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 this car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By chuckindb - March 13 - 9:00 am

  Bought this car new in Feb 07 and have had only one minor problem. The brakes squeak when I first drive it in the morning, but goes away after the first 5 or so miles. Test drove the Camry first and then the Altima. Hands down the Altima was a better car. All in all great car.

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  Commuter - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By altimabb - March 11 - 12:56 am

  I have had my car since 6/24/11 and it had 100 miles on it at purchase. It now has aprox 23k due to the fact that Im a highway commuter of aprox 100 miles/day. I have found this car to be very comfortable & convenient for my long drive. I live in Missouri so, I experience all types of weather and I must say the car does great in the snow, ice, rain, cools & heats fast, etc. When we had a lot of snow and also when we had ice this past winter I went into a parking lot & attempted to just see what she could take. It handled very well & the traction control did an awesome job at correcting itself. The bumps can be a little rough sometimes but overall I love it.

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  The Best Car I Have Ever Owned!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Tiffany - March 10 - 4:03 am

  Originally looked at the 2.5 Altima but needed more "pick-up" with acceleration. The salesman suggested the 3.5. I drove it and loved it! There was no looking back at the 2.5...I love the look of the car, the comfort AND room inside; the reliability cannot be more satisfying. I felt for the price that I was paying, I was getting a lot of car and more. My friends and family are jealous. They all want one now.

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  Happy Nissan Owner - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Tim - March 9 - 5:53 am

  I loved my 94 Altima so much that buying another was an easy choice. My 02 has its ups & downs. Its performance is great, though 3rd-to-2nd-gear shifting could be crisper. My mileage with the automatic transmission is good enough (26.5 mpg freeway). this cars andling is good as well. Its fun to throw around. I have not experienced any mechanical problems, other than several annoying sensor problems. the body style is gorgeous, and the interior is plain, but it doesnt bother me. I agree that its wet weather traction isnt as good as older models. the sun visors are too small, so sunset driving can be challenging. But all things considered, Id buy another.

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  Run from it like your head is on fire - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By KarenMarie - March 7 - 11:40 pm

  This is the best looking piece of crap on the road. As a highway driver I dont brake much. Curious as to why I had to get new rear brakes at 20k which was just over a year and that was just the start, lost count of my brake jobs. Ive had to replace the steering rack, wheel hub, under carriage parts, tie rod, front struts, rear shocks, radiator: within the first 12 months, battery and alternator. And that is just the major repairs. Ive lost track of the nuisance repairs. They claim there are no leaks and yet I put oil in it every couple of months. My extended warranty paid for itself many times over. My parting thoughts: Run, run from the Altima like your head is on fire.

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  Worst car ever - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By gary spivack - March 7 - 6:52 pm

  Broken down 3 times within 65,000 miles. 2 transmissions. Air conditioning , leaking shocks, door handle broke, two recalls. Very nice service managers but worst car I have ever had in 52 years of driving. Got rid of it and tried suing Nissan but was unsuccessful. Went back to Toyota and am very happy.

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  Good car - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Gem - March 7 - 3:16 pm

  This car is super comfortable for long trips. On hwy only Ive managed up to 42 mpg a and avg. 35 City miles average 18-20. Or took 4 mo. to get used to the cvt. It is a good looking car and I get a lot of compliments from passengers. The sound system is wonderful and our handles well. The cons... It is noisy and the engine sounds awful sometimes. Not like its running bad just cheap sounding. Overall its a great car.

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  Good Buy/Lease - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By William - March 7 - 4:33 am

  Great car for anybody looking to get something that looks nice, is reliable, safe and wants to drive comfortably. My biggest problem being 64 is that I could not fit in any car without having my legs cramp up. This car has great space and drives well on the road. Recommend to anybody looking for a basic car with a sleek look.

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  Great first starter car! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Hailey Adamson - March 6 - 6:49 am

  I got this car when I turned 16 and I have had this car for 6 years now. I got it will 100,000 miles on it and Im up to 168,000 miles on it and it has run so smooth! I only bring it into the dealership to get routine checkups and once I had to take it in because my engine was rattling which was due to a loose part, which I guess is a frequent problem with this car. It was a 200 dollar repair and thats the only issue Ive had on it!

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  Very disappointed - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jml20 - March 4 - 11:28 am

  My wife and I have owned and driven a 2009 Rogue, 2009 Altima, and a 2012 Rogue with no issues or problems with CVT or road noise until I traded my 2009 for the 2013 Altima. When accelerating slowly from a dead stop, a deep rumbling, vibration noise starts at about 20 mph, briefly stops as you reach 40 mph, then starts again. After 40, the rumbling continues and then the road/tire noise kicks in, which is much louder with this model. I have had the vehicle checked by my Nissan dealer several times, but the problem has not been resolved.