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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  Nisaan Altima 2011 - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By Liladhar Talele - April 4 - 5:18 am

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  Dont believe everything you read - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Umar K - April 3 - 5:10 pm

  Let me start off by saying this, I read tooo many reviews before I bought my 2013 Altima 2.5SV. A lot of the reviews were about how bad the CVT is and it is unreliable and blah blah blah. I realized that after I bought it it just takes some getting use to. It is not like normal transmissions, transmissions usually rev up to a certain RPM and then go back down and then back up. With a CVT you put your foot down like normal, but it revs to about 4,000RPM and holds there for a few seconds, it is nerve racking at first because you are so use to it going up and down, but then you get use to it. And boy does it go, you would think that a 4cyl does not really go, but I have had cars get up behind me when I am cruising and then just put my foot down and it just goes and they become smaller and smaller in my rear view mirror. I went from a 2001 Toyota Corolla 1.8L to a 2.5, not much of an upgrade, but you really notice the difference. Nissan did a good job with getting the most out of this engine. As far as MPG goes, when I went for my first fill up I got an average of 20 something MPG and I thought boy Nissan was really being optimistic here on this one. But my next MPG I got about 38 MPG which is about that same as I got in my corolla and I was happy about that, and I am continuously getting around that ball park figure every fill up. It takes regular gas, which is good. I have owned it since August of 2016, and when I bought it it has about 34,000 miles on it, now it just hit 39,051 as of today October 14th. My commute is 100 miles a day, I live in Winchester, VA and I drive to Sterling, VA 50 miles each way. On this drive I encounter a lot of hills, which are a concern for me because I am use to having 2 and L gears in my car, the Altima only has Overdrive which works perfectly. I have yet to encounter any snow, but when I do I am sure I will be fine. The Altima handles very well on the twisty roads, Thus far I have not had any issues with it thank goodness, I have just had to get my oil change which lasts about 3,000 miles or you can put synthetic in it which goes further. I have not tried synthetic as of yet, but the standard recommended oil works just fine. Overall this car is wonderful, just takes some getting use to.

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  Very Nice - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By B&L in Virginia - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Overall an outstanding mid-size car. 4 cylinder engine has excellent power. Handling is great - standard tires aweful. Upgrade and youll find a big benefit. Exterior is awesome. Interior provides excellent room(62"). A blast to drive and we drive the automatic!

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  CVT gone at 50k. Wheel bearings at 40k, radio - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By elijahwww - April 1 - 2:06 am

  Overall, this car was not a good choice for my wife. She had very annoying issues with it almost immediately with the automatic light shutoff and battery dying on her at the airport. In 2009 she used AAA 7 times. In 2011 we replaced wheel bearings, exhaust shield came loose, and radio would become unresponsive on random occasions - light would dim and volume controls would only cycle 6 and 7. Then in 2012 at 51k, the tranny goes. Yes, Nissan came through and forked over $5k towards replacing it as well as some other outstanding recall and emmision problems. Thanks for that. From a simple, cheap car all she wanted was decent reliability, at least up to a respectable 80k. But tranny at 51k. No

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  Whats up with the Windows? - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By mrmnico - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased July,01 I have since had Chopped Tires. An authorized center credited me on the tread left on tire and replaced. Power Windows were not opening and closing properly. first the rear on the passanger side. It was fixed under warranty. Couople weeks ago (Aug, 03) my front passanger window and rear drvier side window are now doing the same thing. This issue was fixed once again under warranty, well guess what, First Week of Sept03 DRIVER SIDE WIN. IS DOING THE SAME THING! thats all 4 windows with the same problem. I was interested in purchasing the SE Crewcab Frontier, but with these dilemas it makes me weary on purchasing the Frontier.

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  Its one bad car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By D. W. - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I use to have to shut off the AC on my 2001 Altima to excellerate on to I-4. Now I have to hold on tight, what smooth power! Doing 80 and geting 30 mpg is outragous! What a car!

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  owner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By nagginmaw - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Altima to buy. I like to trade or outright sell it every 3 years. I dont put a lot of miles on it, so I have no trouble selling it. I also keep up with the care of it such as oil change, tire rotation and the like. I have already promised to sell the car when I make up my mind to buy again. All around good car!

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  Dees Review of Altima 2.5S - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By dogholoh - March 29 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle in the 2002 model for our daughter. We were so pleased with it that we bought the 2003 model for our son early (before he was eligible to drive). That gave me the time to have the pleasure of driving it for 9 months. Then, I had to turn it over and go back to driving my 2000 Infiniti I30t.

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  I had such high hopes - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By neveragain28 - March 28 - 6:19 am

  I bought this car in March 2011. Since then I have replaced the battery 4 times and alternator twice. Still the same problem continued to happen, it would randomly not start. I ended up having to sell it because it was the most unreliable car. No mechanic could figure out the problem and it was a money hole.

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  Made in January 2013 - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By mickeywoz - March 27 - 9:29 pm

  After reading all the negative posts I was hesitant in waiting for my car to arrive in February. So far I have not had any issues with CVT shudder, and the heated seats worked as they should. There is a very slight power steering whine but for me it is not noticeable unless everything is off and you are listening for it at low speeds. I have really enjoyed this car, I have taken it on two long distance trips (have 6,000 miles on it) and the ride was quite and comfortable. The crazy thing is, the car is rated for 31 miles mpg on the highway and I had gotten 33mpg, 35mpg and a whopping 37.5 mpg on three different fillups, the lowest being through the mountains.