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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  Transmission failed in 9500miles - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By arazak - March 22 - 3:45 pm

  My car nissan altima 2.4s 2014 model transmission failed and its was in nissan garage for two weeks but repair not yet completed. I feel bad for my wrong choice, i supposed to buy toyota.

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  AWESOME CAR - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Love It - March 22 - 3:26 pm

  I bought my 2 door Nissan Altima 3.5 loaded and have not regretted my decision. I would not recommend this vehicle for anyone with toddlers with rear facing car seat (booster seats are fine). I love the keyless strart and entry. When the battery goes dead (which has only happened once and that was just recently it was only $8 to replace the battery. Not bad for the convenience. My previous vehicle was a BMW X3 the Nissan is by far a better car.

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  They got it right! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Retired Frogman - March 16 - 10:10 am

  Steering assist, precise steering going down the road were the things I smiled about on test drive. I had to have it, traded in my 2001 Maxima, and Ive been grinning ever since. This is a fun car to drive. Nary a rattle, fit, finish are excellent. Why pay more for a G35 and RWD. Torque steer is gone. I cant rate the 2007 highly enough.

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  2011 Altima w/ SL package - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By altimaowner6 - March 12 - 7:14 pm

  I recently purchased a 4-cyl. 2011 Altima with the SL package and the Bose premium sound package w/ backup camera. I love this car and I am very happy with my decision after putting about 500 miles on it. I was on the fence between the Sonata and the Altima for a while, but ultimately decided I liked the styling and smooth ride of the Altima better. A small part of me wishes I went with the V6 but it was signifiantly more money and I wouldnt be averaging 26 miles per gallon as I am with the 4 cylinder. The 4-cyl. offers plenty of power 95% of the time. I recommend the SL package and Bose system which produces outstanding sound quality, and I would also add a spoiler.

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  My SL Altima - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Carol Neugebauer - March 12 - 5:30 pm

  Since 1984, only owned SUVs..love my Altima SL. Performance and dependable all of the time.

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  MPG is not what they say - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Francisco Gamero - March 12 - 1:06 pm

  I have this Nissan Altima 2.5 for a month and 8 days and filled the gas tank for the third time, driving gently in the city and fwy combine my average MPG is 18.2 miles per gallon NOT 26-34 MPG as the sticker and salesman tells you. (Im a 59 yr. old safe driver.) Love the transmission, is a quick car and fun to drive. They could do better with the inside... too much plastic. Seats are good but dont hug you.

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  2016 Altima - Its about VALUE and LOOKS not bad - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Lee - March 11 - 1:35 pm

  I want to say how much I saved in my trade by having Edmunds numbers to pull out !!!!!!

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  dont buy black - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By eriktodd - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this car.....but I ahve owned other black cars and not had near the problem I am having with this car. I think it is a pretty cheap paint....I know it looks great clean but with this paint it is impossible to get rid of water spots!

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  Best all around vehicle in its class - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Tim J - March 9 - 3:26 am

  Been a great car since day one. I used to be a GM fan until problems with Saturn drove me to check out other car makers. Best move I ever made as the Altima rides and drives circles around anything GM has in its class! Hopefully, the engine oil consumption issue will be cleared up soon as it was extremely proactive by Nissan to provide us with an 84 month or 100,000 mile extended engine warranty at no charge!

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  Extreme CVT at Value Price - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By 2.5SL - March 6 - 3:10 am

  This is a sporty car with midsize roots and value pricing in its segment. The Altimas CVT and engine mating and an interior that we found best in the class for us make it a home run. Drive the manual shift CVT on a twisty road and you will smile all the way home. The power bands are beautifully executed. CVT does great even in hills. Bravo Nissan engineering!