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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  Why buy a used Civic for more $??? - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Redlinez - December 29 - 4:26 pm

  I think Nissan is definitely underrated on quite a few vehicles, this being one of them. I just bought a pearl white 99 SE-L 5 speed. Hondas do not possess the level of solidity that this car has. Wow, the transmission is geared high! I cant fairly rate the gas mileage but for a 2950 lb vehicle, how can 30mpg be bad. Very good midrange power. Id also love to find a 91-94 low mileage Sentra SE-R, another favorite.

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  Im happy with it. - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Noel - December 28 - 9:23 am

  I bought this car used with about 19,000 miles on it. I was really surprised at the power of the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder. Its much peppier than I would have expected. The gas mileage has been good too. I average around 23 in town and 34 on the highway. The brakes are really touchy and grabby though. Im hoping that will change with new brake pads. Also the seats could be more comfortable, but Im getting used to them.

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  Great car- very satisfied. - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By C White - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Good car. have not had any problems with it and have recommended the Altima/ Nissan to friends. My next car may be the new model Altima (with the V- 6 of course)!

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  Sandras Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Sandra - December 26 - 12:06 pm

  Before I saw the 2008 Altima, my mind was set on a Camry, but after seeing and reading about the Altima, my mind changed. I had to have an Altima. I look forward to driving it each day. I love the keyless entry, keyless start and the CVT transmission. No digging in my purse for the key!! I have so much fun driving it.The gas mileage is awesome. Bottom line, I love my Altima!

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  I love my Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By tulip23 - December 26 - 1:43 am

  It was time for me to get a new car and I could not be happier that I chose to get an Altima! I also considered a Mazda3, the new Honda CRV and the Camry and Accord. The Altima was the perfect combination for me. It is a roomy car with great amenities, but also has styling that I like. It looks a little sportier than some of the competitors.

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  WOW! Great car for the money - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dero210 - December 25 - 8:23 pm

  Well, I traded my 05 GTO for the keys of an 07 Nissan Altima due to a baby on the way and all I can say is WOW. The interior is very roomy with a lot of head and leg room and a great amount of places to stash your extra belongings (wallet, mp3, cell phone). Even though the power is not comparable to a 6.0L v8 GTO, it was way more then I ever expected from a 3.5L V6. My first vehicle was an old Maxima and Nissan really makes some reliable cars. Combine that with some nice interior and head turning stlye and you have one great car.

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  RUN RUN RUN Away!!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By jimbodwb - December 25 - 3:03 am

  This car has been nothing but problems from the very beginning. Should have returned it when I only got 5 miles from the dealer and the engine started spewing smoke. A hose was not clamped properly tranny fluid sprayed all over the engine. Then the speedometer is off like 5 mph but the dealer says "it is normal for this vehicle". Stereo had to be replaced for scratching cds. Front brake rotors were warped and replaced at 18k after fighting with the dealer and contacting Nissan directly. Bringing back this week for rear rotors falling apart! Yes pieces of the rotor have rusted causing the pads to shred. Transmission slips since I got it but dealer says nothing wrong. This is the worst car ever!

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  2013 Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By acoustic58 - December 24 - 10:08 pm

  I bought this car based on its high marks for overall quality of past Altimas. the new design is what sold me. I bought the 4 cylinder SL with all the bells and whistles. This car is right on the door step of going back to nissan. It has already had 2 recalls. The next recall will be related to a belt that was put on the first group of Altimas that did not fit which is causing extra noise on acceleration. There is now a high pitch squeal that Nissan knows about coming from the power steering motor that Nissan is calling normal. For $30,000, it is not normal. Anyone that has one of the first 2013s have them check that belt because mine needed to be replaced.

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  Its early, but this car rocks - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Mr. T. - December 23 - 12:36 am

  Im nearing 1,000 miles on a 2010 coupe and have zero complaints. Excellent acceleration and handling, a joy to drive. Test-drove the Mazda 3 and Accord Coupe. The Altima has a much more solid feel than the Mazda -- no comparison really. The Accord was roomier and drove about as nicely as the Altima, but we liked the styling on the Altima better and it cost thousands less than the Accord. The dash layout is a big plus for us -- simple, easy-to-reach controls. Love the CVT trans. Alum alloys are standard on the base model and they are really nice wheels. The back seat is smallish and the trunk space is very limited but these are trade offs weve accepted to get a very sporty looking, fun car.

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  Perfect Commuter Car - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Shayne Sintz - December 20 - 3:46 am

  Purchased 2000 GXE off lease in 2001 with 12K on it. Drives like a smaller car and predictable if pushed. No rattles or squeaks. Economical, but still very able to have fun with. Only had brake pads, serpentine belt, and tires replaced (now with over 85,000). Very reliable. Yup, the body style is bland, but who cares? For a car payment under $240/mo to own, you simply cannot beat it. Plan to drive into the ground (150- 200K+ miles). The A/C is cold and other climate conrols are fine. Literally, the only complaint may be that the e-brake handle protrudes into leg room on larger drivers. Id recommend to anyone looking for a well built commuter car on the cheap.