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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  Cant go wrong... - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By h.c. - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I cant stress enough what a beautiful car this has been. Ive put over 20,000 miles on it so far and its been a fantastic car in every respect. Great mileage, complete comfort, handles wonderfully. Not a single problem yet, I doubt any will arise soon. I get about 30mpg on highway and mid twenties (depending on driving habit) in the city. Its put to the test on Los Angeles streets and highways everyday and takes it like a champ. Great for long trips with four adults- PLENTY of room. Adult passengers in the back seat have ample leg room, without the front seats having to scooch up at all!

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  A Winner! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By 2nd time Owner - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Altima in 1993, the first year in production, and drove the car for 130K miles. The engine never wore out, but I decided to trade the car because the interior had seen too many hot summers. I could afford more car, but I didnt even have to decide which new car I was going to buy. The Altima was one of the best and most reliable cars I ever owned. My new Altima is awesome in appearance, handling, comfort, and price. I hope to enjoy many years of dependability with my 2004 SL with leather seats and convenience package, as I had with my 1993 GXE.

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  Lemon car - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By skwon - December 1 - 10:40 am

  After one day of ownership of brand new Altima SV, a leak was found and a part (valve assembly solenoid) was replaced twice under factory warranty. My Altima was considered as defective under lemon law, and Nissan and I have been trying to get a replacement since December 2014. It is March 2015 and I do not have the replacement yet. It is unclear at this point when I would receive the replacement. Such delay is due to my relocation, misleading Nissan dealership, and long processes in Nissan corporate. To Nissan’ credit, I was offered a “loaner” car (S trim, not SV). However, the driver side door of this loaner does not close when the temperature drops below 0.

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  New Owner of Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Rosalynnr - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My 2.5S (Altima) is beautify, however I thought it would be a lot smoother on bumps. Im wonder if I should get different tires.

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  Nissan Altima Sedan 2.5S - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By lezna - November 30 - 6:30 am

  This is the first Nissan I own. A great car. Handles excellent and is very good on gas, 4 cylinder model. The fit and finish is also excellent. The driver seat is good but could use some better support. Plenty of back seat room for the kids. Very fast acceleration. Could hardly believe that its a 4 cyl. Braking is very good as well.

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  AWSOME!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mike & Jackie - November 30 - 3:30 am

  Got the SL package after checking out the others in the lot. No comparison. The acceleration is unbelievable, and the interior (though we werent looking at leather at the time) is nice and comfortable-the grab handles are a must w/ the 3.5! Lots of bang for the buck. 0-80 happens before you have a chance to say "whew!- did you see that?" Very,very nice. Had the rear spoiler added at the deal,so no extra charge, which adds to the appearance of the nice lines this car already had. Oh- 4 wheel disc (ABS) comes in handy with this second-in- line four door sports car (behind the Max,of course...)

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  Why buy anything else? - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By crazzzycanuck - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I was leasing a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT and was more or less pleased with its performance....until I took out a 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE for a test ride. I was astonished at the horsepower, feel,look and quality of this Altima given the asking price! I had to buy it...and I have had a hard time parking it at the end of the day! What a fantastic car!

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  DO NOT BUY - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By pmz3 - November 28 - 7:42 pm

  Ill keep this simple.... 1. Replaced transmission with less than 4000 miles 2. Replaced entire sunroof assembly immediately after multiple attempts to fix 3. whistling wind sound addressed twice now 4. multiple attempts to fix an "axle cap" which was not seated properly at the factory Got up to my 30 days in the shop under the lemon law in three months. Not too good. Either poorly designed or poorly put together. You wanna take a chance at finding out?

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  Love my Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By M Schaefer - November 28 - 2:21 pm

  Excellent gas mileage, very comfortable, quiet ride and great reliability.

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  2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By NESOP276 - November 27 - 10:00 am

  175 ponies in a 4cyl engine has some nice get-up-and- go. Traded a 2000 VW Golf GTI GLX VR6 on this car. My VW was a V6 and had 2hp less. My new Altima is a great automatic car for fun to drive value and I thought my VW was fun... it was a manual tranny too which I thought Id miss but dont so far. The gated shifter in the Altima is a nice styling touch but takes a little to get used to. The 2003 model adds wood trim to the SL model and they didnt over do it. Just enough to add more style. The Bose 6 disc in dash stereo has great sound, lots of bass too. Impressive!