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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One classy car! - 2013 Nissan Altima
By drbill2 - June 21 - 12:02 pmThe previous generation of Altimas must have been put through finishing school by Nissan, as it has emerged as smoother, quieter, and much more refined than my 2010 S. The engineers have succeeded in masking much of the drone of the 4 cylinder engine. Theyve also succeeded in creating a car that appears and drives like a car priced in the 30s rather than the 20s. LOve the sat radio and the dual climate control also. Well done, Nissan!
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Most bang for the buck - 2007 Nissan Altima
By Robert - June 20 - 2:50 pmI purchased the SL with the XM convenience package. This car offers an amazing array of features for $25,000--heated leather seats, sunroof, push-button start, cd changer, built-in bluetooth, dual climate control, etc., etc. The CVT is incredibly smooth and the power (including passing power) from the 4 cyl engine is nothing short of amazing. This car evokes images of an much higher priced Infiniti or other luxury sedan. Could not be happier.
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Very good - 2008 Nissan Altima
By Student - June 19 - 12:53 amI got 08 Blck Nissan Altima 3.5SE for my 17th birthday and still driving now. The CVT is terrific, i think it saves more gas than other 6-speed transmission cars. my battery died last month and my dealer covered half of the price. its also good on snow too. i test drove Camry and Accord, but Altima was the best in design and speed, because they dont have pish button and keyless.
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Love this car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
By rnorred86 - June 17 - 12:01 pmI purchased this car in March 2011. My previous car was a 2006 Toyota Corolla S. It was a great reliable car, but I needed a bigger car with more legroom (Im over 6ft.). It has a spacious interior & a comfortable steady ride & sporty handling. The interior is quiet & the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine is surprisingly powerful & has excellent passing power. It feels like a V6 & is also as quick as some V6s. Ive been averaging 22.5 mpg, not as high as they say because I do more spirited driving & like to feel the great power of the 4 cylinder. I bought this car for its sportiness & roomy interior & I recommend this car for those of you that need a sedan, but still want that sporty handling.
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Fun and comfortable - 2006 Nissan Altima
By Bob Murdoch - June 16 - 8:26 pmthe second one that I have owned along with a 2004 Quest which is also a gem in the rough....
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great car! - 1999 Nissan Altima
By sooner12 - June 16 - 2:00 amgreat all around car, ill probably buy another altima when i am ready to purchase another car.
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Excellent !!!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
By Malyadri Suram - June 15 - 6:43 pmI am driving 2007 Altima 2.5SL and feel excellent to drive. It is packed with all the features.
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Owned Acura, BMW, and Honda - 2005 Nissan Altima
By carter - June 15 - 2:56 amOnly one complaint about this car. Turn radius of a Mac Truck. Thats it! Car for the money was the best decision. A family member has a 2007 and I like my cabin better but they do have a cup holder in the sideskirt pocket.
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Elegant and Fuel Efficient! - 2006 Nissan Altima
By Val - June 11 - 9:10 pmI needed a classy car with fuel efficiency for my Real Estate Business. With the Altima, I have it all! Its very roomy, handles well, and so far I get about 26 miles to the gallon! I read about, "road noises," in consumers comments, but I have to disagree. I have a Mini-Cooper... Now thats ROAD NOISE!!! This does not compare. This is a, "Must Buy!" You get Top Design for a reasonable Price. Good Luck with your car shopping! ~Val~
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Bought a used Altima that had 150k on it. - 2006 Nissan Altima
By Matt - June 11 - 9:01 pmThe vehicle its great to drive every day the stock stereo is clear and has good sound. Upgraded air cleaner helps with mileage and performance. I really like this car for my daily commute. Has room in back for 2 car seats with the center console down.
