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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  My 1st Nissan - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Gomey - February 14 - 4:03 am

  After driving Toyotas for the last 20 years I was a bit apprehensive about buying a car that didnt say Toyota on it. But after driving my new 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5S I am totally impressed. It handles great, has tons of power, looks beautiful and gets an avg of over 28 mpg. Not bad considering I have been driving rather heavy footed. The seats take a little getting use to and the plastic on the inside of the car has an inexpensive feel to it. Not cheap but not too good either. The CVT is amazing. I think it and the engine are a great match. Nice job Nissan.

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  Very good car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By happy owner - February 13 - 11:13 pm

  I have my Nissan Altima for almost 4 years now. A very good V6 engine that gives you a nice feeling driving it. It stays good on the road and reacts and can be handled well in various weather conditions. Didnt have any problems with it.The only one was changing the battery in the first 8 months. A good and robust car that gives you what you ask for!

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  V-6. Sl - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By BRUCE LOESER - February 13 - 12:31 am

  Good value, runs great so far

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  You can have it all!!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - February 11 - 9:36 am

  Ive had this car for two weeks and its easily the best car Ive ever owned. Want good looks? Its one of the hottest looking sedans on the market. Want space? Im 6 4" with a long torso and Ive got more head and legroom than I know what to do with (I hit my head in the back seat, however). Want fuel economy? Try about 29 on the highway and 27 in commuting (currently getting 26 and driving somewhat aggressively). Want torque and acceleration? Floor it even in 2nd gear and get tire spin. Watch the Porsche Boxster disappear into your rearview mirror as you hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds. Want reliability? Check Consumer Reports and be impressed.

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  03 altima 2.5s a drivers pleasure - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By fastlane7 - February 11 - 12:25 am

  I got my altima with 38k. the previous owner, a relative, never had any problems with it. I now have 58k and it runs like a dream. I did have to replace the crank position sensor at 57k. However, although the ses light was on, it never gave me problems. If your looking for a cushy ride,look elsewhere. The Altima is definitely a drivers car.sturdy frame, firm ride. handling is excellent. Very little body-lean when buzzing around roads. holds road very well The engine is responsive. quick off the line. open road acceleration impressive; especially for a 4cylindar engine. stunning exterior, and a roomy, comfortable, interior. some cheap plastics inside; no big deal. to sum up,love this car

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  Altima 3.5se - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By GABoy74 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I like it alot.

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  A very bad choice. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By terryboots - February 8 - 7:16 am

  We purchased a 2013 Altima the month they were released. The good: Great ride, great seats, excellent climate control, fuel economy, generally good controls. The bad: Transmission failed at 13k. For months we were told the jerking and shuddering was normal, then the trans failed completely. Wind noise. Paint easily scratched/marked. Engine is noisy esp under light acceleration. CVT transmission is annoying, acts like the old 2-speed "Powerglide" in Grandmas Impala. Its either revving like crazy or so low the engine lugs. Nissan was good about replacing the transmission (this time), next time who knows? Accord, Impala, Fusion, Camry are all better options.

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  Im a fan - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Beefjerky - February 6 - 1:13 pm

  Ive put nearly 1,000 miles on my 07 Nissan Altima 2.5 S w/ CVT Transmission. I really love this car. This is my first new car purchase and I am beyond satisfied. I test drove just about everything and nothing compared for the price. The exterior has a really clean look. I really like the blond cloth interior with the wood grain, and it is really soft comfortable cloth. Mechanically very sound. Virtually no road or engine noise. Just made a 400 miles trip and it was extremely comfortable. I also liked the accord, but the altima looked better, performed better and was the best bang for the buck. I think Toyota cut some corners on the 07 Camry. Good college grad program.

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  Great car to drive, technology needs work. - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Meg Morgan - February 5 - 10:12 pm

  First off, great car to drive. Comfortable, great pickup, terrific gas mileage, looks good. On the downside, before you buy, make sure your phone will work with their hands-free text messaging. There are a lot of phones that DO NOT work with outgoing text messaging (which is really just a series of pre-scripted messages; there is no "talk-to-text" messaging), including the iPhone 6. They blame Apple but that certainly doesnt stop them from touting it as a great feature. I did get my incoming texts to work at first, sometimes, although if there is more than one that comes in, it would only read the first one to me, not any subsequent texts. Really annoying. Why bother? Id also get the choices of "send text, read text or call back," through voice prompt. Id say, "send text," to which it system responds, "text messaging is not available." So why is it offering it as a choice? Second issue is their blind spot assist. In my car, the drivers side works really well, but not the passenger side. It would work at lower speeds (say, under 60mph), but didnt even register cars on high-speed roads, which is when you really need to know that youre clear of a car you just passed. Took it in for service and they told me there was a laundry list of parameters that needed to be met in order for it to work (distance from other cars, speed, weather, other conditions), and they couldnt find anything wrong with the sensors. I think small blind-spot mirrors will be more helpful. Before you buy, search for forums on these problems. I didnt find them until after I purchased and had problems, so be sure to do your research. Thirdly, I had an issue with the radio. It would freeze up and disallow me from changing not only the radio station but also the source (i.e., from radio to CD, to Sirius, back to radio, etc). Dealership told me there was an update needed, which they performed (Im wondering why they didnt do the update before I took possession of the car??), but since they did that, I now cant get my text messages, so another trip to them is in order. Long story short, when I spent this kind of money on a brand new car, I expected everything to work perfectly. Not an unreasonable expectation. It didnt The car is not performing in the specific areas for which I bought it. I most recently had a Honda Accord, which I really liked and that was another contender. I decided to change things up a bit and now wish I hadnt. I like driving the Altima, but those bells and whistles are really not what they should be. Nissan needs to do a lot of work to upgrade these poor performing areas.

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  Fun Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Dreese - February 4 - 10:50 pm

  I owned this car for over 2 years, and cant really complain. For a 4 cyl, this car rips. Passing IS NOT a problem. It gets 26-30 mpg and I romp on the gas frequently. Other than a few stone chips, the ext is in great condition. The wheels, hub caps and steel rims should be outlawed. The brakes are the only thing that has given me problems. Ive noticed other owners making the same comment. Nissan needs to improve the breaks. The interior looks a little cheap, but it is comfortable, very roomy, and has held up very good. I prefer my Altima over my Xterra in < 4" of snow. After hearing from friends and family about the problems with their "big 3" car, I know I made a great decision!