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:

• 

  Good Trooper - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By northwest - December 18 - 4:56 pm

  Given as a gift after graduation, 65000 miles. Thanks aunty, some parts were modified for more power and sound, in turn most stock problems never happened. Runs like a champ with mobile 1 syn every 4000miles. Ngk sparkys & wires. I still get 22-25 city, 37+ highway. No prob w/engine yet. I have good mechanics:). 144300 miles strong.

• 

  Just O.K. ( Buyers Remorse ) - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Durell - December 17 - 11:20 pm

  I decided to wait 6 mos before writing a review of this car. Lets say that its just ok for a daily driver. The v6 is advertised as having 270 hp, somehow I think thats not entirely true. The AC is lacking punch, The steering is ultra light, the handling even with SE trim is floaty, build quality is better than last gen but not by much, the brakes are pretty much dead if one must make a sudden stop from say 50 mph, lots of fade, the gas mileage is horrible even when taking it easy on the engine.

• 

  Sports car that doesnt look like one! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Skelley - December 15 - 1:43 pm

  Mother of 2 here, this is my second altima purchase - first was a base model 3 years ago. This upgraded version is well worth it! This is one fast car for what Im used to. Love the added features. Intererior is a little dark, but overall I am highly please with this family/sporty car! CUP HOLDERS are much better than the huge ones they used to put in. better storage too!

• 

  2005 Altima not as good as they say - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Altima JCM - December 14 - 11:03 pm

  The car is fast for a 4 cyl but the AC compressor comes on when you press the fan button to recirculate which kills the performance a little and greatly affects gas mileage negatively. Nissan does not see it as a problem even though you cant shut the AC compressor off unless you shut off the ignition. The AC vents not well designed have limited adjustments. The floor boards are very weak and rattle at times. The chrome shift-plate tends to shine the sun in your face. The stock radio is very cheap and has poor reception. The front nose is hard to see when parking. Fun to drive but Nissan saved a lot on cutting corner. Poor gas milage but a cute car your choice to buy.

• 

  Great car, if it only ran - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Susan Marshall - December 13 - 11:12 am

  From jerking violently while shifting/CVT to shuddering until it shuts off while idling at stop lights, turning, behind school busses, etc., shutting off each time the car is placed in reverse or drive to completely disengaging while driving down the road/highway leading to coasting while the gas pedal and engine stop "talking" to each other, my car has progressively become a death trap. This 2014 Altima appears to completely flummox the dealerships service folks. They cant seem to fix it. Corporate refuses to pay for or replace whatever is broken. Oh, to top it off, the same Nissan dealership said it is only worth $9k for trade in. Despite being very happy with the car for the first 18-months, this 4-time Nissan buyer is desperately searching for faith that this cars current issues are a fluke, can be fixed, and the car I worked so hard to buy will return to being the reliable, comfortable, and economic car I loved.

• 

  Car is just ok... - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Sharkie - December 13 - 10:11 am

  this car has no guts.... poor Transmission.... the interior is cheap and easy to get dirty

• 

  Green Machine - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By neorik - December 11 - 9:16 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Handles like a small car but with lots of space. Leather seats are comfortable. Four cylinder provides plenty of power for me. Receiver works well. I love this car.

• 

  Fun but could be so much better... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Urooj - December 10 - 10:00 am

  A truly fun car to drive, however, there is considerable oversteer and the roadhandling is not all that great but the acceleration does put a smile on ones face. Interior cabin noise is fairly intrusive. The overall interior fit and finish is done well with some minor exceptions. The faux wood trim is -quite frankly - a little cheesy - choose the faux chrome, it looks better. All that being said - it is probably more fun to drive than its older sibling, the Maxima and several of its more conservatively styled competitors.

• 

  Solid as you can get - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Patrick - December 5 - 6:26 pm

  This is a great car. Got the black on black and for the price nothing comes close to feeling as nice. Ive owned a car from all three of the big Jap companies and while the Lexus is the best of the three the Altima is second and way ahead of the Accord.

• 

  Nissan buying back my Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By cindy in poway - December 3 - 5:00 pm

  I have the altima 3.5 sl loaded. I really like my altima but it has had a lot of problems. I am in arbitration right now for Nissan to buy it back because they want to switch out engine because they cant figure out what is wrong with it. It was stuttering and not running smooth. After 30+ days in shop, they recommended total engine replacement. Starting at 18k miles, I had headlight, sun visor go out. I had to have belt and tension pulley replaced, master cylinder replaced; emergency brake light was coming on. Brake wear out fast