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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  Altima 2001 SE - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By joemcc - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I had previously owned Altima GXEs and experienced much better gas mileage with minimal difference in performance. I was disappointed in the gas mileage, about 23MPG, but the car is extremey reliable.

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  Nissan Altima 3.5 Se V6 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Nicole Leuluai - May 11 - 2:00 am

  The dealership was awesome, very friendly and did not push us. Test drived two vehicles and both drove great. Very impressed with the altima. Found it very competitive with the honda accord but overall we were more impressed with the altima. Because it had more inside space, better body style and more affordable.

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  GREAT CAR HIGH MAINTANCE - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By cesar5150 - May 9 - 4:09 am

  so i was 19 this was my first car i asumed it would hav low cost labor and parts i bought a 2003 altima with 94,000 miles used it for comuting 50 miles roundtripp at 110,000 car wasted much gas and slow engine light on dealership told me it was the crankshaft and cam sensor so i paid 200.00 to fix and repair car ran way legit .thennn AT 120.000 miles THE HEADLIGHTS WIPERS TAILIGHTS HEATER AND A/C DIDNT WORK AGAIN TO NISSAN THEY TOLD ME IT WAS IPDM. INTELEGENT POWER DISTURBUTION MODULE COST ME 1,200 TO REPAIR THEN I WUD USE SYNTHETIC OIL AND PERFORMANCE SPARK PLUGS CAR RAN FAST NISSAN SHOULA GAVE IT 200 HP INSTEAD OF 175 THE RAIDIATOR ALSO NEEDED REPLACEMENT and pulley

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  Hard Seats - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Woodrow - May 8 - 3:46 am

  Heater was defective and needed parts replaced. Leather seats are hard, stiff and terribly uncomfortable. CVT drive train and rack & pinion steering make the vehicle drive and handle very smooth, but gas mileage is somewhat disappointing (averaging only about 28 mpg in 2.5 four cylinder model). Audio has nice tone quality but the output is relatively low, unless you get the Bose system (which is pricey because it only comes in an electronics package with Satellite radio, Bluetooth, etc.).

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  Moving along the Nissan food chain - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By TLC77014 - May 7 - 9:53 am

  Coming from a Nissan Sentra SE, I wanted something that was fun to drive, reliable, and technically advanced without paying for a BMW, Benz or Audi. I needed a gas saver yet something with more horses than my lawnmower. I test drove a V6 Altima then the 4. Honestly, I was amazed at how the 4 pulled out the lot and right onto a freeway on ramp. The only drawback to the 4 is the engine noise on take off however is quiets down after what used to be known as 3rd gear. I also looked at the Camry SE V6 and the Maxima.

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  Please Read Before Buying - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By paul_ss454 - May 7 - 9:04 am

  I purchased a 2013 Nissan Altima based on my experience with a 2005 Nissan Altima that I drove for the past 7 years. It was a 2.5 liter with a 5 speed manual transmission. It was extremely fun to drive, good on gas and proved to be very reliable. Unfortunately, it was totaled in an accident and I quickly needed to replace. It came as a surprise that Altima’s were now only offered with a CVT transmission. Against my better judgment, I went ahead and bought the car with the CVT because I really liked every other aspect of the vehicle. I now have deep regret about the purchase because of the driving characteristics of the CVT. It is a shame because the rest of the car is outstanding.

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  Good Value - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tikijojo - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Honda Accord and was pretty much set on leasing until I drove the Altima. The 05 Altimas new interior is very sleek, and not to mention comfortable. The 175hp 2.5 engine is very responsive both off the line and at highway speed.

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  2005 altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By chris/lori - May 6 - 10:00 am

  new improved exterior styling makes this vehicle much more masculine and interior materials are up to par with its competitors. fuel milage could be better for a 4 cyl. abs should be standard. otherwise much improvement over 2004 model.

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  A Great Car For the Money - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Nat - May 3 - 11:03 pm

  The new 07 Altima looks great, has a very nice SL option package, and the 4 cylinder engine is surprisingly quick and responsive. It is a lot of car for the money.

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  2010 Altima 4 Cyl. CVT SL - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Daniel F Spies - May 3 - 3:50 am

  The overall performance is great. I do not like rattles however we found that the sun-roof sliding door will rattle when it is fully closed. The rattle goes away when it is partially or fully open (not the sun-roof itself, only the sliding interior door). I have overcome this problem and found that I really like the car. The get up and go is there when you need it. The CVT transmission provides excellent fuel mileage while maintaining low RPM balanced through the assist of the computer. This car handles very nice through curves on the road. The brake distribution appears to be proportioned perfectly from the front to the rear without unwanted jerky movements. I strongly recommend buying a