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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  Cute and Reliable - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By SingleMom - January 30 - 5:53 pm

  I bought this car new because I loved the sporty look and the horsepower on the 4 cyl. I still have it and it still runs awesome. At first I took it back the dealer because of a couple of recalls but since then have only had to do routine maintenance. Its the perfect car for a single mom with lots of room, options like auto head lights, temp and trip computer and is really comfortable. Car seats fits snug and securely in the back with plenty of room for a passenger. The trunk is huge and fits two strollers plus over night bags.

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  Great step up over competition - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By LewisC2639 - January 30 - 6:26 am

  Nissan really stepped up this year with the redesign of the Altima. Not only does it far surpass comfort, features, and technology of Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but it surpasses its own 2006 model. To have the option of Navigation in a 4 cylinder model and to have standard intelligent key is genius! The fit and finish of this vehicle is that of Lexus, Mercedes, and Infiniti. Far FAR above Toyota and Honda. Great job Nissan!!! And Don Davis Nissan in Grapevine for the amazing treatment

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  Good looker but dull - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By nicole_b - January 29 - 12:03 pm

  I got a 2.5S for my daughter. We test drove a few other cars and the Altima was the most expensive of the ones we tested. The interior is nice but not exciting. The 2.5S is not a luxury car and it doesnt feel like one. Everything about the car is pretty much just "good" and driving it is not particularly fun or exciting. However, the exterior is very attractive and makes the difference. The exterior turns a dull family car into something worth buying.

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  2017 Altima 2.5 SR review - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Al - January 28 - 9:46 am

  Traded in a 2013 Camry Le for this Altima. Best decision ever. The Altima is way more comfortable in drivers seating comfort and handles way better on turns and on the highway. Do not listen to online video reviews for this car from people who driven the car for 5 minutes. I am a sales rep and put many miles on the car each day. SR trim looks great and you wont regret buying one.

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  disappointment - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By i hate nissan now - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this car got really good reviews, went out and bought it... big mistake. always got crappy mileage about 12mpg mixed driving. im not kidding, i even tried driving like i was afraid of the gas pedal, not much help. finally at 7k service engine soon light comes on. what the heck. forget this car, get an accord or a camry. i noticed something peculiar at the service center. it has both a nissan and toyota service department. nissans were rolling in by the dozens, didnt see a single car pull up to the toyota service

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  A big surprise! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By John E. Abbey - January 27 - 7:29 am

  After renting an Altima (S with a few options) in NY, we became interested in possibly getting one for ourselves. Seems the timing was right with rebates etc and the Nissan dealer here in Killeen paid off the remaining 7 months of lease from Toyota (2012 Camry base XLE) and got us into the SL with everything on it for less than $40 a month increase in our lease payment - and $ 0.00 due at signing! A great deal if the shine remains after weve had it a while. I can say that after about 600 miles (just a week or so since getting it) the highway mileage is excellent -- just below or just above 40mpg! City driving has been around 23 so far. Hoping it will rise a bit. The appearance both externally and inside is A-1 First Class! I cant get over how exceptional it feels just getting in. The Bose stereo system works best if you run the bass and treble just above the middle. That way you can turn the volume up higher and get a more rounded sound (plenty of bass to a certain sub-bass frequency, then it drops off, but overall good to excellent. Everything about the drive is substantial. It feels much heavier than it is with a nicely weighted steering wheel. Some people dont like that, but I found it a pleasure once used to it. All the safety features great. The motor: VERY smooth at idle for a 4 cyl motor. Nearly 0 vibration at idle at a stop. The motor remains quite muted under normal acceleration, but does howl a bit when pushed. TRANS:: CVT means no noticeable gear shifts. A little odd feel at first, but doesnt take long to appreciate how smooth it all works together. A/C -- the best Ive ever had (as good as the Toyota, which I felt is top notch). Information display - once I figured it out is also such a neat feature. I love all of the little things that make it a cut above so many other cars. Issues: Havent had it long enough to generate negatives other than the leather seat is a little too hard -- I am finding it necessary to use an additional pillow/seat comforter type of thingy to keep from squirming after only 30 min or so on the road. The dealership says the leather will break in and should not be an issue for very long. The one we rented in NY was cloth and I had no comfort problems with the cloth version. Verdict: I will come up with a seating plan because I just love EVERYTHING ELSE! Hope this is helpful!!

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  Better than my Lexus 300 - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By realleah - January 26 - 6:29 am

  I LOVE LOVE LOVE my sporty new Altima 2.5 SL, with heated seats, sunroof and xm radio and its getting 27.5 MPG in the city! Thats more than the sticker said! I have bought a lot of cars and dealt with a lot of car dealers. Buying a car should be fun and enjoyable! It really was this time, thanks to Ben Coates and his team at Go Nissan Southwest. Whenever Im ready for a new car, Ill be back.

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  Nice car overall - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By VBM - January 26 - 4:30 am

  The car is reliable and fun to drive. The only problem in 4 years was right shock/strut - had to change. Fuel economy depends on style of driving and varied between 24.5 and 27 mpg for mixed cycle with less than 20% highway mileage. Steering is very responsive and accurate, acceleration is good, although not as fast as for 3.5L engine (give and take on fuel economy though). Overall experience was very good.

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  Poor mans G35 indeed! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By DJ - January 24 - 9:46 am

  Was looking at the G35/37 to begin with. Took at look at the 3.5 SE with CVT and decided that for a lot less money, it was almost as much fun to drive. Mid range power is great. If you can afford all the bells and whistles, do it. Add the sport package like I did and you almost forget its not the coupe! Its also way more stable in the snow and ice than the 2005 Volvo S40 I traded in for it!

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  Great Buy! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By gerschman1 - January 21 - 12:36 pm

  Originally I wanted an SE, but one ride in the SE-R changed that! This car is one of those "sleepers" as I like to call them. Roll up next to a pre-05 Mustang at a stop light and you will REALLY suprise them!! All that boy- racer stuff aside, this car is quite comfortable and practical (being a sedan). Great looks, great performance, at a price that beats the competition easily!