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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  Love that Altima! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By audiologist - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Have owned 3 sentras and a 95 altima, this is by far the best. Great reliablility in a car. I have had the 2003 Altima for a week now and still cant get over the smooth, quiet ride. Considered Jetta and Accord but they have boring styling, this V6 has pep even in an automatic. Drove the 2002 Maxima for a day while removing pinstripes on new Altima. Altima much improved over Maxima. Watch out for the new 2004 maxima though.

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  Best car for 10 years of ownership - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By BSR - November 18 - 1:16 pm

  This car has been great for 10 years!! I drove this car on the east coast when I had to travel for my job. It was comfortable, had great acceleration, and gas mileage. I now have 192K miles on it. I havent had any major problems with the car. I hope Nissan has built a comparable car the last few years when it comes to reliability

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  Finally, someone built a fun car again - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Uncle Al in Md - November 14 - 7:10 am

  I waited until I made a good deal on this car before I test drove it. I was not in any way disappointed. Ive been carefully breaking it in over the past few weeks and I like it more each time I drive it. My dogs can get in the back seat easy and seem to enjoy the view when they go for a cruise. All instruments are laid out to use easily. Im going easy the 1st few thousand miles so Im doing things in stages. I like the keyless starting and all the displays. The a/c works fine and the std radio is good. I didnt get the 3 high $$ options but I did get the cheap 3 and the new homelink/compass option mirror - a great deal! Only 3 other cars in 38 years have had me so excited.

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  2008 Altima Coupe 3.5 SE - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Karen - November 11 - 12:36 pm

  I test drove my car, feel in love with it and bought it the same day! No regrets. So powerful. Very comfortable. Very Very stylish! Turns heads. Has the power to step up. I was and still am really impressed. Gets lots of looks.

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  2.5S w/special edition pkg. - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By butch1946 - November 10 - 11:04 pm

  This seems to be a solid car. Got it a month ago and have 1000 miles on it. No complaints. Gas mileage is 26 mpg which is in town and rural combined. My v6 accord got 21 mpg for the same type driving. Overall a very good car.

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  Fun to drive, great value - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By sharkman - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my Altima and could not be happier. Excellent build quality and features, especially considering cost of $19-22K. Have owned two previous Altimas,an Accord and a Camry and this one is MUCH bigger inside and MUCH better ride than any previous Japanese models. Buy it, love it!

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  2003 Altima 2.5SL - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Eric M - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Id highly recommend the 2.5SL over the 2.5S for the extra money. The Leather seats, Standard Bose, Wood Trim and Homelink make for a luxurious ride that easily rivals the high end Japanese brands (Acura, Infiniti, Lexus). The backseat is HUGE, your friends and family who drive in the back will definitely appreciate the roominess. The 4 Cylinder engine is perfect for the Altima, 175HP is plenty for the open road. The Altima frame stays strong at higher speeds (and the cabin stays very quiet) If youre in the market for a new sedan, I highly recommend dropping by your local Nissan and taking an Altima out for a spin, you will not be disappointed!

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  Altima-the 4 door Sports car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Redsoxfan - November 9 - 10:00 am

  It was between the accord and altima. After careful thinking I chose the silver SL altima b/c: A. The accord is too conservative B. The 6 cd BOSE system C. Price D. Reliability and recommendations from friends and family I love this car. I upgraded from the civic so going from 115HP to 175HP was great. For those of you who wrote that the interior was cheap and are complaining. WHY DID YOU BUY IT? Yes, the interior is not as high quality as say a jaguar or a Porsche but for around 22,700 it is a great buy. I love the power windows up feature, homelink, heated seats, sound system, style, and roomy interior. I love driving this car

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  Awesome Car!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Brian - November 4 - 10:53 am

  Just got mine yesterday and loving every minute driving it.The car is real SHARP looking! Even with my neighborhood littered with Altimas, mine still turns heads. The Sheer Silver with the chrome accents on the door really puts an exclamation point on an already gorgeous car. Also like the new alloys for 05 and the redesign of the interior.

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  Nice Car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By flamekrazee - November 3 - 10:23 am

  This is a very classy car. I test drove at least six other 4cyl cars and none even came close to having the pep of the Altima. This car flies for a 4 cylinder. The Bose audio system is outstanding, but the radio reception is weak. The blond interior is sleek and beautiful with a rich feel. This car turns heads as you drive. The things I dont like are the door locks which are easy to accidently lock. I also had a torn CV boot at 4000 miles. The trunk lid has a problem staying open especially with a spoiler. Since the good points overweigh the bad, overall I am happy with this car.