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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  Silver 2015 - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Mansfield Yancy - December 29 - 9:59 am

  I did own the silver 2015 Altima Sv model with 47,000 miles I never did have any problems great car and great service at Nissan of Athens they always took care of my needs I just treaded that car in and got a 2017 Altima great sale people but I alway deal with one D

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  Great First Automatic Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By SunnyInSanDiego - December 29 - 4:20 am

  This car is awesome! It is my first automatic, my first 4 door sedan and my first Nissan. I got it loaded - 3.5 SE V6 + Prem package and nav/XM. IS 250 had too small of a backseat, the 328i was out of my price range and Im just not a Mercedes girl. I love to drive around with the windows down, the sunroof open and the Bose speakers blaring. Perfect for those sunny San Diego days. The CVT engine is great but takes a little time to get used to if you are a manual transmission girl at heart like me. Overall a great ride! Previously owned a Ford and 2 Mitsus. What a difference! My friend has a 2008 G35 and this is basically the same car. All the same features and $10k less. Sold!

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  Love this car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Adele - December 28 - 1:00 pm

  Drove a 94 Thunderbird for 13 years and thought I wanted a car with a V6 engine. Tested a Ford Fusion V6 and the 4 cyl Camry. When I drove the 2.5S Altima I couldnt believe how strong and powerful the engine is. It can keep up with everything on the road. I love the gas mileage. It gets 35 mpg with all highway driving. With all city driving it gets about 22 mpg. The cvt is smooth and responsive and the car feels solid and sure on highways. The seats felt a little too firm at first but now Im used to them. Im very happy with this car and just love driving it.

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  BEST LIL CAR! - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By T-money - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, easy to park, sooper dependable! one setback not as good fuel ecomomy as might think. bought at 20,000 miles now has 101,000 never lost a day due to breakdown, never got me stranded!!!

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  Good Car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By xs6dfg0 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in March of 2002 with 60,000 miles on it and so far it has been perfect. I dont expect to have any problems with it as this is my third Altima. This is a solid and reliable vehicle and you just cant beat the value. They have lousy resale value because Nissan saturated the market with them, but this is a good thing when youre picking one up used. I have the 5-speed manual and I dont like it very much, the shifter feel is too vague and slushy. My wife has a 2000 Altima SE with a really good automatic transmission and that seems to be a much better option in this automobile.

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  Exhilirating Ride with 175 Ponies - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Betty G. - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine 4/13/02 as my first new car. Whate a rush :) I was considering the 3.5L SE (more power) but changed my mind when I test drove the 2.5L S. Very smooth ride and with todays gas prices cannot beat the 32 miles per gallon on the highway. All models have the same interior unless you get leather. I am extremely happy with the purchase and I totally recommend it, especially for a young woman, you will turn heads, I was told that it looks like a new Lexus.

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  What an engine!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By David A. - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I was thinking about buying something smaller, but the test drive sold me. The wonderful 3.5L V-6 engine is this cars best selling point. After having lived with the car for 3 months, the engine is still the cars strongest point. It just never fails to impress. Handling is another strong point, although it does get a little unsettled on bumpy pavement, but never enough to throw the car offline. The exterior of the car very pleasing to the eye. I think the profile is the cars best view IThe interior is very quiet. Road noise is very subdued, as is wind noise, except for an air leak from the sunroof.

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  I love my Altima! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Angelena - December 24 - 2:50 pm

  I love this car! I really made the right choice. Its classy w/out being too pricy, and with this new gas gouging that were going thorugh Im relieved to know that my car gets abou 28 MPG on the freeway. I have a fear of cars breaking down, and Im so happy to say that Ive never had a problem with my car, its an absolute dream.

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  Excellent purchase - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Darryl - December 23 - 2:26 am

  I love everything about this car. It was an impulse buy for me but have no regrets. The moment I saw the car I knew I had to have it. The car drives very smoothly, and has some get up and go power. The gas mileage is remarkable!

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  2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jose - December 19 - 10:36 am

  I was in the market looking for a new car and my choices were, Accord, Camry and Maxima. I loved the new Accord coming from a long time Honda owner as well as the Camry. I did drive the Camry and liked it, I tried the new accord and loved it. I was about to purchase it, then I told my wife lets try the Maxima. We liked the Maxima but the salesman said just try the 2007 Altima. Wow, I was impressed, the power and all around design just caught my attention. Nissan has stepped up on this model and I recommend you drive one for yourself. I love this Altima.