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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  reminds me of my dads 74 maverick - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By z-man - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new as a left over in January 2001 for my wife as a "reliable" vehicle. First year was ok, second year the read end sounded as if it was going to drop out of the car if I went over a speed bump. Dealer ended up replacing bushings on the read torsion bar.....common problem Im told !!?? Then the pulley for the fan belt blows out the bearing and the belt falls off leaving my wife and daughter stranded on the interstate.....bottom line, had to tow the car and the dealer fixed it N/C. The Firestone tires that came on the car are almost bald at 30,000 miles.

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  Noisy CVT - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By mikej17 - May 23 - 10:39 am

  I am regretting buying this car.The seats sold it for me and the car is beautiful,but on any accelerating the CVT whines and groans.

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  What a car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Neil - May 22 - 2:00 pm

  I traded my 99 A6 for this Altima and have ZERO regrets. Handling is similar. The Altima with the 2.5 4-banger eats the Audi for lunch. Amazing power for a 4 cyl. The suspension is just stiff enough to feel sporty, yet does not sacrifice comfort. Ive been actively trying to find something to find fault with, but have no complaints. Excellent value for the price. The fit and finish are top notch. Even the stock sound system was good enough that I didnt go for the Bose.

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  Shift - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - May 17 - 11:00 am

  I love to drive this car when my wife will let me that is. We wanted a car that would have enough room for people to ride with us but would also be fun to drive and as my wife says not look like a grandma car. The altima was the only car short of a CTS that we looked at and liked enough to buy.

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  2010 Altima Brake Failure - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Miss-taken - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2010 Altima SL on 8-4-2010 and 6 weeks later it was in the shop for over a week for brake failure. Tech had no clue what was wrong. Had to call Nissan to diagnose. Turns out bad break booster in a brand new car! Everyone, including a mechanic says they wouldnt trust the car and I dont. This shouldnt have happened to a new car! Tried to trade, but the dealer I bought it from said it lost $6000.00 in equity in 3 months! Now Im stuck paying on a car Im terrified to drive. My bank feels horrible and approved me for a new loan, but because of the loss of equity, I cant get a new car to book and thats the requirement for the loan. Big price to pay for a driveway ornament.

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  This car sucks! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By biggdaddy23 - May 15 - 7:23 am

  Bought the car in 2006 with only 31,000 miles. Kept getting a cylinder 2 misfire and tried everything to fix it, change coil pack, spark plugs etc. Car starts shaking and had a weird smell like someone posted earlier. Had to replace motor mounts, brakes and power steering pump. Every six months it seemed like the car had a problem that needed fixing. The catalytic converter needed replacing and the ac compressor also was going out on the car so I decided to trade it in for a hyundai elantra this week. i realized that i spent almost $4,000 dollars into repairing this car. I will never buy a Nissan ever again!

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  Sporty-Classy - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By NC_Altima - May 15 - 5:40 am

  In terms of looks, driving and performance for the 4-cylinder segment, this is a great car. Havent been able to compare to the new 2008 Accord yet, which looks to be nice but not as sporty as the Altima. This car is very responsive in acceleration, braking and steering. Really fun to drive. Controls are all easy to reach and understand. Good selection of features/packages. Nice redesign in both exterior and interior. I have an S Conv package, with added leather, sunroof, fogs, spoiler, ABS, alum kickplates, splash guards and floor mats. Couldnt be happier.

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  Disappointing - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Paul - May 14 - 8:40 pm

  I bought this 01 in 2005 with 75K. Its been pretty disappointing from the beginning. The handling is sloppy. I had to replace both motors at a cost of $300 each to the two front windows. That shouldnt have happened. The alternator also went out for another $600. New brake rotors on all four wheels cost another $900. I should have bought a used Camry or Accord (better quality), or a Ford Contour (cheaper, better handling). My parents had a 01 Camry and replaced nothing but the timing belt after 160K. No brakes, no window motors, no alternator. Nothing. The wheel caps are also extremely noisy. Poor quality over all. GM is probably better.

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  A lot of Car for the Money - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By tempexec - May 14 - 7:30 am

  We shopped this primarily against the Honda Accord Coupe and are very glad that we went with the Altima. After about 30 days of ownership, car is exceeding our expectations. Price paid is also a big plus since we were able to negotiate a total of almost $5k off the sticker price of $28.2k.

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  good bang for the buck - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Val - May 13 - 11:46 am

  I purchased my 3.5 SL in September of 2005, and I have been loving it ever since. I did have trouble with the passenger airbag light when I first bought the car, but got it fixed quickly. This car is so powerful, you cannot really understand unless you drive it. I would buy this car again in an instant because of the acceleration speed alone, not to mention the good looks. I got the mystic emerald color with the light beige leather interior. I get so many compliments on it.