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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  In the end, reliable - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By wrecks7 - October 13 - 11:26 am

  The car proved to be fairly reliable, especially since I paid little attention to its upkeep. At the time and at this price point, the Altima stood alone in performance and appearance. The AC went kaput in year four, engine mounts in year six. Downside is the poor material used in for the interior (Ive seen GM cars with better plastic), and the body is only slightly more dent resistant than a can of Spam. However, the most frustrating was its awful turning radius. It was inexcusably poor.

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  Capable Cruiser - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Roger - October 12 - 3:26 pm

  I have only had to put the car into the shop once. Outside of routine oil changes the thing runs like a dream. I do notice a little wind noise around the windows, but have had this on every car Ive owned. It has excellent interior space and is a pleasure to drive.

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  I want to trade it in already! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Ica - October 12 - 7:23 am

  I do like my 2.5S Altima for the way that it looks on the outside. The design especially on the back is what led me to the dealer in the first place. The push key is fun as well. But that is all that is good inside, noise comes from everywhere! I feel like it is going to fall apart as I drive it. Oh and mine sounds like crap all day and I keep taking in to the dealer they say it is fixed some recall crap and then guess what I hear as I drive home? Ugh!

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  Great Style, Great Performance. Reliable - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By deftech - October 12 - 5:16 am

  I bought this car with 10000 miles on it. I now have 80000 miles on it and have not had any trouble with it whatsoever. The big 2.5L cylinder has lots of power and is fun to drive. The cabin has more room than other cars in its class. The good fuel economy is just another plus.

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  Extremely good car for the money - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By vinvv - October 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used 6 months ago, and put 20,000 miles on it already. drives great, good mileage, have taken good care of this car (as my other cars; im a mechanical engineer). its 5 years old and has not come up with any maintenance work yet ! Tho i did upgrade the stock speakers.

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  More for your $$$$ - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By O38marvin - October 11 - 12:36 am

  I purchased a 2007 Toyota Camry and once I saw and drove the 2007 Nissan Altima I traded in the Camry. I got way more for my money, sporty/elegant look, and not too mention the service I received from Nissan. Toyota dealers act like we owe them something... I feel, no I know Ive made the right decision.... Perfect Car for anyone.

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  2013 Altima 3.5 SV - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By fridaypm2002 - October 10 - 4:35 pm

  I test drove a 3 series BMW, 4 series Audi, and the Sonata. Decided on the Altima 3.5SV. Came with all the bells and whistles, but at reasonable price when compared with BMW and Audi. The fit and trim is excellent. The car feels more expensive than it costs. The Sonata, although also very nice looking did not handle as well as the Altima 3.5 SV. Chose cloth over leather for comfort. Gets hot where I live. Test drove the 2.5 Altima. No comparison to the 3.5 for pep and go. The Altima 3.5 is very compariable to the pep of BMW and Audi. Highly recommend the Altima 3.5.

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  Sweet Ride - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Ron in SLC - October 9 - 11:53 am

  I have owned this vehicle for a year and love it. The 2.5 liter v4 gives the perfect mix of zip and fuel economy. My friends think it looks expensive but my wallet knows the truth.

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  Great car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Captjim - October 8 - 12:46 am

  So far I love this car! I get up in the morning and actually look forward to driving it. I feel like I ripped off Nissan, because it feels like a more expensive car. The room is great for a 64" guy like myself. The stereo is outstanding, the ride quality is just awesome! So many great things about this car, its unbelievable.

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  Nissan vs. Honda - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By new_to_nissan - October 7 - 3:06 am

  I bought Nissan Altima, 2.5 S with ABS, after 2 weeks of new car research. I had Honda Accord EX 2000 V4 that I lost in a wreck, around 30mph, Accord stood well in a wreck though. I drove almost 2 weeks rental Accord 2005 LX. As compared to Honda Accords this car has smoother ride in the city and highway. More room lengthwise and equally wide as Accord 05. It is little early to tell about the noise on highway but it has not bothered me much at this time. In city this car is smoother and quieter ride than Accord. May have more to tell about noise in next 6 or 7 month. With low APR, May 06, this was the only car that gave the best value of my money.