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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  Great value, fun & economical to drive - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By RPS - February 5 - 1:50 pm

  My 2007 Altima 2.5SL w/CVT is fun to drive. With only 2000 miles on it, it is hard to speak about predicted reliability but if this car lasts like my 1999 Altima with over 200k miles, I will be very happy. The drivers cockpit area is well laid out with everything in easy reach and logical placement. I intended to get an entry level 2.5S but I was impressed with all the extra gadgets and glad I went for the extras.

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  Zip Down the Highway in Style & Comfort - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Chris T - February 5 - 12:26 am

  I love the styling and comfort of my 2.5S and am glad I made the choice to buy a Nissan product this time around. It has a lot of zip and a sporty look for a 4 door sedan. Ive always owned 2 door coupes, but this 4 door car has won me over.

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  Truely A Great Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Juve - February 4 - 12:38 pm

  Ive seen all these reviews for sometime, had to add to it. Got mine in 08 with 35k, now it at 172k and still running great. No major issues, just normal wear and tear having to change shocks recently along with the back calipers. I hope to get another 100k. Definitely a great car to get if you are looking for something for your college kid , can find cheap good deals for it.

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  just dependable baby - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By harshad - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my altima new in july 99 at a great price of 14500. It just runs good. I have replaced tires, front brake pads, and recently drivers power window switch..I just moved from CA to minnesota..it did great in sub zero temps.. hope to drive my baby for a long time to come..wish I would have bought it with 5 speed manual..though the automatic is great

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  Great Car for the money. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By edman86 - February 1 - 7:04 pm

  Great car we bought this car as a comuter car to work. Mostly HWY driveing and MTNs. We did have a issue with the brake light coming on and off for the first 1200 miles took it in twice they could not find the problem with it. Now it has gone away. The car does make a rattling niose in the wind also the interior has a rattle. The new CVT transmission works great no problems. The car feels solid very well made. I would buy again. We have 12000 miles on it!!!

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  Love it ! - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Trelian - February 1 - 5:03 pm

  Its a great dependable car, rides smooth and very comfortable seating.

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  The Best Car I have Owned! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By carlos - February 1 - 10:30 am

  In Sept. 2004 I bought a 2005 Nissan Altima 3.5SE. Lthr SPrt Pkge, Satin White w/ Charcoal Lthr. 5-speed Manual. Really liked that car but could not handle a manual any longer. Traded it in with 7k miles in Feb 2005 for another 2005 3.5SE, this time however I got the Auto with Manual mode (wont be missing my 5spd) in Sheer Silver w/ Charcoal Lthr. I now also have a Navigation system (My White one didnt). I also added the chrome wheel exchange. I also got the side spoilers which make the car look much better. Ive owned a total of 4 Nissans: 01 Altima SE, 03 Maxima SE, 05 ALtima 3.5SE (Manual), 05 Altima 3.5SE (Auto). They have all been great cars with no problems. Highly Recommend Nissan!!

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  This has been a very reliable car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Mark Edgbert - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had only minor problems through 100,000 miles. I have driven it, obviously many miles in the 4.5 years Ive owned it, and have had great success. It did have a few issues that were covered by the extended service contract I bought - something I highly recommend.

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  Im being realistic... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By SgtBaxter - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, but the faults of it really annoy me. The engine is the best in the world, hands down. Im even getting around 27MPG, which is excellent. That said, the interior and build quality is really the weak point. For a $16,000 car, its right on the mark. For a $22,000+ car that the 3.5 SE is, its seriously lacking. I love the whole layout/style of the interior. Its just that the materials are cheap, and the fit and finish suck. The car is a BLAST to drive though. Great fun, and sexy as hell!

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  The Altimate Driving Machine - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Altima3.5SE - February 1 - 7:20 am

  I have had my car for almost a week and i love driving it! It is a super sleek and sexy car with a transmission/engine/chassis design that no other car can match in its class! Very easy to drive and stable when the need for aggressive driving is needed. Very roomy and a nice sounding base sound system. This has to be the best bang for your buck in the mid size class category and it is better built than Camry and Accord.