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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  Good hand-me-down Car - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By George L. - February 16 - 9:50 am

  My dad purchased this car new in March 1996 and this car has been in my family since. I got the car as a junior in high school from my dad in 2001, and now at 23 I still have the car. While I am looking to replace it, I have been pretty happy with it since I got it 6 1/2 years ago. I have had very few mechanical problems with it. It seems to run strong every day. It doesnt have too many miles for its age. Its been a nice 1st car for me, but I am ready to move on.

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  2.5SL package - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mr. Patel - February 15 - 1:50 am

  I bought my 08 Altime from my previews experience with a 03 Altima. I put 150,000 on my 03 Altima without any problem, so i bought an 08 Altima. 08 Altima is a great product, but the CVT transmission is horrible. I had so many problems while driving in the city from 40 to 50 mph. Also, the mic with blue-tooth feature is terrible. When you on the phone with another person, they cant hear you. Need better mic. Nissan needs to bring back their traditional transmission or they will lose alot of customers. I trade- in my Altima for a pre-owned Lexus.

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  My dream car exceeded expectations - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By alison - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven many different cars & minivans for 20 years. I drove an Altima once and found its handling superior to anything I knew - so when I went to buy my next car I had to try the new model Altima. Now almost two years later I still smile each time I get in it - it was the best decision Ive made in a long time. It still handles crisply, hugs the road on corners, brakes and accelerates responsively, is very roomy and comfortable - while looking and feeling sharp. The interior has maintained like new. This is an excellent car and a delight to drive - all distances and in all weathers. Not a single problem.

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  Dissatisfied Customer - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Dissatisfied Custome - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 09 Altima last December. We havent owned the car one yr and the engine began to knock like a diesel. Took car in for servicing by dealer and informed it needed a new engine. After much scrutiny by NISSAN, warranty covered the engine replacement. Had the car back for 2 days, engine wouldnt turn over. Radio, lights, windows would work, but car would not start. Replaced battery at my own expense, still happening. Just wishing we had the Chevy Trailblazer back, and rid of this nightmare.

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  No Regrets - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Good choice - February 12 - 6:40 pm

  It has been 3 months and 3 thousand miles since my purchase. The car rides smooth and quiet. I test drove a 4 and it had enough power but I was willing to sacrifice some mpg for a very quiet 6. Im noise sensitive. Getting 24 mpg suburban driving, highway 28-29 with a ton of get up and go! Bose sound system is fabulous with the quiet engine. Interior feels very spacious. Dash not cluttered. Controls nicely positioned. Nice leg space. Trunk offers plenty of suitcase and stuff space. Good sight lines through rear window when backing up. The transmission is very smooth, quiet, and easy to get used to. No need for a stick shift.

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  So Far, Super Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By KYBruce - February 12 - 6:06 pm

  We found this on ebay. Had 45k on it and paid $9900. Can get over 30MPG on hwy. Bose 6CD sounds great. My wife likes the light emerald green color. Leather htd seats are very comfortable. Have always owned Hondas, and this is first Nissan, and so far impressed. The engine is smooth and seems more like 6 cyl. Only negative is this car should have std ABS and side airbags (which ours does not) Would certainly recommend!

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  My first new car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Monique - February 12 - 6:56 am

  My 2005 Nissan Altima is my first new car. Prior to this I had a used Honda Accord. I was looking for a car that was comparable and I exceeded my goal. This is a great car to drive.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Daniel A2003 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  in next 2-3 yrs altima will prove to be better then accord or camry

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  2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Mi Amor - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is very comfortable and roomy. I own the 5 speed manual and when I need to the extra pick up and go, it goes!

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  Noisiest car ever - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Melvinio - February 6 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car when it only had 40k miles after a month of driving it the brakes made soo much noise while braking so I change the breaks and it was still making the noise change routers and it was still making it at the same time the transmission was making noises as well when I started to speed up it was the loudest and most noises car I ever owned never again buying a Nissan worst car to buy thats why they are as cheap as they are finally got my hands on a Accord the car I should of bought on the first place