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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  Love it so far - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Travish - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy driving & owning the 3.5 Altima very much so far. Accelerates very well and handles nicely. Sharp interior & exterior.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Darrick - August 10 - 6:13 pm

  Very nice car, that rides as smooth as it looks...good MPG which is very important today.

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  Best Mid Size 4 cyl Car out there!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ed from Orlando - August 9 - 7:03 pm

  This is my third Nissan (95 Altima and 06 350Z). I have owned three Accords (86, 93 & 03). The 2008 Altima is by far the most practical, good looking and balanced car I have ever bought! We looked at the Camry, Accord and the Altima. I went back and forth about three time between Accord & Altima. Altima was selected due to the outside styling, performance, gas mileage, Intelligent Key, simple Interior & Timing chain = less maint cost.

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  Bootylicious - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By cbwcars - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Slick styling, well-made, great performance, and downright cool.

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  Simply Wicked! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Fobroader - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand spanking new in 05. Drove the 4 cylinder Then drove the v6. The 4 is pathetic, this car is a rocket. Had to get the 5spd manual because an automatic is just wrong when paired to a vq35de engine. Stock tires were absolute garbage, all seasons on a 250 horse car? The 6 pack changer had to be replaced under warranty. Floor mats wore right through under gas and clutch pedal. Great car, highly recommend the v6 model to everyone. Drive a manual before you buy the automatic to see how amazing this car can be. Ive got about 60,000 miles on mine and its been bulletproof.

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  My Third Nissan and Not My Last - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Justin - August 7 - 5:34 pm

  I have owned this car for one year, and I am still pleased with it. I traded in an SUV, so the Altimas driving dynamics were a large departure for me. Real world fuel economy is near/at EPA estimates. The interior is superbly ergonomic and has held up well for my 25,000 mile/year commute. I like the way it looks and materials/fit and finish are above average. Overall fit and finish (mainly exterior) seem just average, but are an improvement over my last vehicle. Earlier in the year I had standing water in the cabin; turns out water was coming in through two holes in the body, which were sealed and Nissan reimbursed me for the repair despite being out of warranty, as this was a major issue that was not from wear and tear. Other than this one issue, I have nothing but accolades for my Altima. I look forward to many more years of ownership.

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  Traded my 2014 Accord LX for the 2016 Altima SV - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By michael yarber - August 6 - 6:52 am

  What?...traded the Accord for an Altima, yes, you heard right. Why, the main reason for me that the seats in the Accords were not working for me. In a recent long trip from Nashville to Richmond, VA., I had to get out the car three times going and coming back. My was seat was hurting. I do have some health issues, but it was enough to start looking. Went around trying out cars out, like the new Civic, H-RD, and some others and the seats were not any better for me. I went to a Nissan to dealer to set in a Rogue first and then a Altima and WOW. These zero gravity seats are really true, they are comfortable! We went for a drive and I like the drive also. The SV model had everything we were looking for in a car (except the NAV package, I use my iphone for maps). My wife chose the color, Pearl White, and we got a really good deal with the trade and the new car! We only had the cars for a few days, but I think I am going to really like it. The seats are really something and even the back seats are great! Ironically, I just toured the Nissan plant in Smyrna, TN this past Thursday (I live 4 miles from the plant) and was really impressed with the mile long production line and the quality of the production. If guess time will tell.

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  nice car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By cockychest - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought the GXE Limited Editon in October 2000 brand new. Has been a very reliable car and have always trusted Nissan products. I presently have over 21000 miles with no problem to report. Easy to keep up and is a beautiful car after it is cleaned.

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  Looks better than Lex gs400 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By lwoman - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car. It looks better than the lexus Gs 300 and 400 although they do look quite similar. Altima has everything in its class beat. it looks much more expensive than what it is. I have had car since October and I have 14,000 miles on it. sure I drive alot but its fun to drive. the car is simply great. What a beauty. ALTIMA 2.5SL. pEOPLE CANNOT BELIEVE ITS NOT A LEXUS. pARK AN ALTIMA NEXT TO A Gs 300 or 400 and tell me which looks better. The is 300 dosent come close to the altima in s. Great car everyone should buy one. Nissan altima has the accord and camry beat this time. Go altima all the way. you are a beauty. simply the best

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  A WINNER - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By dale ewasiuk - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The Altima 2.5S is a very roomy and elegant car. Power is better than most other 4s that I have driven and gas milage is above average for a car this size. Even though the interior is plane, it is functional with controls in very good locations. Ride is very good and evey though I was told there would be a lot of wind noise, I have found that to be untrue. I have the Bose 6-disk system and the sound is far above average, controls for the systems are well thought out.