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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  Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Steph - October 6 - 5:06 am

  Love the car, never had any trouble from it. Had a variety of vechicles, must say without a doubt this is the best in preformance, make, you name it.

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  Expected better! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Schulze - October 5 - 11:03 pm

  It would be great if there was a way to really test a car more thoroughly then you can on a short test drive at the dealers. Ive had 2 previous Altimas; a 2004 and a 2012. Both were good solid cars that I enjoyed, so I was expecting the same or better with this 2015. Test drive seemed fine. My major complaints are engine noise, and the CVT transmission. Especially when cold the engine is more like a diesel than a gas engine. VERY noisy even under mild acceleration. Seems better after warming up a bit, but still probably the noiseist engine Ive ever had. The CVT seems to have artificial shift points built in. The problem is when cruising at a steady speed (doesnt matter if slow or fast) the CVT feels like a manual transmission that needs to be downshifted a gear. You can feel the slight but noticeable vibration in the steering wheel. Also, the auto climate control is overly aggressive. When in heat mode, the fan goes to full speed and stays there way too long. You need to manually set the fan speed down a notch or two before you turn into toast. When on a test drive, the sales person said the heater was "industrial". She wasnt kidding! OK, a few good points. Good gas mileage, and a comfortable ride. Performance is certainly adequate for a 4 cylinder (other than the raucous engine noise). I was really debating between the Altima and an Accord. Now wishing I would have gone for the Accord!

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  Very impressed! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Bogeyboy - October 5 - 4:26 pm

  Having been a Honda owner for many years, I was not impressed with the new Accord and started looking at the Altima. I was a little hesitant at first, due to the fact that reliability is my #1 concern, but after almost 3 years with the Altima, I am sold! I have not had any problems with this car and over 52,000 miles so far. Amazing acceleration from a 4 cylinder and the CVT is top notch! There is a little hesitation around 25 mph, but nothing that I would consider a deal breaker. Car is VERY quiet and drives like a dream. The factory tires that come with the car were very cheap so I replaced them ASAP and now the car handles like a dream in all weather condition. Great MPG also!

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  Great buy - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Dhruv - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Great re-designing , increased HP.

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  3.5 SL with Navigation - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By junj - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I cant wait to test the engine (still breaking in) but you know there is a lot of power waiting in the wings. The display for the navi/sound system has a nice day/night feature which helps reduce glare in the day and too much brightness at night. Dial controls for the auto climate control seems elegant. The Bose sound system is good but the bass seems very light unless you crank up the volume. My main complaint: the cheap parts (lock switch, dashboard, faux wood panelling, etc) are very noticeable. Hence, I gave it only a 9 in that regard. Otherwise, overall the car is worthy of the praises that it receives.

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  05 Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Andy - October 5 - 7:03 am

  The five speed manual w/ the 4 cylindar is a very fun and peppy car for the money. It drives much like a sports car, but has the convenience of being a sedan and feels surprisingly luxurious for the price.

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  Altima after 4 years - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By dm - October 3 - 12:26 pm

  This car has been the best car Ive owned (and Ive owned a lot). I bought it because it was stylish, affordable, spacious (both passenger and truck space) and fun to drive. It has also turned out to be very economical (23 MPG city) and extremely reliable. On the highway, it has over a 500 mile range and it has never left me stranded. And with the 5 speed it is a lot of fun to drive. A lot of power for a 4 cylinder.

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  Love my SE-R!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By GVUCRDT - October 2 - 12:26 pm

  Ive had this car for a few weeks, put a few thousand miles on it already, and love it! I had a 97 Altima (still have) w/ 173000 miles, I expect the same from this. The only problem is that my old favorite windy roads are now boring in the SE-R, I need to find more challanging roads! Oh wait, guess thats not really a problem is it?

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  The Happy Monkey - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Mollejuax - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The car is a great experience.. It look alot better than the Honda Accord... It has a bigger engine than the Accord and the Camry..I dont understand why anyone would even consider buying the accord or the camry...Lets make it fair and combine both the accord and the camry together..Damn what an ugly car.. We will call it the Japanese Mollejuax 2.49 1/2 stutter..

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  Ricks review. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Rick Alonso - September 27 - 10:00 am

  My car has been great. Ive had it 3 months now , and the only service need was replacing the light bulb in the ignition bezel. Other than that , not one other problem. The performance is outstanding for a 4 cylinder automatic , and its fun to drive. Theres plenty of space front or back , and has a huge trunk. The quality of the paint and fit and finish is excellent. This beats my girlfriends Honda Accord hands down.