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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  Check Consumer Reports before Buying! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Disappointed - February 23 - 8:41 am

  I purchase a "certified used" 2013 Altima ten months ago, without a warranty. Being a little old school teacher, Ive only driven it 6,000 miles in that time. It has been in the shop five separate times for repairs: Alternator replacement, serpentine belt replacement, radiator replaced, A/C condensor just went out, and two vehicle recalls. Being the former owner of a 2008 Altima, which did not have a single problem, I placed my faith in the reliability of the product without checking Consumer Reports for the 2013 version. Check the report; the 2013-newer Altimas consumer rating are inferior to older versions. I absolutely love the style and comfort of this car, but it looks like Nissan has lost me as a customer with its poor dependability and expensive repairs.

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  Nissan Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By package - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Car has exceptional ride and smooth handling. Power isnt too bad for a 4 cyl. car.

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  nice machine for the bucks. - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By soy saus - February 22 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. For the money I spent, very satisfied. Shopped around for quite a while before the purchase.

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  Reliability, reliability, reliability - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By MAMACITA - February 18 - 7:50 pm

  I have had this car almost 4 yrs. Never thought I would own a foreign built car. Most reliable car I have ever had, very dependable. Hope to have it for another 4 or 5 yrs. I have only had to replace tires and brakes. Love the car, love the ride, love everything about the car.

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  Lemon - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Anne Ambruch - February 17 - 7:40 pm

  My motor seized which means I need a new motor and Nissan wont help me. I have bought 5 Nissans before this, but never again.

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  Stuck with a Lemon - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By joeloeb - February 17 - 5:30 pm

  My brand new Altima, less than 1K miles started making a loud noise, coming from the engine. Took it back to the dealer, they said it was the alternator. They had to order a new one. 4 weeks later still no part and the car is undriveable. I have received little satisfaction dealing with the dealership and even less dealing with Nissan USA. They dont know when the part will be in, meanwhile I have a car with 1,000 mile on it, that I am paying for and cant drive. They refuse to take the part out of one of the cars on their lot. Shows you where there allegiance lies, definitely not with the their purchasing customers.

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  I like it - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Vahhab Emami Namini - February 16 - 9:59 am

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  Fun, sharp smooth driving - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Donna - February 16 - 2:36 am

  This is my 2nd, 2003 traded, love the drive, smooth, handless effortlessly, inside comfortable, roomy, plenty leg room in back, easy read instruments, large trunk with fold down seats, excellent sound w/o paying more, looks like expensive sports car if good color chosen, tires nice looking, paint job excellent, easy to use dials for a/c, sound, cruise, fast speed pickup if needed smoothly, breaks well, just love the car

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  Practical and Basic - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By SallyM - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Nissans since 1979. I dont think they can be beat for reliability/dependability. The Nissan Altima 2001 is no exception to this, only its a really boring car. Its not fun to drive: Less power, poorer handling in wet weather, wider turning radius, and it just looks like a million others. It is so common looking that you lose it in parking lots. Save your money and buy one thats 2002 model year after they changed the design and made it look a whole lot sharper. Why not have looks, performance and dependability instead of just dependability?

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  Good - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By suhail - February 15 - 3:40 am

  2009 Nissan Altima is a fun ride You get a lot for the price