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 my Altima - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By leehighgrad - March 4 - 7:57 am

  I bought my car with about 162k miles and naw about to reach 200k and have thought about getting another car but never about getting rid of my Altima it is reliability fun to drive stylishly and it seem to have kept its value since every time I see one on a lot ist about the same price I paid for it i plane an having it for years to come

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  One of the better cars in its class - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By darthbimmer - March 3 - 7:12 am

  My company provided me this car when I was on assignment for a few months. I drove it 2500 miles. Its not the kind of car I would buy for myself (I owned a BMW M3 at the time) but its good for what it is: Its a large compact with room for 4. Its comfortable around town and on the open road. It has reasonable looks and a decent interior. Even with the 2.5 engine its got enough handling that a "car guy" like me wont lose his mind driving it. Friends who have young families or are empty-nesters said they might buy this car.

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  First Class Generation Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Harold Janhke - February 28 - 4:00 pm

  After owning a 1994 and 1998 Nissan Altima I put the new design 2002 head and shoulders above all competitors. My Altima SL 2.5 is now 3 yrs old and still awesome. Lthr, full power, 6 CD Bose sound, auto, 16" rims, etc. For looks, ride and performance it cant be beat in its class. Oh by the way it uses regular and has plenty of gettee up.

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  Best darn car for the money!! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Zelmosan - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this used Nissan from my local Nissan dealer with 17,000 miles on it.The 1999 Altima now has 116,000 miles and I have replaced the front brakes twice, replaced a battery, and replaced the tires 3 times. This car has required NO OTHER REPAIRS. Change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles and enjoy. This is the fourth Nissan I have owned since 1991. It is the best car for the money!

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  Nissan Altima 2.5s - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Monique - February 28 - 10:00 am

  To consumers looking for a safe, fun, reliable and roomy vehicle, choose or test drive a nissan altima. Im telling you this car is so comfortable, drives so smooth and is a sweet looking car for the price. I would reccomend this vehicle to anyone. The gas mileage is excellent and with all the options you cant go wrong.

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  I wont go back to a Honda! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By finegirl_591 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!! The ride is totally different from a honda! I have owned two hondas. The altima has so much more power and looks better also.

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  Fun to drive - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Yolanda - February 27 - 1:00 pm

  We replaced a 2003 V-6 Accord Coupe with the Altima 3.5 SR Coupe (with convenience package and leather package). Factory NAV and the 10GB hard drive hold no value for me. The Altima coupe is performance oriented and way more fun to drive than the Accord. For all intents and purposes, the Altima coupe is a two seater with minimal trunk space. I added the wheel locks and trunk nets. It came with mats, trunk pad and sill plates. 1.9% interest rate was a big plus.

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  2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Judy - February 26 - 3:43 pm

  I was recently in a head-on with this vehicle. We walked away with barely a scratch. The car was totaled. People seeing pictures are amazed we were not hurt or killed. Cannot say enough about the car except that I am buying another (2006)

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  Proud Owner - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By hakkincac - February 24 - 5:10 pm

  I love my new 2011 Nissan 2.5s Sedan. The only thing Im upset about is the engine makes somewhat of an ugly noise, however, it goes away once the CTV engine warms up. I dont get 23 MPG, I get about 20 city, still havent put it on a highway yet. Having said that, it really is a clean looking, nice car for the money. More importantly, I think the look will last, while other models will look odd in years to come, like the Sonata. I did test drive other cars, including Camry and Accord. Neither of them were as nice to drive as the Altima. Furthermore, neither had the handling and sporty look and feel of the Altima. All in all, the Altima is a great choice and a good car.

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  Two Winners - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Joe - February 24 - 7:50 am

  My 2009 Altima replaced my 2002 Altima 2.5S, which logged 165,000 without any problems. I just figured that time would catch up with the 02, so I traded when the promotional financing made sense. I put lots of highway miles on my cars, and often drive deep into Mexico, e.g., Acapulco, so comfort, fuel economy, and RELIABILITY are top concerns of mine. Luckily, the Altima offers all that along with a beautiful body.