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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  Nice Car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By dan p. - January 19 - 1:00 pm

  Ive been very impressed so far with this car. The price was great for such a reliable car. It is not only reliable but can be quick and great on gas.

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  Love my Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By gemini - January 19 - 12:20 am

  The Altima is the best car in its class. Totally awesome good looks, sporty and extremely economical. I do a 50/50 split hwy and city. During normal driving mid 30s fuel economy. If I baby it, Ive gotton close to 40 mpg. Gauges are easy to read day or night. Standard halogen lamps, push start, all standard. I love the fact that I never have to pull the keys out of my pocket. The 4cyl Altima easily beats 4 cyl Accord and Camry of the line and passes better as well. All for a car that is in the low 20s.

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  Read carefully-good car with minor annoyances. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By mred72 - January 18 - 3:39 pm

  I bought this car with 6,000 miles on it. Dealership had reprogrammed the CVT so the notorious vibration at low RPMs is somewhat eliminated. The entire rear lighting assembly was replaced as others complained about. Car DOES NOT get much more than 33 MPG as of writing this, but it should improve in warmer weather, at least it better (I drive all highway). Still its better than the 26 MPG I was getting in my 05 V6 Avalon and Solara. Very nice handling and little road noise. Comfortable car, fit and finish done very nicely. Had fog lights installed afterward. Makes a big difference in distribution of lighting.

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  Altima SE, 2001 - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By John Lampe - January 16 - 10:00 am

  The car has been a zero defect vehicle. It does everything well. The standard six CD in-dash radio is a delight. the std four wheel disc brakes are excelent as well as the sport suspension. It has been totally reliable so far (30k miles).

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  06 Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Cristy - January 10 - 12:00 am

  This car drives so smoothly. Easy, and fun to drive. Great on gas! Only fill up once a week going back and forth to work everyday about 30 miles. The newer body style is great too

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  Very disappointed - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By joe - January 9 - 8:20 am

  My second review since buying in June of 07. The fuel economy is not good at all. Lucky to get 20 mpg in local driving. I live in the country where the roads are hilly and expect the mpg to be down a bit but cant see how I would ever get 25-27. The CVT is so intrusive at times, everytime the car goes downhill or around a corner with a downgrade it downshifts. At times this seems great but not all the time. Leaves you wondering. However I think if you live in less hilly areas performance would be better.

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  love this car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By marie - January 8 - 4:36 pm

  I went from a jeep to this because of the gas mileage and the distance that I have to drive now. I have to say that I wasnt so sure about how I would like this car but so far I am very pleased. The ride could be a lot less noisier and the exterior mirrors are too small. It is a very comfortable car and the MPG was wht made me consider buying it. The arm rest looks cheap compare to the rest of the interior. I think NISSAN can make a heavier arm rest.

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  Transmission. .. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Danyel H - January 7 - 3:54 pm

  New Transmission at 52000 Miles. Should have a transmission recall.

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  Sorry in Reisterstown - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Sorry in Reisterstow - January 6 - 9:23 pm

  Great looking, handling, performance,but reliability and quality of build questionable. Purchased July 2009. As of October 23, 2009 had to return for leaking water into interior from moonroof and again for battery failure. Whats next? Plan to trade-in for a Honda and take a lost. At least I wont need to worry about traveling any distance because of the possible next break down. Although the dealer repaired the cause of the leak, it refused to replace the wet padding unless an odor developed and only charged the completely dead battery.

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  Coupe it is! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ladys Altima - January 5 - 9:20 pm

  I am very happy with my purchase of a 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe. This vehicle is very fun to drive! I love the sleek look of the outside as well as the inside! People can not believe it is an Altima. It is a smooth riding vehicle. Nissan did an excellent job with the Altima design and performance.