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:

• 

  I love this car! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By easy rider - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car two years ago. I was one of the first in my area to purchase the newly re-designed Altima and I was a little nervous at first.I didnt know what its track record would be. Well,I havent had any problems, and I love driving it! It looks good, rides well and hasnt required any repairs. I love this car!!!!

• 

  Love My 2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By LoveTheAltima - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I must say I have only had this car for a week but I really like it. I am a little concerned by all the "issues" I have read about like the MAF sensor going bad, and I have already experienced the warm air coming thru the vent even when on the coolest settings, but I must say I still love this car. There are some kinks still but the styling and the performance with fuel economy have sold me. As long as I dont get stranded or have any major repair bills I consider this the best car I have purchased to date. Time will tell.

• 

  to small for the big guy - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By pappyd314 - May 9 - 5:44 am

  Deceptive mileage rating. While traveling back home from Florida - 1,100 mile trip - I set the cruise at 70 and the MPG rating showed 40+MPG. When I pumped gas and used my calculator, I actually got about 35MPG. My Ford Taurus does this also but the actual mileage is usually only about 1 mile less than that shown on the car readout. The Altima, while getting good mileage, is not as great as everyone thinks. Dont be fooled by the car readout, check the mileage yourself. Make sure to fully top off the tank as this may make a big difference.

• 

  Great for the money - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By running1201 - May 9 - 1:33 am

  This car is exactly what you pay for: lots of room, great gas mileage, peppy engine, and great looks for a car at around $20k. I got the Premium Plus option and have everything I need without paying a fortune. Loading this baby up gets pricey real quick, and the 2.5 gets it done adequately, although it may sound a little loud with the windows down. The CVT is really smooth and takes some getting used to (cant notice the shifts). Great on the highway with ample power for passing.

• 

  2014 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By m_z - May 6 - 10:41 pm

  Bought the new car which was the showroom model with <90 miles. It performs relatively well. Drivers seat are comfortable (has tile seat function which is lacking in other car makers models) and family said the other seats were comfortable as well. The CVT is LOUD upon start up and during acceleration but calms down at cruising speed. It does take time to accelerate. Nice leather with some hard plastic and soft-touch plastic in cabin.

• 

  Confused now happy - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By AJC - May 5 - 11:56 pm

  Only purchased the car a couple of days ago. Love it! Test drove Honda, Mazda, and Toyota. Different priced categories in each make. Looking for fuel efficient, looks, ride, and price. I own a Honda crv love it, but I wanted to have a sedan as well. This car fit the bill. Has it all. Love it!

• 

  Engine Knock! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Manny Garcia - May 4 - 3:26 am

  Purchased the car the summer of 2007 everything was fine until 3000 miles. I noticed a faint knock coming from the engine bay so I took it to the dealer for a check. The service adviser told me that I was using the wrong oil filter, not! Second visit they told me it was a heat shield, not! Finally, I got them to admit the knock is from inside the engine and got some inside info as well. They told me that engine parts are from different vendors so quality varies from part to part? The engine knock was from a piston slap in the block and that most 2.5l suffer from it, right around the first oil change and on. Nissan is aware of the issue but claims that there is no excessive damage so SOL..?

• 

  Great Car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By lauren11107 - May 4 - 12:03 am

  I love my Altima. My fiance bought this car for me but I had been looking at them for weeks. I love my push button start and the CVT transmission. I also adore my sunroof. This car looks amazing on the road, very sporty!

• 

  Awesome car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By dm3 - May 3 - 3:17 pm

  Usually cars have tradeoffs. Power vs. gas mileage. Ride comfort vs. handling turns. Size vs. price. The Altima somehow seems to defy these tradeoffs in a way Ive never experienced before. I dont know if its new improved technology or money. It has an eager powerful engine mated to an excellent transmission thats knows what you want to do. Great mileage (32.5mpg mix). Handles turns great while providing supple ride. All with tons of interior room. One of the best cars Ive ever driven.

• 

  Wow! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By colebob - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This was my last choice of car to check on my list of Honda, Passat, Toyota, Mazda, even BMW. I took a test drive & bought it! Incredible power in the engine! Drove a Suburban 7 yrs & was scared of a small car & no power. I got this car black & loaded with all the bells. Have 480 miles on it & people stop me all the time to say how cool the car looks. Im very happy & would recommend to anyone.