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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  I own one, I love it! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Rick owner - September 27 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car 30 days ago and It is very nice. I owned a Lexus 300 and this car is not far off its ride and comfort. I would definately buy one again. The mileage is not too spiffy maybe it will get better after break in. I think it is one of the best looking cars in its price range available. Nissan also makes buying one first class.

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  Our Second Altima - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By danner - September 27 - 2:36 am

  Really a great car for the money, Nice performance and ride, We got the leather and sport package. We are very happy with this car

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  8 years old, 148,000 miles, still happy - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By ronrn - September 24 - 11:14 am

  My 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5SE was the first NEW car I ever purchased, having only purchased used cars before. I have been very pleased with the car. I now have around 148,000 miles on the car and it is still running strong. I have not had any major problems. I have gone through the original set of tires and replaced the tires twice and need to go get new tires again. I first needed the rear brake pads changed at around 100,000 miles. The front pads needed changing for the first time at about 130,000 miles. Im not sure how long Ill continue driving this before buying a new vehicle; earlier this year we replaced my wifes car with 2013 Ford Explorer (fully loaded Limited), happy with it too.

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  An altima beyond its name - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Russ - September 23 - 12:43 pm

  To start off i love this car. I also happen to be a nissan technician so i see these cars everyday, i know them in and out far more than anyone else just looking to buy a car can know. That is why i bought this car. Its a family sedan thats fun to drive, u dont feel like u have to be old to buy it. Im in my mid 20s with a family, i did not want to be stuck in some boring family car, i wanted one that i could take out, enjoy myself, and return home with a smile on my face everytime. I get looks from people all the time wondering is that an altima, especially ones who own the base 2.5S, or 3.5Se models. To put it simply, if you want to feel young in a family car, this is it!!!

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  Black 2005 Nissan 2.5S4drSedanAutomatic - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Lisa - September 23 - 7:16 am

  Quality was number 1 to us, so the first place we shopped was Toyota but I was very unimpressed with the looks of the 2005s, that was really important to us subsequently we tryed Honda but was equally unimpressed with appearance of their 2005 model. We ended up at a Nissan dealership and saw the 2005 Altima WoW! was my first thought. It has everything we were looking for with a fabulous $ to boot. We bought one but it is not the quiet smooth ride that I expect. We therefore have been discussing other options and see ourselves in the near future test driving the Chrysler 300 or the new mustang for smoothness and quiet.

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  best out there - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By paulr - September 23 - 1:43 am

  I BOUGHT MY NISSAN ALTIMA USED WITH 24800 MILES ON IT. IT WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND I HAVE ALREADY MADE 300 MILES ON IT. THE HANDELING AND ACCELERATION ARE BETTER THAN ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE HAD (03 COROLLA, 03 GALANT) BOTH 4 CYL CARS. NISSAN HAS GREATLY IMPROVED ON THE STYLE, BUT NEEDS TO WORK ON THE ENGING NOISE THAT YOU HEAR WHEN YOU FLOOR IT. OTHER WISE GREAT CAR AND VERY RELIABLE.

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  Lovin it! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By dd - September 22 - 4:43 am

  I am very happy so far with this car. I formerly had a Toyota Corolla, so my standards were high for my new car. I was most interested in a reliable, good-handling, stylish car with lots of conveniences, and I seem to have found all these things. It is a beautiful car that makes me smile! (A caveat however -- I have only had the car for about 2 months, with 2K miles on it currently.)

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  Check the seats before buying - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jeremyaz - September 21 - 4:53 pm

  This six cyl. CVT launches like a rocket. Complete blast to drive, but the seat is physically uncomfortable. The build I purchased has no lumbar adjustment and my back constantly aches after 20 minutes or so of driving. I am 62" and 220 pounds so my experience may be very different from others. My old 2000 CR-V had far more comfortable seats. Perhaps time will soften the foam. :)

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  MyNewAltima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By NoMoreCelicaGTS - September 21 - 10:00 am

  One word to describe the Altima, value!! You get tons of room and a wide assort of features for a good price. I purchased the 2.5S (auto) with the side air bags and ABS, microfilter, floor mats, and splash guards for $19,383. As far as the interior quality, if youre worried about that, spend more money and get the leather. As far as performance, Im not going to win too many drag races with the 2.5S, but the car cruises really well at 80 mph on the highway. There is some road noise, but keep in mind you paid less than 20K and you are driving a Nissan, not an Infiniti.

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  Lots of miles but fun to drive. - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Ken Voss - September 21 - 9:54 am

  Was great once, could be again. "Experts" say it has a fuel delivery problem, left me stranded twice recently. If I could fix that and give it some TLC it would still be my daily driver. Love this car but having a slight issue of trust. Drive it at least once a week. Still smooth/fun at 100+ mph as it is at 50. Washes up and looks beautiful but does have lots of miles/years so it needs a little love. You wont sorry if you buy it and give it a little time and effort. Still driving it, still love it, but cant give it the tlc it deserves. Will give to charity f or auction to raise funds to help others.