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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  Vehicle - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Cody - January 5 - 9:23 pm

  When I bought a Nissan Altima I was thrilled. When I looked inside the interior look brand new. Very roomy and comfortable for road trip. Plus it get great gas mileage. Also inside the car there are plenty of storage places. All the electronics worked great. Its a push to start no key is needed which I thought was pretty cool. The outside looked good no dents and had good tires on it. When I test drove it it drove very smoothly. No problems with the vehicle at all. I would recremind getting the vehicle if yu are needing something reliable and great on gas.

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  my first adventure with nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By 4dr 2.5sl sedan - January 4 - 8:50 pm

  I have very much enjoyed my experience with my altima. It is very quiet, handles like a dream, gets super gas mileages even at a high cruising speeds doesnt rattle even after 48000 miles aned the paint finish seems to be super after rain snow salt and freezing weather. This car has never let me down , after many long trips to florida and back,and i have maintained full confidence in its performance during my ownership of this vehicle. I only have had one complaint.. I have owned many chryslers in the past, that have given me tremendous servive and always have had a great display of mileage, miles to empty, etc. I wrote to nissan to tell them they should have a compass, no response.

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  Quite Slow for a nissan - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - January 1 - 5:36 am

  I just test drove this car. Id have to say I am very disappointed that it is so slow for a Nissan. Previous years were quite fast. The CVT allows for a very enjoyable ride but does not allow for the quick start from 0. However, once going 30+ it has plenty of power. Starting from 0 is like starting a car with a big engine in 2nd gear. If you have no reason to lay into the gas this is the car for you. Its smooth, no shifting, and the CVT gives for a ride passengers would enjoy. Ive got very mixed impressions - Its got Toyota Camry beat with everything except for the 0- 60 factor, or so it would seem.

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  Great car, very minor annoyances - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By JHall - January 1 - 4:20 am

  Was surprised with the power from the 2.5L 4banger. Went from an old 4.9L Cadillac to the Altima and am not disappointed, even with slight drop in pick-up. It is comfortable and stylish without a giant pricetag. Leasing option was cheap! Car has some very minor issues with comfort and accessories, but has been great mechanically and the ride is pretty smooth.

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  Aggressive Styling - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Sacramento SDV - December 31 - 7:13 pm

  I knew I was going to get an Altima but didnt quite know which model. Cost was a major concern so I initially wanted the 2.5 with sports package. After some thinking I decided to go with the 3.5 SE because who can so no to 250 horses? I thought the SE-R was out of my price range but its awesome test drive and aggressive looks begged to differ. After more consideration I chose the SE- R. I figured it was worth the extra dollars a month to get a vehicle that has all that you want with a truly UNIQUE look.

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  Good overall car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By hogan - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Altima with 35,000 miles. Ran great for awhile. Had a major problem with transmission not shifting and I could not get the car in Drive, or Reverse. Turns out this is a common problem. There is even a little thing in front of the shifter that can be popped open and then you are supposed to push your key in it to disengage the shifter so you will not get stranded. I did not know this so I had to get towed. Whole time the rest of the car was flawless, ran great. Shelled out $600.00 and the garage put new sensor in, but said problem could come back at anytime. Google it and you wont believe how many people had same problem. Other than that great car.

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  Our guardian angel - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Repeat buyer - December 31 - 10:00 am

  The Altima is a great car. Very reliable with minimal maintenance. Very quiet inside and no noise engine. The CVT is great...gives the vehicle excellent acceleration and no noise. Very stylish and extremely safe. Our entire family (including baby and young child) were in a severe car accident that totaled the car, and we all walked away without injury. The outside of the car was crushed on three corners yet the inside was in perfect condition. Great car for the family as its roomy enough for baby seat, booster seat, and another child in the back.

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  Issue at High Speed - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By ferice - December 31 - 2:59 am

  I have a 2013 Altima 2.5s. I feel as though I am loosing control of the car when I reached 65 MPG and up. I am scared that I will cause a serious accident because I dont feel like I have control of the car at times. The car is also wobble when driving on the expressway at a lower speed. I am wondering if anyone else is experience the same issue. Ive driven my wife ford fusion for a month, and I have never had that issue

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  An Awesome value, no diubt about it - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By joaquin48 - December 30 - 7:02 am

  This car is really awesome. Of course is not a porsche or a Jaguar, but is a lot of fun to drive. I have 2 young kids, and they love the space in the back seat. My wife loves the dual climate control, and I love the comfort (i am 6" tall) and the Bose sound, which is pretty awesome. The ipod integration is superb, I get 26 mpg with 90% city driving, is so quiet in the highway, and the trunk is enormous. The CVT transmission feels weird, so make sure it doesnt bother you, but it drives great. There is NOT a lot of power, is is a fuel-efficient 4 cylinder, but still feels great.

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  Love This CAR!!!! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By TaeSean - December 30 - 6:59 am