cars - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By dave - August 13 - 3:06 pm

  Overall af all the cars we were searching for, this was the best. NO vibration, no problems, except for a mere door jam.

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  Nine years and going strong - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Happy owner - August 13 - 8:13 am

  I bought my Altima new. And after nine years it still runs great, has very good acceleration good gas mileage (28 to 29 hwy)and has proven remarkably reliable. At 110,000 I got a tune-up, new front brakes, new belts and a new front tie rod. Since then minor things (AC charge, new radiator) have been needed but still has original clutch, and even the original battery. And yes, the speakers leave a lot to be desired, and there is occasional wind noise through the windows. But overall Nissan did a fabulous job with this car.

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  The last nissan Ill ever own - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By lola3053 - August 12 - 2:16 am

  First let me say that I am meticulous about upkeep and basic maintenance (oil changes, etc.) My Altima, with 139,000 kms (100,000 miles) on it absolutely self- destructed over the past two weeks. For no reason that I or any mechanic can find the engine suddenly (over two days) burned out all of its oil and then scored the cylinders so badly that it needs to be replaced. I never really enjoyed this car. It looked great, but handled like a girls car. It was always sort of "dainty" and overly sensitive to steering inputs. Also, the plastic used in the interior components and the boot around the gear-stick were of extremely low quality.