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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  Excellent - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Francis Munley - July 17 - 10:00 am

  The car that I bought is a 2005 2.5s Altima.This car rides like a dream.In my opiion it looks like a German made car with 15.000 less price tag. In June I took this car through ten states (3,000)miles. It handled the highways like adream for a 4 clylinder.The comformt was unveliable.

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  One Fantastic Package - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Red Rider - July 16 - 4:00 am

  This car has got the LOOK !!!!! It runs smooth as silk... The new interior design and color combinations match the exterior colors perfectly... The BOSE 6 CD/8 Speaker system has excellent sound reproduction. Nissan has really amped up the performance/fun factor !!! I just cant stop staring at it....

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  I Love My 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By JCon21 - July 14 - 6:15 pm

  I absolutely love my 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR. I was in the market for a mid-size car, and didnt know where to start as I have only owned trucks my entire life. I did a lot of research online on Edmunds, KBB, and The Car Connection before going to dealerships. I pretty much made up my mind on the Altima from the first test drive. It just looked and felt great. The Altima handles great, the SR model looks sporty yet classy, and the comfort is a solid 10 out of 10. I still cannot believe how comfortable the seats are. Not only in front, but also in the back. I have a sore lower back that always hurts when sitting, and honestly it does not hurt in these Anti Gravity seats. Also it is so roomy, even in the back, and Im 61" and 240lbs. Also the trunk has a lot of space. The only real complaints I have about the car is that there is a fair amount of road noise, but I think it may be the stock Dunlop tires. Ive been thinking about getting some better tires to see if it would help. Also the nissanconnect stuff is pretty worthless. I can only use Pandora, IHeart Radio, or Facebook. I dont subscribe to any of those apps, but do subscribe to spotify which streams great through bluetooth audio. I think they should add some useful and helpful apps like google maps, waze, or yelp. Overall I am extremely happy with my purchase.

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  2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE-R - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By SE-R Fanatic - July 11 - 4:36 pm

  I bought this car at a large auto auction. I was looking for a 2005 Altima SE or Maxima SE. Came across this one and fell in love with its design. This car has it all for a stock 4-door sedan. The gas mileage is okay, I am averaging 21 MPG, but that is probably due to the fact that this car wants to be driven hard. This car will flat out fly. I had to by the automatic b/c the wife refuses to learn a manual. The ride quality of this car is good, but not great. This is due to the 18 inch low profile wheels and super stiff sport suspension. This is not your grandpas Caddy. Bottom line, I would buy this over the competition. Nissan is making some of the best cars on the road.

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  Love this car. - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Tom Dodson - July 8 - 3:46 pm

  This is a daily commute vehicle thats been fun to drive. The 2.5l four cylinder engine performance has always impressed me. I had the automatic transaxle rebuilt at 225K miles and thats the only major work ever done. No engine work at all. 25MPG combined highway/city. 100 watt stereo/CD player, remote entry. I love the split fold down rear seats that allow you to load large cargo into a small car, really convenient. I also love the overdrive lockout button on the gear shift that allows you to use the engine compression to slow the car in traffic like a manual transmission. Ill miss that feature because the new Altima doesnt have it.

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  I absolutely love this car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Benai - July 8 - 1:46 pm

  This car is amazing. It drives beautifully. I love everything about it. The Bose stereo sounds great. Its so fuel efficient, such a nice change from a 98 Chevy Blazer. The look of the car is hot and I love that you dont see a ton of them on the road. I have the premium package and its so worth every penny. The bluetooth sounds so clear. I love the push start button. The features of the car are great and Im so glad I own this car.

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  Great Car - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Denise Shaffer - July 7 - 9:14 pm

  I love my Altima! The gas mileage is fantastic, it is a very comfortable and smooth ride, and its absolutely beautiful. This is my second Altima and they are very reliable and well built.

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  Early Impressions - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By LPL - July 7 - 8:50 am

  I just purchased my Altima 2 weeks ago, but, so far, I’m thrilled. Nissan wasn’t on my radar initially, but after a good bit of research (mostly on Edmunds), I decided to give it a look. I was really impressed by the overall package, the styling, the ride, the performance are all great considering the overall price. And the gas mileage ratings were as good or better than anything else I was considering, while the 2.5L engine has sufficient pep. It had the most bang for the buck of the vehicles I test drove, by a comfortable margin. Two weeks in, I have no complaints, still quite pleased with the purchase. I’m getting right about 29 mpg, with a mix of commuting and in- town driving.

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  Bulletproof - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By mikelrb - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Have had this for 32 months. Super reliable. No maintenance other than oil changes. Now has 85,000 miles. Just goes and goes and goes. Never had such a reliable car. Has sold me on Nissan / Infiniti. Looking to get an Infiniti or Maxima. Not real comfortable for long drives, but does the trick. Around town, just fine. Get up and go when you need it from a 4-banger. Mileage a little low for this size engine. Overall super value.

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  Poor performance - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By kim - July 3 - 9:56 am

  Having problems with the CVT trans. Hesitates upon acceleration. Took it to the shop and said that is normal. Car is getting used to your driving. Tries to anticipate what you are going to do. Now I am having problems with the windows opening on their own only the 2 front ones. Has done it 3 times since I bought in June. Dealer cannot find anything wrong. Just have to live with it. NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!! But Nissan will fix it if the inside gets ruined by rain. I am not pleased. Sure they will argue that I left the windows down. At this point I will NEVER buy another Nissan. Very unhappy after all of the great reviews.