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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  Buy This Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - August 21 - 12:10 am

  This is my first Nissan Altima and I love this car. I like the looks for the price especially the rear tail lights and trunk deck. It looks like a Mercedes from the back. I picked White. This cost extra although Im not sure why. There are fewer white ones around and no color looks better clean than white. Handles great, good gas mileage, great 6 speaker 100 watt stereo. This car gets looks. Lots of room inside and Im 62. I highly recommend this car.

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  Fun, but room for improvement - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By GMO - August 20 - 9:16 pm

  Fun car. Looks great. Issues: Super loud wind noise esp. with windows down and driving over 40mph. Steering is weird. Always aligning it. tends to pull too much to left. Found condensation in rear brake light already. Volume knob makes squeaky sounds sometimes. Dont like the seek control on steering wheel. why hold it down and have to wait. That isnt good. Brakes are jumpy and just not right. The CVT shifting is okay,but takes too long to shift and hangs in high rev too long. It is better when i do it manual and shift at the proper time. It is not smooth at all. its fun to drive around town. Engine revs a bit too loud and wish the shifting was better. Mileage is good and it looks nice

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  Stollen love - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Timone - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I did own a 2002 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE... But now with the crime of my town, I dont! I absalutlly loved my Altima, it had the class of a Lexus and the performance of a Mustang GT. I just loved its ability to get up and go, exspecially when challenged by punks in a Camaro Z28... who I left crying in the dust when they found out that it was a stock engine. Coming from a Honda Accord I was not dissapointed one bit by my Nissan. The Bose sound system was unbeatable and the space was extrodinary! I loved that Altima and Im sure who ever stole it is having a blast. They just better hope I dont find them!

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  Noisy Tranny - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By radar22 - August 18 - 10:20 pm

  Just returned from a 2500 mile trip to Fl and while mileage was not as good as my 10 Camry and not as good as expected, I still averaged 37 interstate driving. Fell in love with the seats and was able to get out of the car after 2 or more hours of driving feeling relaxed. Cant believe they can make that much difference. Have read all comments about this vehicle and agree with most, positive and negative. Noise issue with power steer whistle was finally resolved after complaining numerous times. Unfortunately not the transmission noise which is annoying. Service tech says its due to trying to get max gas mileage. If thats the case they missed their mark. Have buyers remorse due to this!

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  Beware when you go over 100K miles - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Bill - August 18 - 8:43 pm

  The car was great until 100K miles. Since then replaced cat converter, O2 sensors, fuel door and driver side door handle and now the head gasket blows. Went on other forums and its a typical problem that was known by Nissan. Wont buy another Nissan. Dont buy a used 2002 Altima.

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  Very happy - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ryan - August 17 - 1:33 pm

  You wont go wrong with this car! I drove all other major competitors and this one beat them (in price and creature comforts) hands down. I was skeptical of the CVT at first, but I absolutely love it now. I am a big guy and fit in this car very comfortably. Go Nissan!!

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  Pleased at 16k - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By slingshot - August 16 - 9:36 am

  Bought car 3/08 and now have over 16k. So far no trips back to the dealer. Getting 24mpg in suburban driving and averaging 30-31 highway at 70-75mph. Very happy with gas mileage with all this power. Continental tires have provided smooth quiet ride to go with extremely quiet engine, which compliments a great sound system. Have found seats very comfortable for long drives. Gauges and buttons easy to use/follow. Trunk plenty spacious and nice having fold down split rear seats. Worth having the leather seats (heated - works great) and the other additional options like heated mirrors. Worth it. Debated between the 4 & 6. Worth it to pay for the 6 for the quiet and powerful engine

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  Very Happy...so far - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By CubFan - August 15 - 10:00 am

  After 10+ months I am very happy with the Altima 2.5 S. Owned all Hondas in the past, and was a little worried about Nissans reliability. Very fun car to drive, nice stereo, and you cant beat the looks on this car. Mine is Super Black with the convenience package, and it looks very sharp when its all shined up. I really hope this car proves to be as reliable as my Accord was. Its a shame Honda makes such bland looking cars these days (even the new accord), otherwise I might have purchased another instead of the Altima.

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  07 2.5SL with connection package - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By John C. - August 12 - 12:50 pm

  I was shopping for gas economy and yet did no want to drive a death trap or have low quality feel, Altima was it. Its been two days, I put on 269 miles & used not quite 1/2 tank of gas. I call it my 4 cylinder luxury car! While its not a sports car it does handle well and has good power. I find the overall quality and feel to be top shelf. This is a great value and am sure the reliability will be as good as the other Nissans Ive had.

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  The Real Deal - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Donna - August 11 - 10:06 pm

  I just bought a new Altima. It is really a great drive, now that I have it in gear. Okay, so I thought 3D was drive, didnt realize for the first 3 weeks I was driving in 3rd gear. Okay, confession two, I was going to return it because it didnt feel like I thought a new car should. Finally, put it in drive for real this time; and oh my goodness. The drive of my life. This car is a different ride than my 2000 Altima. totally different car.