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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  Nice Looking - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jeffrey - March 1 - 6:23 am

  I have driven this vehicle just over 1 yr. and so far I have been satisfied with its performance and fuel economy.

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  Impressed- but. - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By johntc88 - February 27 - 6:17 am

  I needed a vehicle that was 1)economical 2)durable 3)comfortable(back issues) and Nissans offering was unbeatable. I bought the 2015 Altima S in gunmetal grey new @ end of November 2014. 1 was really amazed with the initial fuel economy consistantly getting 38 mpg on my 250 mile commute running 65 to 75 mph. then something strange happened and I started getting 27 to 32 mpg after 4000 mile oil change (1st change @ 400 mls, 2nd @ 4000 mls). Im @ 8000 mls now and avg 32 to 37 mpg (using math formula:mls/glns). Rust has developed @ trunk release trim (after 3 mnths!?), stone deflectors(plastic) under car come off and hang/rattle. Comfortable for long trips! Im 62", great hwy car, im smilin

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  98K and still going - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By cmoaro - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Another former Honda diehard and I wouldnt trade my Altima for anything except maybe a newer one with less wind noise.

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  My best car ever... - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Richard S - February 25 - 12:23 am

  I have 112,000 miles on this car I bought new. Front brakes made it safely to 75,000 backs to 100,000 OE clutch made it to 110,000 as well as the battery and alternator. That I blame on my 1000 watt aftermarket stereo. I did have to replace the power window unit at 96000. Im scared to trade it because of how reliable it has been. It can even do light off roading when needed. Its not a truck so it does require some caution but it handles it well. Wish the new ones were closer to the same! We have an 06 too. Its really nice but not quite the same.

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  Hyping our 2015 Altima SL 2.5 - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By William Major - February 23 - 5:23 pm

  Well, my wife and I looked at many different Cars over a 2 month period once we decided that our SUV had seen its better day. 10 years and 210,000 miles, so in the process my Wife test drove a Kia, a Chevy Impala, a Chevy Malibu, a Honda Accord, a Toyota Camry, a Nissan Maxima, and a couple of different Altimas. We liked the Altima SL because it was equipped with basically everything we wanted, Navigation, Moonroof, Heated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Leather Interior, Backup Camera, Full Technology Package, Push Button Start, Remote Start, Premium Bose Sound System, Sirius XM Radio, and both front seats are power seats, the Exterior is a Beautiful Black, interior is Tan with wood grain trim. The Car is awesome, it drives great, really good on gas, we love the large video screen , and the approaching vehicle warning feature. The Bose 9 speaker system sounds great, all in all we love this Altima SL 2.5 litre, we could have spent thousands more for the Accord ( which we also liked) but this is the better value, we got every option availible including an extended warranty (125,000 mi) or 5 years, all for 23,871.00. We are happy.

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  Bngwtr - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By bongwater78 - February 22 - 4:23 pm

  This is my second nissan altima, a wonderful car at an affordable price, fits all my friends and goes across town and back with the low fuel light on. Nothing like driving a stick...

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  Best made sedan built in Mississippi - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Rusty Wolsleger - February 22 - 9:23 am

  No issues at all, great on MPG, Nashville to Jackson on a tank of gas! Comfort is great, compared to a old mans Camry, this is the car with style and reliability!

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  Great Looking car-good in snow - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Jersey Driver - February 21 - 2:36 am

  I currently have about 2k miles on the car. The Car handles excellent on the highway and in the city. It took a little while to get used to the brakes and the acceleration of the CVT. I recently drove in the snow storm of 2009. I had no problem keeping up with the snow plows. Handles great in rain, snow and icy roads.

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  still a great car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By matthew - February 18 - 6:20 pm

  Last report 5-6-08 see Great Highway Car. Still a great car. Holding up decently. Now have 77k miles. My first problem, started to stumble when on highway. Felt like misfire. Checked spark plugs, found #3 did not look good. Replaced all spark plugs and #3 coil pack. Now car is great again. I still get about 27 mph with spirited driving. I run Mobile 1 synthetic oil every 5-6000 miles, does not use a drop of oil. Maintenance easy. A Durango ran me off the road in Dec on snowy road and I ran up a curb. Had to get two new tires but everything else ok. Typical strut clunk but ride not affected so ill wait to replace. Overall has been an enjoyable reliable and comfortable car on long trips.

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  Style with Performance - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By JMM - February 17 - 3:00 pm

  Sits low to the ground, so if hip or leg problems it can be an issue. Overall great car. 2011 was best year for Altimas. Easy access to controls and woderfully supported seating.