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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  This is one awesome car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jim from Maine - May 29 - 3:03 am

  My super black 3.5 SE coupe is comfortable, great looking and most importantly, extremely fun to drive! I test drove a Lexus IS 250 the same day and there was no comparison. As a former Maxima owner, I have always been impressed by the quality and performance of Nissan cars and this coupe is no exception. Its quick, handles very well and turns heads. I havent even let my wife drive it yet and Ive had it a week!

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  My 3rd (and best) Altima - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Jason - May 29 - 12:16 am

  I love the Nissan Altima. I had a 2005, a 2010 and now I have the 2015. The interior space and ability to see 360 degrees from the drivers seat is what I have always loved most about Altimas. Plenty of room in the back seat for a car seat and a very tall toddler. Plenty of trunk space fits a load of groceries PLUS my golf clubs. This new Altima has the blue tooth (which will interrupt anything coming through the speakers when a call comes in even if you have an external device plugged into the aux port). Throw this baby down in "sport" mode and she rips along pretty darn good for a 4 cylinder. I love it. I dont think Ill ever buy anything other than Nissan.

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  nissan altima 96 review - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By DRAGON - May 27 - 2:00 am

  great overall built car and very reliable.

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  Not bad for under 15K brand new - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By cagayan - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Only needed a car that can take me from point A to point B that doesnt cost an arm and a leg and Im actually having fun getting there.

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  Finally got it right - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Clifton - May 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a 2002 model 5 months ago. Since the date of purchase, the car has been serviced 6 times. We took the vehicle home, and the car had a strong pull. The dealership has aligned the front end 2 times, replaced struts, tires, and the wheel. That being said, the car has been very good on gas and quick with the 4 cylinder engine. My wife enjoys driving the car, and the space that is available. The car is a little noisy traveling on the interstate, but around town driving is good. Car averages 21 mpg in town and 27 highway. If you are in the market for a nice car that will not break the bank, take a look at the Altima. Just take a long test drive.

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  New Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By wdy160 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle to drive. Quick and agile. Build quality could use improvement. A few rattles. Passenger side door leaked water. It took 3 visits to the dealership to fix it.

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  Good if you dont get snow! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Aimee - May 27 - 12:46 am

  This is the worst car I have ever driven in the snow. I live in Vermont and I would trade for my Stratus any day. It is not front heavy and is bad in snow. The rear window defogger is insufficient in cold weather, the car creeks when it has ice on it. The rear lights get foggy, I already had one replaced. The car is fun to drive, as long as there is no snow. The CVT is amazing on the highway. Excellent for driving in the city. The dual exhaust looks great. Great brakes, four wheel disc. And the intelligence key is fantastic...except I never know where my keys are to unlock the house because I never need to take them out for my car!

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By T McCabe - May 21 - 2:30 pm

  First, I want to thank and recommend Edmunds to everyone. I shopped using their pricing quotes and I wasnt disappointed. I was able to get $1600 below the TMV, which at the time was below sticker just by using their price quote service. I bought the car back in August 04, I was switching from a full size SUV (Tahoe) to a car mainly for the gas mileage. I was looking for something economical but that still had some power like my truck. I found it in the Altima. This car is great. I love the power and the handling. It looks sleek both outside and in. I got the 3.5SL and its everything you would want in a car. I now drive an hour each way to work and I LOVE IT. Stereo really jams!

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  Amazing - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Charlie - May 20 - 10:00 pm

  Trading in my 04 Altima 2.5, I was very excited to get the V6. Man, can this thing fly! The handling is superb, turns at high speed are easy and its very comfortable. I love this car.

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  Dream Car.... or is it? - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By radowns05 - May 20 - 6:40 pm

  When I was 16 I was forced to buy the ugliest car there ever could be. A 1997 Nissan Sentra which turned out to be the best car on Earth. Owning this car made my dream car a Nissan Altima. I figured if the Sentra was that good the Altima had to be even better. In 2012 I bought a 2010 Nissan Altima S. Over all it has been an "ok" car. I expected more, I guess. If you like the smell of rotten eggs and Nissan telling you that it is a "normal" smell when you accelerate; it is the way it cleans itself out, then this is the car for you! I feel that a car this new, and costs this much wouldnt smell everytime you accelerate to pass someone.