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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  Ultimate Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Iceman36 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Fell in love with the car on the first test drive. Performance and handling are excellent and the body styling is very eye catching. (SE 3.5 Sport Plus)

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  good bye Honda, hello Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By altizoom - July 9 - 4:46 am

  Recently purchased the 3.5 SE and really enjoy it. Plenty of power, great interior design (aside from not being able to see the radio display in sunlight...but nothing is perfect), and aggressive exterior styling. Impressive mpg performance thus far considering the large engine. Im currently getting around the same mileage as my 99 Acura Integra LS. Say goodbye Honda, Hello Nissan

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  Serious Satisfaction - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By gasman1 - July 8 - 8:56 pm

  Very enjoyable automobile. It may not be a BMW! Although its a great value for your dollar. I travel up to 1,250 miles per week. After more than 10K miles, its comfortable, responsive, quiet, and gets great gas mileage. Best MPG was 35.5, average is 31.5, worst was 23. Most of my miles are highway (very little city driving). Not one problem or trip to the dealership since the first oil change.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - July 8 - 5:00 am

  Ive had my Altima since 2005 and have put over 82,000 miles on it since then, and Im proud to say it runs just as good now as the day I bought it. The 4-cyl engine has plenty of power, and the ride provides the perfect balance between comfort and sporty handling. I love how roomy the car is front and back, and all of the trunk space comes in handy. Some people complain about the growly engine but I kind of like it. The Altima is also excellent on gas, partly thanks to the 20 gallon fuel tank. The interior is comfortable and all of the materials are good quality. Mine has the convenience package which includes some nice features, especially the sporty 16 alloy rims.

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  I would Not Recommend - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Carlos Pena - July 3 - 10:50 pm

  I purchased my Altima in November of 2004. From the start it pulled to the left. The dealership stated it was just how tha car haldled. As you can see by the yearly mileage that I drive alot (17837--in 5 months), so I am on the road a bit. The car handles very poorly in the rain and in sharp turns.It definetely requires a lot of caution if drivning in the rain, it is very easy to go into a skid. It overall feels to light, and the steering is to soft, which in turns make you feel as if you dont have control of the car.

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  Bad transmission, bad brakes, noisy engine - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By nick131 - June 30 - 9:43 am

  Terrible transmission, brakes have to be changed every six months, worse car is snow... Do you want more reasons to stay away from this piece of junk called Altima? i got blue tooth and leather seats in my altima but who cares for these options when the car transmission failed on the first year of ownership... This car was the worse purchase i have ever made

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  Firsst time owner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sonoma - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle in September 03. Its fun to drive and has a great sound system even if its not the Bose system. I like the way the car drives and handles, it seems to grow on you each day you drive it. I dont like the way it defrost the window. It seems to take longer than it should. Also, I have a hard time adjusting the temp trying to make the inside comfortable. Overall Im please with it, espescially because of the end of year great deal I got.

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  7 times to the dealership to get 2 items repaired - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By nissansucks12 - June 28 - 2:38 pm

  I have had serveral new cars in my life time, but never a Nissan, thought I would give them a shot, bad bad bad bad move, a simple replacement of the 2 rear speakers turned into 5 trips to the dealership for one reason or another, simple tire rotation, left one of my lug nuts in the rim. These are simple items to repair or replace and it seems like this dealership cant get it right, but my car has only 5000 in 7 months, these items should not have been broken to begin with, horrible horrilbe car, buy a Ford, never had an issue with any of them, stay away from NISSAN! I also have 2 friends that work at the plant there, again stay away!!!!!

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  Reliable - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By crotch666 - June 27 - 11:53 pm

  Purchased this car in 2009 for $6,000 and it has and probably will be one of the best cars I will ever have. The only time it ever broke down once on me was in 2015 when the alternator went out. That was a quick and easy fix, and it was back on the road in no-time. I maintenanced this car regularly and it definitely gave back to me. I was in 2 wrecks in it, I would considered mild to bad. Someone rear-ended me extremely hard and the damage to the car was minimal. The other one someone pulled out in front of me and I t-boned them. The bumper was destroyed, but that was it. The other car was totaled. Extremely safe car and very reliable. The gas mileage could be better, but I love this car regardless.

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  Love it!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By kate - June 27 - 11:20 am

  This car was purchased after my 97 Civic was rear-ended and totaled. My family owns 4 Nissans, and we have an 03 altima, so naturally i wanted what i was familiar with. This car was a no-brainer buy, and i love driving it. The radio is great, brakes, steering etc are also phenomenal. I recommend this car to everyone!