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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  Love the altima butt regret upgrading to the 15 - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By KitaM. - January 24 - 10:44 pm

  I traded my 14 altima in for a 15. It isnt even a year old and the paint has two chips. I can get over that but when I bought the car I found out it has a stained windshield. After cleaning it numerous times, we reported it to the service bepartment and they have done nothing and suggested nothing. If you buy a brand new car and it is suppose to have a lifetime warranty, you should have a car free of defects.

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  Fun to drive, great power! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Brandon - January 24 - 3:43 pm

  Love the car, I never thought that I would own an Altima but when I saw the new body style I had to test drive it. Was planning on buying an 07 Toyota Camry S, but once I got into the Altima the power and push button start got me. Ended up with the white 3.5 SE w/6 speed. I always get compliments on the car. I drive the hell out of it and still get about 300 miles to a tank of gas. Overall it’s a great buy and would recommend it anyone!!

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  Love the car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By RJP - January 22 - 6:13 pm

  This is my third Altima and have been very pleased with each one, The cars rides very nice and I love the special edition package, and the alloy wheels give it an upgraded look, I am getting 29 mpg! I leased the car with the replaced engine and got the added warranty and the added rebate so it made it a heck of a deal!! All I ever do to these cars is just normal service, They have never let me down.

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  my car will not stay inlane when driving over 50 - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Wendy - January 21 - 9:31 pm

  I drive on the hyway everyday to work and back. I have NEVER had a car that drifts in and out of the lanes like this car does. Its truely scary to get on hyway. I am not the only one who has this problem. CAN WE NOT RECALL AND FIX THIS!!! You buy a car to be able to enjoy and drive safely. Not to get on hyway and worry if your going to get home in one piece.its so bad. One minute I am driving straight next I am drifting in next lane or very vedy closeto the gauradrail. PLEASE PLEASE call attention to this before someone dies!!!!!@

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  Great Car for the Money - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By KSichels - January 21 - 8:43 pm

  Couldnt be happier with my Altima purchase! Traded "up" from a 03 BMW 525. Got all the luxuries PLUS in the 2.5 SL (loaded except nav.) that I had in the Beemer... much more room, updated interior and accessories, better mpg, regular gas(yes!), etc. I loved the look when saw others on the road, and once I test drove and saw price, amenities, available options, colors, etc... I was sold!!! Already have over 10k miles (100+ mile commute each day) and still rides/looks/smells like new. Would definitely recommend to others. Love the look, ride (smooooooth), interior, trunk room, mpg (avg 30-32 combined! -- but mostly highway), Bluetooth, AUX input on Bose stereo.... and list goes on.

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  Kinks that need to be worked out - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - January 21 - 11:26 am

  Good car, quick yet fuel efficient. So far not too fond with the workmanship, little things like the driver side mirror missing interior insulation/causing a whistling noise when driving at 50+mph. Driver side seat (power) loose. Spoke to service department and was told that its a Nissan issue they have yet to figure out. Volume control on steering wheel activates the vehicles horn, must be very careful when using that feature. Unaligned hood fairly noticeable. Rear bench seat needs proper fastening (middle section is loose). Several issues with the braking system. Most recent that needs attention, squeak from rear brakes, in process of having fuel regulator replaced.

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  NEVER BUY A NEW ALTIMA. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Debra Yeoman - January 19 - 3:52 am

  So disappointed. Saved to buy this car for my 16 year old daughters birthday. Shes now in tears because 6 months later its a piece of crap that wont run. The CVT transmission shutters and shakes and it dies at low speeds or when put into park. Of course it just went off warranty. Ive talked to others thats replaced them 2-3 times. Please Nissan , come on and admit your car is defective. How many people have to did first??????

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  you know the story, bad transmission!!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Manuel Espinoza - January 19 - 3:44 am

  I bought my car in June 2013 and went on trip immediately after. It did really good and I was impressed, I also owned a 1999 Altima (manual trans) and it went 370K miles on the original engine and transmission. This 2013 had to have the transmission replaced at 34K miles and the new transmission at 45K behaves pretty much the same as the previous transmission. Whether the problem is the alternator or the transmission, Nissan should stand behind their product and correct the issues at n o expense to the customer. A Nissan mechanic told me that since Renault bought Nissan the quality has been diminishing on their products and it shows not sign of getting better. I am in the process of getting rid of my Altima and getting an Accord with manual transmission. I will never buy Nissan again, not because of the transmission, but for their lack of care in solving a known issue to them.

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  Overrated - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By trun - January 17 - 8:14 pm

  Car looks great from the outside but as soon as you step foot on the inside, it is a piece of crap. I had a 2009 Altima and regret every day that I ever traded it in for a 2013. The back up camera is absolutely atrocious! You cant even see out of it. There is a rattling in the roof that will not stop. The navigation is horrible. My 2009 navigation/camera system was WAY better than this horrible 2013. When I brought it to Nissan with these complaints they said that I needed to check my surroundings anyways and basically admitted this camera was pointless. I am VERY disappointed with this purchase. I will not buy a Nissan again because of the swindling I felt like I had received.

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  FUN TO DRIVE! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By GNL - January 17 - 10:26 am

  I TRULY WANTED THE 6 CYL 250 HP, BUT DID NOT WANT TO SPEND THE EXTRA 4,000.00. WHAT A SUPRISE AT THE POWER OF THE 175HP 4 CYL.THIS CAR IS FUN TO DRIVE. I KNOW IT IS THE BEST LOOKING CAR IN ITS CLASS. THE INTERIOR IS VERY ROOMY,THE TRUNK IS LARGE. CRUISING AT 100 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE DID NOT BRING ANY VIBRATIONS,VERY SMOOTH RIDE.