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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  Best Car ever, except for Bose Speakers - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Charles - June 11 - 3:30 pm

  I got this car brand new with 2 miles on it and have not stopped loving it ever since. I was looking at the Camry as well as the Accord, but the Altima stood up ahead of the other two. The CVT is awesome. For a 4 cylinder, it drives like a 6 cylinder. My only problem is that there is a rattling noise when I turn up the Bose speakers to volume 15 of 32. It sounds like something is loose in either the dash or the passenger door.

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  very fun car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Sanel - June 11 - 6:46 am

  I really like this car, i just got it and put 300 miles in a day.........i like the way it drives, i test drove a Camry, Accord and they were both nice, but softer and more luxurious ride.....this things feels like a 2 door, and a real sporty one at that....CVT is a dream, and it sounds like a bimmer (exhaust).......all in all im happy with it, well see how it fares down the road...

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  the nissan superhorse - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By jerald alfred - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This car has a very fast acceleration, and great grip to the road. Handles turns great and has very good traction. Like a magnet to a fridge...

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  best for the money by far - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By coltfan73 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned bmws, hondas and nissans in the past. I would have to say that the nissan is the best car for the money. So many features offered on such a value packed car. Navigation, xenons and 250hp are amazing to have on a car that is under 30k.

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By JacariG - June 8 - 7:26 pm

  The SE-R Altima is a great car. I bought it used with 54k miles. It runs and drives like a brand new car. The engine has lots of power and torque, its almost vibration-free at idle, and the fuel economy isnt too bad if you drive with a light foot. It also makes nice sounds when you give it the boot. Steering is good without being too light and the front sport seats are very supportive. The two-tone leather is a nice touch and the 3 Z-like gauges set the inside apart from other Altimas. The worst about this car is the too firm suspension. It literally crashes over bumps and you feel every ripple in the pavement. If you can live with that then this car will not let you down.

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  buyer beware!!! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By me99 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  i have had nothing but problem after problem with this car--buyer beware!

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  Worthed! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By bargainsbuyer - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt sure which car to get. My choices were narrowed down to Camry, Accord and Altima. I have test driven the stick version of all of them and to my surprise Altima superseded by far the other two. Though it can be a little noisy I really like the fast response and the low maintenance required. Except the tires, Firestone, which do not live up to the claimed treadware of 500.

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  Goodbye Accord, Hello Altima - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By michael yarber - June 1 - 3:14 am

  I had a 2014 Accord, our third one and we love Hondas, but after a long trip from Nashville to Richmond, VA, I couldnt stand it. The drivers seat was wearing me out! I couldnt sit for more than 90 miles at a time. I told my wife, we have to look for another car. I was going to buy another Honda, but the new ones werent any better in the seat department. I saw a ad for a Altima(NASA seats) and we went to try one out. We live just five miles from the Nissan plant and never thought about buying one since we see them everywhere. I sat in it and thought...Wow this is nice and went for the test drive. I liked almost everything about it. After the negotiating stage, we bought it. The ride was great and and seats were even better! Yes, we did make another long drive again and with no problems, I loved the ride. We bought the SV model and my only regret is that we should have got the NAV option. Nissan has done a good job on the new 16 model. One that long trip from Nashville to Indy, we got over 40mpg. At one point I saw 41.3. We are getting a good 30mpg in the city. Thanks Nissan for making a better than excepted car.

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  Nissan Altima 2005 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Amanda - May 31 - 10:43 am

  I have really enjoyed my Nissan. It is comfortable and easy to drive. Very good on gas also.

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  The Best - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By rva_altima - May 30 - 4:41 am

  I love my car. Regarding e negative reviews.... The manual clearly states that the passenger air bag light does not stay on for the ride. Test drive the car you will actually purchase, then you would not have the issue of getting one that makes noises at 60 mph. The wind is noisy when the window is cracked or down. Maybe some window visors would help. But the windows have to be up to really use the bluetooth phone. The bluetooth is great, but asks too many questions and you need to know their phone numbers if you have multiple numbers, it does not show work vs cell vs home. Any hair product will leave ugly reside on the headrests. Warning : leather wipes only!