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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  No first year problems with 02 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mfelton - November 3 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased the 2002 Altima, I wondered how much risk I was taking with a first edition new model. I have owned the Altima for approximately 20 months and have been had no problems with any aspect of this vehicle. As with many other reviewers and critics, the interior and some of the interior assemblies have a feeling of "value engineering", or cost cutting. But all in all, this has been a very solid car.

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  2003 NISSAN ALTIMA - ROCKS! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Speedergurl68 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  After researching competing models, (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord)the Nissan won hands down!The Toyota Camry was completely overpriced for the options they offered and the Accord was spartan in appearance and performance compared to the Altima. The interior is sleek without being barren and offers the driver convenient features like in steering wheel radio and cruise control along with the trademark dashboard features that Nissan is now famous for. Acceleration is a BLAST! The 4 cylinder V-Tech engine with 170 horsepower offers fuel economy WITH powerful response that is difficult to find in most ordinary 4 cylinder autos.

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  RATED A- - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By GRASHA918 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  THE ONLY THING I DONT CARE FOR, IS THE TEXTURE AND QUALITY OF THE INTERIOR MATERIAL USED ON THE DASH BOARD........LOOKS INFERIOR TO THE REST OF THE CAR

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  Overall Great Package and Value - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Brian - October 30 - 7:56 am

  I got a 3.5SE with leather package, sunroof and spoiler in that killer looking cherry red! Shes absolutely beautiful after a wash and a wax and looks just as pretty as some luxury cars on the road. Having driven american for the last 6 years, it feels great to be in something new, something fun, and RELIABLE!! (Knock on wood - only have 2500 miles. Wifes 97 Maxima has 150K though and still running great.) This car might have 4 doors, but it drives like a coupe. Great handling and awesome acceleration, especially in autostick mode. Design just blows the doors off of American cars and the value is beyond compare as well.

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  83,000 and no probles at all! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Ray - October 28 - 5:37 am

  83,000 miles and no problmes. Im going to flush the cvt trans before I hit 90,000 miles. I have changed the oil every 7,500 miles. I love the car.

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  Best car in my life - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Tom from Tulsa - October 26 - 12:03 pm

  Best car I ever owned. Bought it used in 2000 with 23,000 miles on it. Now I have 142,000 on it and it is still going strong. Showing few signs of age. Unsurpassed reliability. Fun. Classy. Peppy, most powerful 4 cylinder Ive ever experienced. Have never felt the need for more power, even driving the Colorado mountains. Easily passed most cars if necessary. Front wheel drive made driving in snow a breeze. Even now, Sep 2006, it looks good. Not that out of style really. Rear spoiler helps the looks. Still get compliments on it now. Would that I could find another car to match this one. A hard act to follow. Dont think a better car has ever been built for the money. Cant stop raving.

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  Poor - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By altima2.5s - October 25 - 11:23 pm

  I purchased the car and less than 200 miles and the transmission does not want to shift out of park, The interior brake light will only come on when the shifter wants to come out of park. The exterior brake lights come on but thats not the problem, the transmission can be released by a pushing a key into the key release slot. But its definitely a hassle to have to have to put a key in there every time to shift into a different position. And thats what the dealership told me to do.

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  Hands down best bang for dollar in class - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Kathrine - October 25 - 2:00 am

  My Altima came home with 65k (highway) miles, Although it was one year old. I must attribute the condition of the car to Nissans absolute dedication to build quality. We just turned 87k on the odometer today. It still feels like a New car (mostly). Bottom line-Take care of this car and It Will take care of you. Punch the Audio power button and your paying for a new stereo. I truly love my Altima. hated the song. Absolutely Impressed with it. yeah the battery had a dead cell. $80 later I have 600CCR :) Forget the Sedan stigma. My 2006 Accord coupe V-6 was less of a car all around. I prefer it over our 2006 Toyota Avalon. I sit in the garage for hours just to be in my car!

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  One year later....still love it - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Paul O. - October 24 - 2:33 pm

  I leased my 05 3.5 SE w/ auto trans back in May 04. At 20K and over a year later I must say this is a great car. The engine is awesome (especially with the auto stick mode) and it makes merging on the highway a joy. I get about 24 mpg in mixed driving conditions. The freshened interior is attractive, seats are comfortable and the Bose stereo is great. The Xenon lights are bright and clear at night and they look great w/ the smoked out lense covers. All in all, Nissan has done a great job with this car and I highly recommend it to anyone. Good job!

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  Great all around affordable car!!!! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By John F. - October 23 - 2:56 pm

  Weve owned this car since 2000 and the one thing we can say about it is "Reliability". This car has never left us stranded. We have done nothing to this car except the regular scheduled maintenance. We live in NH and for the last 5 winters its never started hard and it actually goes well in the snow too (FWD) Keep in mind this car is not a BMW nor a caddy. Its not sexy or even necessarily cool but its been a great, reliable daily driver. It has plenty of Pep and easlily maintains 70 - 80 mph on the highway. For a mid-sized car the legroom, interior compartment space and the trunk size is surprisingly large. Seats are very comfortable, even for long road trips. Top recommendations!