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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  Great Car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Jason - October 22 - 4:16 pm

  First car I have ever bought on my own. I was looking at the Honda accord coupe gti and and civic si, being that I am 26 I didnt want a " boy racer" so it came down to the altima and accord. The accord is a little bigger, but the altima drives like it weighs nothing and the look of the altima surpasses the accord hands down. Love the cockpit of a drivers seat love this car

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  You get what You pay for - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Mr. Vern - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Actually, my Nissan is a 2002 purchased in oct 2002. So, 2 yrs and 5 months reveals much about the car, and that is; reliable, reliable, reliable. The 3.5 still provides a lot of giddyup. My 63" friend remarked that he had more than ample head and leg room in the rear seat ! The trunk is more than spacious and fuel economy is still exceptional. All, things being equal pricing beat out camry (significantly) in final decision to buy

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  2004 Altima SE 5 Speed - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By nosajc - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I got an 04 SE 5 speed with floormats as my only option. Great car, very fast, lots of room, and handles decently. Even the gas mileage hovers around 27-28 when commuting at 75mph, which I am more than happy with. True, Nissan cut some costs on the interior, especially the door panels, and there is a good amount of torque steer when you gun it from a stop, but the build quality is excellent and I am very pleased so far. If you are looking for a new fairly inexpensive sedan with a powerful, flexible, and extremely reliable V6 and dont need a bunch of extra options, this car is tough to beat.

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  Very Happy Customer - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By lsufan61 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  The new design for 2002 is a real eye- catcher. Luxury car look inside and out at a middle class price. I couldnt be much more happier with my new Altima 2.5 SL!

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  Smooth Criminal - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By stan_sr - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. It just ask you to give it gas everytime you get in the car. The car holds the road in all the turns. As I was driving down the interstate one day a Volvo owner decided he want to have a little race. I gave him a thirty yard head start and blew his doors off. I never saw that guy after that. My kids named the car smooth criminal because the car moves faster than you think you are going so you know a speeding ticket is just around the corner. LOL!! This car is a real kicker.

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  Still impresses People - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Jess - October 20 - 7:36 am

  I Love my car. I have a 98 GLE and it is dependable and it still looks good. Its still drives excellent and has nearly 130,000 miles on it and I have never had any major problems. People still get in my car and tell me wow this is pretty nice. And i have come to love the rear end, but I have a spoiler which really evens things out.

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  great car for money saved life - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By altima guy03 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  i bouth the car almost a year ago and was involved in an accident where no one can beleve that im alive and was able to walk away from it. i am definately going to buy another nissan and now two more family members are buying one

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  Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Sunny - October 17 - 12:53 am

  I needed a commuter car. The Altima looks good and feels solid, but there a little things about the car that just bug the heck out of me. For anyone that drives a lot, rent this car first and drive it. Do your homework. If I could only do it all over again I would not have bought this car.

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  Good Reliable Transportation - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Tim - October 14 - 12:16 pm

  My 98 GLE has 90,000 miles on it and I have owned it since 22,000 mi. It has treated me very well. Its not a sports car or SUV, but just sound, comfortable transportation. The car has been very reliable with no major maintenance at all. It seems to be well designed and will likely go to our daughter for many years to come. Previously had a 1983 VW Jetta that was awesome & was concerned that the Altima wouldnt measure up, but it has. Overall very good.

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  Very Pleased !!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By IndyAltima - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car !!! If the 02 interior was cheap (as I have read) then they have really improved it. While there is some plastic, it does not come across "cheap " at all. It is layed out very well, is very easy to use and the fit is very good...the car is really quiet also (surprisingly). Very impressive, not a lot of wind or road noise....also it is very roomy and comfy. I am tall and have a ton of space in the cabin. Overall, I am very impressed and would recommend an Altima to anyone.