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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  pearl white paint discoloration - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By franklit - April 12 - 1:19 am

  I purchased a 2013 pearl white Nissan Altima about a month ago. When driving the car home from the dealership my husband and I stopped by a restaurant to eat and it was just beginning to get dark outside when my husband noticed a some light and dark stripes on the drivers side door, didnt think much about it until the next when it was light outside and could get a better look and also asked our son to look at the car to make sure he could also see the stripping or like tiger stripes and its definately visible. We also noticed at local dealerships there were also pearl white altimas with the same discoloration on the doors. So if you are deciding to buy a Pearl White Nissan Altima BE WARE

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  Great value and performance - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By dkeehn2 - April 11 - 1:55 am

  If you love the G35 but not the price, this is your car. Other than badging and the grill, it is nearly identical. Same 3.5 liter engine thats in the G35 or 350Z. A little less bling than the G cars, but I spent THOUSANDS less for more or less the same car. It is front wheel drive instead of rear wheel drive, as the G is. OK, so "real" sports cars are rear wheel drive. Fine. I prefer the front wheel drive for bad weather situations and this car is still a rocket. Absolutely no problems with it. Good build quality.

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  3 Major Failures within 50k miles - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By jmayor88 - April 10 - 5:21 am

  I bought this car used at 40k miles, history was good. I have driven it for 50k miles (so at 90k now). Since I have purchased it, there have been 3 major failures, and also a recall that turned out to be nothing. The first major failure was the exhaust manifold cracking and needing to be replaced. An exhaust manifold should never crack that early, and the exhaust shop told me he has seen a lot of Altimas with this problem. Second major problem was the Electronic Steering Column Lock. This failure caused me to be stranded, as the car would not start. As of two days ago the final major failure occurred. Dealer is saying it is a rod bearing! STAY AWAY - much better options out there.

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  Excellent Midsize car of its class - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Nissan Altima - April 9 - 12:06 pm

  I think this car is not only attractive on the outside as well as the inside, but this car handles great on the road. I also think that you dont need the V6 edition to get more punch when you drive. I drive the 2.5S model and that car definitely has some punch in it! When going 60 miles an hour, you dont even feel like your going that fast, even at speeds of 80 or more. I love this car so much that I hope to keep it on the road for 10years!:)

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  First time Nissan owner - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By percboy - April 8 - 9:43 pm

  After 38 years driving conventional automatics and standard transmissions, the CVT took a little adjustment-your brain is so used to that sensation of shift points, that the smoothness of the CVT is strange. But after almost 1200 miles, Ive come to really like it and enjoy its performance- responsive and fun to drive. The manual mode is is a nice feature, when need to pass or just feel nostalgic. The styling is top notch, inside and out, with sl package you get a bunch of great features that add a lot of luxury for the price. Love the leather seating and automatic dual climate control! Gas mileage is great- averaging 28 mpg. I am impressed with how quiet and smooth the car is on all road conditions.

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  Great family car ! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Pierre Guité - April 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car. After one year of use, only 4 visits to the dealer for oil changes and front tire alignement. With 2 small kids, moving the family is a lot of fun. Good cargo capacity, easy access to the back seats. Fuel economy is great at less than 8 liters/100 km on the highway (for speeds of 110km/h (2.5SE version)

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  Awesome!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dee - April 7 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased this over Thanksgiving and I love it! Its very solid and hugs corners well. I previously owned a 2004 Camry and it also was solid but it lacked style and power.You wont be disappointed. I bought mine in Georgia while on vacation and drove it back to Chicago. All I can say is "WOW". It feels like a luxury sedan without the luxury price.If you buy the baselne its worth adding the SL Package.

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  Second Car and Used But Great - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Neal - April 7 - 8:26 am

  I am a college student and this is my second car and I love it. I have had it for about a year and I have had no problems with this car. I drive it back and forth to college and home about 2000 mile round trip. All I have to do to the car is get the oil changed and replace the tires and she runs perfectly.

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  After 2 years and 38,000 miles: Loving my Altima! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Dan K - April 7 - 12:40 am

  I went out planning to buy a Ford Fusion. I test drove a Fusion, Impala, Accord and Camry. The seats in the Altima were the most comfortable. On long trips it seems to support my back well, and I can drive with no back pain. It handles great, and the gas mileage is amazing! I thought the 38 mpg highway was far fetched, but Ive gotten that and better on the highway. If I hold it to about 70 mph I can make 40 or 41 mpg. The 4 cylinder is rated at 180 horsepower, and it seems to have more than enough power. I was unsure of the CVT transmission. It seems odd not to feel the car shifting, but after a short time I decided I like it better. When the radio isnt on youll sure hear the engine though, but thats the same with all 4 cylinder cars. Im in Missouri, and it handles the snow pretty well. The bluetooth works great for phone calls. My only problem is I gave it access to my text messages when I set it up. Dont do that! If you get a text people get a rude auto-reply from the car saying IM DRIVING! You need to turn it off each time the car is started. I can probably fix it by re-installing the app, because it doesnt to that with my sons phone. The sound system is good. I can do pandora or iheart through my bluetooth, or run mp3s off a thumb drive. The only annoying thing is, after Nissan performed a "fix" on a recall issue for the passenger airbag, there is always a light on if there is no passenger. I usually dont notice it but there are times I consider putting black tape over it.

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  Dislikes wind noise and engine noise (4-cyl.) - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By dimension - April 6 - 3:38 pm

  This is my very first Nissan. I bought the second week of December. I really, really like this 2015 Altima 2.5 SV except for its engine noise. I wouldnt mind engine noise if it sounds like a masculine growl, but this one sounds like a drowning engine with a broken exhaust. And after 1,600 miles it seems like the engine noise is louder, and now it has wind noise too!