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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  Same Book, Chapter Two - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By W. Klasner - August 31 - 5:50 pm

  Prior car was 05 Altima 3.5SE. Both provided great performance, plenty of room, decent to good fuel mileage, great reliability and trouble free operation. Both exhibited weak front suspension, poor dash lighting in radio display,some noticeable flex in body or chassis when under higher passenger loads. Would buy another.

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  BUGS!! BUGS!! BUGSS!!! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By evelynt1 - August 31 - 1:37 pm

  I have had a pretty fair experice with my Nissan Altima but a major dissapointment in this car is that when there is a problem with the vehicle the dealership seems unavailbale to fix it. I live in a rural area where bugs are prominent and it seems that my car as well as others around mine are extremly suscepitable to bugs being into the tail lights. They are very unsightly and nearly immpossibe to get out. When i contacted the dealer they told me that if the problem was not water they were not responsible for fixing my inconvience. I went to the nissan service area to see what I could do about this and they informed me that I would have to pay $500 each for new tail lights.

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  Its A TEN! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Nicholas - August 30 - 6:16 am

  The car is a ten in all respects ,handling, economy,acceleration and it has the best styling. The price at. . out the door of 20 G,s is a Bargain in todays market.

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  pass it over - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By gski1 - August 28 - 1:59 pm

  I couldnt say enough bad things about this car. Bought it brand new. Notice you can select the production date for the reviews...horrible quality before November 2012. After November, I dont think theyve fixed anything either, but addressed the crash tests. CVT problems, radio replaced, heated seats didnt work, moonroof rattles (numerous repair/replacement attempts), rear deck and dash rattle, alternator replaced. If it can go wrong, it did. Took about 2K miles to start falling apart on me. Worse than the car was dealing w/nissan consumer affairs. Left me no choice but to contact an attorney who got my $ back in 2 weeks. STAY AWAY from Nissan.

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  So far so good - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Kevin - August 27 - 11:11 am

  I have put over 70K on my Altima since purchasing in July 2013. Most of the miles are road miles. The original Michelins are still on the car and should be good for another 4 to 5000 miles by appearance. The one major complaint that I have had with the car was recently fixed. The annoying 20 to 40 mph rattle/groan from the right front side of the car. After a lot of research and speaking with a Nissan mechanic at another dealership, I got my hands on the service bulletin that described the problem and appropriate repairs. I after talking with my dealer and Nissan corporate, I was able to negotiate 50% payment to replace the alternator. The car is so much quieter and smoother since. Otherwise, the car has been great. Gas mileage is super.

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  Im ready to buy another.... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Paul - August 26 - 8:23 am

  I have a rare five speed. This big (by todays standards) four cylinder sedan easily pulls away from traffic and rides comfortably on the highway. I rent cars often because of frequent travel but when I use the Altima on trips Im a lot happier. Never happy with the factory tires-when I swapped tires at about 50,000 miles the new Yokohama Avids provided a huge improvement in ride, handling and wet weather safety. Otherwise this is the best car Ive ever owned. Brakes, tires, oil changes, normal maintenance, thats it!

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  Nice, but disappointing overall - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By wayne21 - August 25 - 8:15 pm

  After one tank: Some nice features, but lots of disappointments. Smooth, quiet ride with no road or wind noise. Plenty of power. Great gas mileage (27.2 for a 6 cyl all in town driving). Nice electronics package and good steering feel. Nicely laid out interior with decent materials. Experienced infamous "transmission shutter" twice - pretty hard jolts. Passenger seat airbag may or may not come on while wife is in the seat. HID headlights are horrible. Worst/weakest lights Ive ever had in a car! Would not want to drive at night on the interstate with these lights. BOSE radio has to be an embarrassment to BOSE.

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  20,000 mile check in - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By SRyan - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Its been a year, and I still love my Altima. My complaint (and this is a BIG one since I live in upstate NY) is that snow gathers and packs under the wheel wells and makes it dangerous/ a pain in the neck in the winter. Also, the passenger door is heavy/ sticks and the gas mileage is not as good as they claim. But... she is reliable, stylish, fast and smooth to drive. 22,000 miles in one year with no problems. Fits 5 adults comfortably- my coworkers love the cupholders in the back seat! Love the racing shift and the new design- sporty but classy!

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  Great road trip car! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Miriam Bravo - August 24 - 5:34 am

  Reliable, comfortable, low maintenance , great highway mpg.

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  Follow-up After 2 Years: Still Good - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By David K - August 22 - 5:16 pm

  It has been two years since I bought my used Altima, and Im not loving it any less. Mileage is now at 73K and the car is asking for new brakes and shocks soon. Also, strangely, a motor mount bushing cracked. A few annoyances: Turning radius is too large, brake interlock in auto trans. clicks loudly when coming to a stop, and sometimes hard 1-2 downshifts. Now that I have the bad out of the way, none of the above prevents me from endorsing this car. Car is still comfy, stylish and sporting. Beyond one trim piece cracking, materials quality is satisfactory.