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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  Decent - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By B. Foster - July 21 - 5:08 pm

  I would describe my rental Altima which I have for 3 months as competent. The exterior is styled nicely, the interior is functional but plain. I do appreciate the comfortable elbow rests. The 4 cylinder engine is powerful enough but struggles up hills. The CVT works well and you can get up to speed pretty quickly, but there is an artificial shift feeling. The steering is light and handling is just ok, the car has Hankook tires on which ride nicely but lack grip. The cloth seats hold up well, the ride is fairly comfortable but gets choppy sometimes. There is some engine growl but otherwise the car is quiet. Mileage is around 31 mpg combined. The Altima is certainly a good car, it just doesnt feel special. Unlike say, my previous Accord which I just liked to get into every day and drive. The Altima doesnt have that.

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  altima 2005 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By chabza thomas - July 19 - 10:00 am

  good unbeatable for the money had a 2002 before this one

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  Unstable Rear-end at High Speeds - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Scared - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Drove car on trip with 5 passengers and luggage. At 70 MPH plus back seat occupants had a dizzy feeling during lane changes and stated the rear-end is swaying. After trip, tried to miss object in the road at 70 MPH and ended up skidding sideways into center grass medium. Made same maneuver as vehicle in front of me which handled just fine. No injuries but a lot of damage. Nissan rep. inspected car and found no part failures. I told Nissan its a design problem and they sent me a mechanic. Edmunds.com (road tests) warns of the skittish problem and overboosted steering. I highly recommend careful review of these facts before purchase of this car.

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  Terrific Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By BarbJan - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Love the 2005 Altima we purchased. Beautiful design and handling. The only funny snag is that with all the extras that are in it it does not include an ashtray. We were able to get the Smokers Package but the lighter that will work with it hasnt been designed yet.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By ducci15 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Came from Mazda 626. 2.5 S is much sporty and larger interior makes it feel like larger vehicles. Someone told me that it looks like a cross between a Beemer and a Lexus! Good pickup and interior features.

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  Sporty but reliable - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Lisa - July 18 - 12:53 am

  I have owned this car for 9 years and love driving it. I am only buying a new one because the miles are getting up there and I want to keep some trade in value!

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  Awesome car! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By nvnj - July 17 - 3:15 pm

  Just purchased my 2013 Altima 2.5 SL and I can not get over just how beautiful this car looks and drives. The interior is hands down one of the best i have seen. I was between the Altima and the new Accord (test drove both) and decided on the ultima. It gets a little better gas mileage and the interior of the Altima looked and felt much better than the Accord. The Altima is a ALOT of car for the money. I encourage anyone considering a mid-size family sedan to test drive the Accord and Altima. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

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  You may want to look elsewhere - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By MCITV08 - July 16 - 11:50 pm

  Overall, the new 2008 Altima is much larger, more stylish and much "different" car. The Altimas CVT is something to get very used to; not hearing the shifts or feeling when the car is shifting makes the car feel like its constantly whining. However having that constant thrust of flowing power is also a positive. Personally, Nissan never lived up to the expectation of Toyota or Honda, but this Nissan (especially the coupe) may have Honda buyers look at Nissan. However, take one ride in a new 2008 Honda Accord, and you wont ever look back at Nissan.

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  Be warned - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By snicky - July 14 - 3:30 am

  I have had so many problems with this car. It doesnt start some mornings, they tell me this is normal. I also am not getting good gas mileage whatsoever. I cannot believe that people are having good luck with this car, I have had nothing but problems.

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  Battery Failure - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Joe - July 13 - 1:43 pm

  Be aware that something is draining the battery on high end Nissans faster than the charging system can recharge unless you drive it on a regular basis for at least 15-30 minutes. Suggest staying away from Nissans if retired or you do little driving. Know of three new Nissans two 2009 Altima and one 2010 Maxima where battery has failed within 30 days after purchase. My uncles has failed three times even after a new battery was installed. Mine has failed twice. Would get rid of it but dont want to take the financial hit. Joined AAA.