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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  Great, Nice, Power - BUT..... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Bo Jensen - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful body design, great power, turn circle is to way to large, cheap plastic interior, turns to easy (light steering) when you are up in speed.

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  My first Nissan and the last one - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By jhon4 - May 3 - 9:52 am

  I bought it brand new with 66 miles on it . at 40k miles the engine was already shaking like a 10 years old car at 80k miles have change the shocks 3 times have to do aligment 3 times per year and it still doesnt feel good driving it . the engine and the transmition are fine but to many troubles with suspention .very disapointed ...

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  Brake Problems - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By debys007 - May 2 - 10:40 pm

  My husband and I bought our Altima 2003. We dont drive a lot comparatively speaking these days. I love the car but there is a real problem with the rotors warping. We have had to have the rotors resurfaced and new brake pads twice now. The first time was at 27,000 and again 10 months later and its only been driven another 8076 miles. So less than 36,000 total on this vehicle we have had to resurface rotors and install new brake pads twice. Both of us are in our young 50s and have had many cars in our lives. Weve never had a problem with brakes, so I say this is a car flaw!! Oh by the way, neither of us ride the brakes either.

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  Having Problems!!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Candace - May 1 - 10:36 am

  I purchased new 11/2007, after 2 months, started hearing a roaring noise in the front tires, took it to the dealership, told it was a problem with the tire, no offer to replace. Noise increasingly became louder and louder. I took back, at that point they found 2 bad wheel bearings, they replaced bearings. Ive had several problems with the car and Nissan isnt very cooperative. This is the last Nissan Ill ever buy - back to Toyota again!

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  A lot of car for the $$$ - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jb - May 1 - 9:26 am

  Compared to Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion. Purchased Altima based on the number of options vs. price and first year of new style. Overall fun car to drive - CVT is great. You will not be disappointed!

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  Improvement needed by Nissan - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By pprince - May 1 - 9:13 am

  By the end of the year in 2014, i purchased a 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 SV Java. The appearance of the vehicle was great & i loved every single bit of it. In 3 months i started hearing some noise cranking the vehicle than seem normal but gradually increased until where the vehicle completely shut off on me & my mom (different occasions) while driving. Last stroll was when it shut off on my mom @ night on a weekend with dealership being closed. Emergency was called & vehicle was pushed to side & later towed. Diagnosis came to be fuel pump & smthing else. Expenses on vehicle was never reimbursed & Nissan corporate blames me despite vehicle having factory warranty with 13k miles(current).

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  Id recommend it! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By jules555 - April 29 - 8:03 pm

  I recently purchased a 2006 Altima and I love it! I bought a used 1994 Altima 3 years ago and its still going strong after 12 years so I trust the Nissan brand. As for the 2006 model I would definitely recommend upgrading to the one with a sunroof and alloy wheels...its worth the extra money for the sunroof alone. Its comfortable and everything from the seat to the steering wheel adjusts to the drivers preferences. The ride is smooth except there is a minor jerk when accelerating from 1st to 2nd. The sleek exterior is great and looks unique compared to any other car on the road. Now if they could only find a way to get rid of the new car smell...

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  Great Engine, Weak Exterior, Good Car - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Tom Mangee - April 28 - 7:40 am

  Its been excellent overall with the exception of the ext. body -- bumber front and back are weak spots for trouble....front quarter-panel also. It has been extremely reliable -- Altimas have a weak spot on the power windows also, the switches on the doors, the motors and the regulators go out early. Engine is devine in every way: reliable, smooth, strong.

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  BETTER CAR - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By SUZIE - April 28 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR MY BIRTHDAY! VERY HAPPY WITH IT! HAD A 2000 DODGE INTREPID AND IT LOOKS GOOD, DRIVES NICE, BUT STARTED FALLING APART AT 48,OOO MILES. DISSAPPOINTING! NO MORE AMERICAN CARS FOR THIS GIRL! MY ALTIMA RIDES SMOOTH AND IT IS ZIPPY FOR A 4 CYLINDER. ROOMY INTERIOR AND DESCENT GAS MILEAGE.

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By shannon leffingwell - April 28 - 2:00 am

  i love my car. i have only had it for two months, but i put alot of miles on it going to and from work. it is a very smooth ride and i love the look of the car, especially with the sunroof add on.