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:

• 

  Great car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Nick T - April 28 - 12:13 am

  I just traded in my 05 Sernta for this car and it was the best decision I have made. I love this car. It is quick for a 4 cyl., the stereo is excellent, it is VERY comfortable. This car is real fun to drive and everyone who has driven with me raves on how smooth and how nice it is.

• 

  First Time Nissan Buyer - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By docholiday - April 26 - 10:00 am

  The exterior styling and colors are outstanding! The Bose sound system, sunrf, ABS, Traction control and 3.5 engine performance are hard to beat for under $25k. The ride is comfortable but steering is a bit too light at higher speeds (80+). But lots of room (Im 64 1/2") with room to spare. Getting 26.5mpg which is great based on the speeds Ive been averaging!

• 

  What Do I think of my Altima? - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Carmella - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Great car, really luxurious for the great price, not too big not too small but just right!!

• 

  Love it so far - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff and Mary - April 22 - 6:33 pm

  We have only had the car for 2 weeks (bought used with 23k miles) and so far love it (made a 650 miles trip in it already). We got the 2.5SL loaded with Navigation. Nav/Bose is wonderful. Love the CVT, but it can be a little jerky at low speeds. Styling in/out is top notch. Quality seems great so far. Very smooth on the highway. Got 30 mpg on our road trip, expect better in warmer weather without reformulated gas. Seats are very comfortable for long trip. Car is very sporty compared to the Impala we traded, like the "quick" responses of this car. Peppy for a 4cyl, at least as quick as the Impala V6. 4cyl is a little noisier though, especially when cold. Reliability A+ so far

• 

  Amazing and Awesome - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Lady Thai - April 22 - 3:23 am

  I would have never thought that I would be the proud owner of a Nissan. I qualified for the recent graduate program and I just had to get into an Altima. All of my family and friends are just in love with my new vehicle and I am overjoyed to the fullest. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who feels as if they deserve a royal treatment.

• 

  Tin Can - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By 1stnissan - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Can you say tin can.....hood dented by a pine cone, numerous door dings...I think its made of aluminum foil.....the trunk lid also rattles when you close it....TIP: dont park next to any other cars or get a very low deductible with your insurance company...the engine is powerful but pulls badly to the right with quick acceleration

• 

  Updated Review - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Altima yuck - April 17 - 4:45 am

  Dont buy an Altima! 70k and over $6k worth of repairs, this has been the worst car I have owned. Batteries exploding, cv joints going out at 47k miles, seats have already faded. The air conditioning smells and the dealer says its a "known issue". The key fobs dont open the keyless entry anymore. Piece of garbage!!!

• 

  Safety issues - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By sadsack - April 15 - 3:43 pm

  This car was bought new in 2002. I loved the styling, room, and power. It seemed to be a a great value compared to Toyota and Honda. Then the recall notices started. One involved the crankshaft sensor. It seemed the car could lose power while driving at any speed. It shut down while on the interstate at 65 mph. Sheer panic!! I was lucky to make it off to the shoulder. The crankshaft sensor was replaced (2005). Just two weeks ago it went out again while pulling out across traffic. I was almost broadsided. We paid for this new sensor. Forget customer service, five unreturned calls and no help. This could have been a really good car, but it is dangerous. I am trading.

• 

  Sold the car after three months! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By barry5k - April 15 - 11:14 am

  Initially, this car had it all. It drove well, comfortable, fun to drive. Since then it has been back and forth to the dealer with the power steering whine, cvt issues, and other odds and ends. I had to deal with Nissan corporate. They were not helpful and after repeated call on my part, they admitted the problems, fixed all, but after 800 miles, everything returned. The cvt was sluggish and made all kinds of noise. I finally decided to take the loss and get rid of this car. Dont buy this car!

• 

  Nissan Altima Rules!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Eric - April 14 - 5:23 pm

  I was very happy with my purchase of a 2008 Nissan Altima. This vehicle is very fun to drive! The outside and the inside of the vehicle look very good! I get good compliments from people who see my new vehicle, they tell me that it looks very good! I enjoy driving my new vehicle in the city and it is smooth driving in the highway. Nissan did an excellent job with the Altima design and performance! In my book I give it 10 out of 10!