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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  First and last - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Morris Bonilla - May 19 - 4:29 pm

  Bought a Nissan Altima SV on February 2015 with 200 miles on it. Started having issue with it in July 2015. Accelerating and the car would hesitate to move, so I would start it thinking is the accelerator issue. Went to get an oil change on August 2015 and explain to the Representative what the car was doing and he notified me that it was a holiday and they were short handed so bring it back on your next oil change and they will check on it. So a month later goes by and guess what happens the transmission goes out. my car only has 10100 miles on it. will never buy another Nissan again.

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  223K Miles and Still Going - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By altimatelover - May 17 - 7:12 pm

  I have 223K miles and still going. I love this car. I bought it at 12K miles in 2001. Its had very few problems. The only time I had a serious problem was the alternator went at around 170K. The interior plastic is rather cheap though and my visor attachments had problems. Pretty minor stuff. My husband believes in maintenance so weve changed out parts such as tie rods, spark plugs, radiator (was leaking), CV boot and brakes. Very little maintenance in 11 years. 4 hours in mechanic shop is longest time (alternator). Paint fading, 1 leather seat cracked. At this point the shocks could use replacement, but, even the shocks are better than most cars. 26-29 MPG. Love the Altima!

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  lets drive - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By michael kroll - May 17 - 10:00 am

  easy to move in and out of traffic

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  Love this car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Hitlistofpa - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Altima for me has been a sheer joy so far. I was looking for something both reliable and eye catching for the buck, I believe I have found that car! Thoughit is too soon to tell how the reliability rating will play out, I have read other consumer postings, most were good.

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  Performance Review - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By BVersoy - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I am a person that loves to drive and have owned cars considered "higher end". Hower,beyond a doubt this is the most exciting vehicle I have ever driven. It is smooth, it corners, it hugs the road and does not wave with the winds. The cabin is a delight down to the deep cup holders so I dont worry about spillage. The beauty of the jeweled headlights and taillights and overall design of the car makes it one of the most beautiful on the highway. I cannot imagine what can be changed to make it better. I get comments from people all the time. I named it Snazzy, because it is. Happy driving. BV

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  Love It - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Louise - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I love everything about it. It looks fantastic and drives like a dream. The 4 cylinder has tons of power. I have owned many Toyotas over the past many years, but chose Nissan Altima because of the appearance and now love it for all the right reasons. Its wonderful. I got it in the Pewter color and get compliments everyday.

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  A great purchase - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By eca - May 15 - 10:23 pm

  An excellent car for the money. I was considering a couple competitors, (Accord/Civic, Subaru Legacy, Camry) but none had the interior room of the Altima. Im 61" and test drove the car with the seat all the way back. Afterwords, I got in the back seat behind the drivers seat and my knees did not touch the drivers seat! I also have the special edition package that places audio controls on the steering wheel, along with a trip computer and 8 way power drivers seat. The car gets comparable gas mileage to the competitors and it is less expensive. I also love the color (smoke w/ frost interior). The cloth is very soft and comfortable. Overall, Im very pleased and the car rides beautifully.

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  Our second Altima - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By W Lawrence - May 13 - 12:27 am

  So far, this has been a very good car. We have had zero problems with it and it is fun to drive. We have had dealer maintenance on it from the beginning, substantially following the Nissan manual recommendations. The driver position is very comfortable (power seat) and I have driven it on long trips very comfortably. The front passenger seat (not power), however, is not comfortable for long trips. It is set too low and my wife finds it very hard on her back. Overall I really enjoy this car and plan to drive it for a long time to come.

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  Back in Black - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Big Time - May 12 - 11:00 am

  This car is probably the most thrilling car Ive ever driven. The great thing about it, its pretty fast, but also very comfortable, a rare combination. Everywhere I go, all I get is compliments, even the people at the dealership give me props for this badboy. I also suggest making the dealership wash the car, they do a bang-up job and really make it shine. You just cant go wrong buying this car....you get that fun feeling when you drive it, like you are driving someone elses sports car, but then you realize its yours, and just smile.

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  Absolutely LOVE this car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Liana - May 10 - 7:00 pm

  I love this car. I test drove the Acura TL and hands down choose the Altima over it. This car is wonderful, it has so many great features. The interior space/design is great, it has plenty of storage, the trunk is huge!, the BOSE system is awesome!, the heated seats are great and I even live in FLA, the cabin is so roomy, I love the keyless entry/ignition, the CVT is an awesome feature, my passengers enjoy not being jerked around! The exterior look of the car is easy on the eyes. Ive got a spoiler ordered but even without this option the car still looks really nice. Overall this car is great, a good choice. Happy buyer :)