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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  Performance + Features + Looks = Awesome - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Scott in SF - July 2 - 9:13 am

  Ive had the car for two weeks and couldnt be happier. The V6 CVT engine is quite the performer and its great not having the "shifting gears" feel on conventional automatics. The turning is phenomenal. The car both looks and feels sporty. I got the performance and tech package and the quality of the interior feels like a upper end luxury car. The fuel economy for a 270hp 3.5L is rather decent (who needs a hybrid). The best part about the looks of the car is the back of it (have to see it in person). I like having all of the accessories put into two packages instead of 20+ add ons. Anyone in the market for a two door coupe should definitely test drive an Altima coupe.

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  Number 2 - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Ramon - July 2 - 12:53 am

  I had a 2005 that I bought used at the end of 2005. Traded that one in for an 2006 because of the wonderful deal I got from Ferman Nissan. As a previous Nissan Maxima owner, owning a 91, 97, 2002 I went from the norm and went to an Altima 1 for price and two the difference is no longer worth spending the extra $3000 on a Maxima. While its is not as classy as a Maxima it does deliver excellent performace and Nissan reliability. Over all th4 car is steal for what you get yes you ca get into other cars like an Acura TSX for a base BMW 325i(and I dare you to find one) Besides maybe an base Infinti G35 6mt it is the most car your gonna get for the money

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  I love this car! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By latino224 - June 28 - 6:50 pm

  I have driven this car to Houston Texas 2 times and gone to Florida 3 times, and i went to South Carolina 2 times. each time pulling a U-Haul trailer "the small one of course"

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  Good car for the money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By werdboy - June 28 - 3:53 am

  For a reasonably priced Nissan, the Altima gives you great bang for the buck. The 4cyl automatic is really fun to drive. Quick on its feet, good handling and a real sporty feel. Comes with great standard features, but no frills. Fairly dependable, but goes through brakes quickly, and watch the wheel bearings, as they tend to wear out at about 30K.

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  Good long distance driving car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Gatorgirl05 - June 25 - 12:23 pm

  Ive had my Altima for almost two years. Most of the miles on my car are interstate driving. It drives very well. The backseat is very comfortable. My dad is 64" and he was shocked that he could sit in the back comfortably. Overall I have been really pleased with the car.

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  Reliable Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By W. Wright - June 22 - 12:24 pm

  I bought the 2008 basicl Nissan Altima in 2009 based on positive reviews from other consumer organizations. I sold it with 103,000 miles on it to get a lower mileage car. The car turned out to be a reliable car that can be driven for many more miles. It has an attractive, sporty look. It provided a smooth ride, quality audio, frosty air conditioning, and good brakes. The controls are easy to read and to figure out. I had no problems driving in snow or rain. The repairs were basically routine maintenance. The seats tend to be stiff. One time the driver-side window got stuck.

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  super car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Don2260 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car two years ago and i have put some long work days in this car. i put on about 30000 a year on this car all i have done to it is change oil and tires I have 81000 miles on it with out any problems.

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  My 2003 Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Anthony1975 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a hot ride. Even though I have the 4 cyl., it handles great-- nimble and sporty and has enough pep without having to sacrifice premium fuel (as the v6 requires). I really love the car but I just bought it in June, have 3,500 mi. on it and have already had to bring it to the dealership for a recall and a new radiator. There was a small leak in the seal of the radiator. Its kind of early to tell how reliable this car will be, but overall I would buy it all over again. It seems solid and has great precision!

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  Smooth-Riding, Head-Turner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By M of Sacramento - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the 2002 Accords and Camrys before buying the Altima. The interiors of both competitors looked like more money went into their construction but the Altima rode smoother over the bumps and accelerated quicker than the others. The eye-catching exterior styling still turns heads, the acceleration still impresses and my only regret is that I couldnt afford the V6 at the time of purchase.

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  A lot of value for the money - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By jwh204 - June 21 - 4:38 pm

  I looked at the Accord, Camry, Sonata but ended up picking this sedan. The combination of style, performance and fuel economy are hard to beat. I agree with other reviewers that style will age better in time. I had to get used to the CVT but the 4 cylinder has a lot of power and the vehicle rides and drives very well. I havent found anything that I dont like about the car yet - I was driving a 00 Pathfinder and was getting horrible gas mileage - not so with the Altima. I got the convenience package which is very helpful with the power seat and leather wrapped wheel. Overall, for the money, I think this is a solid car and you cant go wrong.