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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  Is This A Family Saden?? - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By 42386 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for $22,700..asking price was $25,995 brand new on may 23,02 this car has some serious power. My 3.5 SE goes 0-60MPH in 6.7secs, and does the quater in 14.9secs. This car has 240HP and 246trq. I love this car,.. its stylish and most of all its ballzie.

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  Great car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Compaq888 - December 1 - 9:16 am

  Bought it from an owner that didnt know anything about cars. Had a maintenance done at the dealer and the car is problem free.

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  Rental Manage Chooses Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Happy Buyer - November 30 - 7:36 pm

  I am a former Rental car manager. I had a different car everyday. I have driven everything from a Camry to Infiniti G35. My last car was a Honda Accord 04 Was totaled 3 weeks ago on the freeway because of three things. Black ice, Bad factory tires, no traction controlled. I am actually excited when I get in this car because you pay $24k for a car that is worth $38K. The CVT has constant power. Getting on a freeway 0-80 mph with no shifting in the trans is amazing. It handles like it is on rails. (cornering is good). The last model altimas I drove had a lot of torque steer. Nissan fixed that problem on this model.

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  After 50K miles I am happy - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By aterces - November 30 - 6:48 pm

  I purchase the car on Oct 2012, and after 50,000 miles I can say that I am happy with my purchase, havent had a single problem with the car and has been very reliable. I did have an issue with a weird noise coming from the engine I took it to the dealer and it was the alternator but it was replace free of charge since I was under warrantee no problems after that. The gas mileage is very good, I avg between 30-32 miles

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  actually a decent car (2.5 s) - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By ray - November 30 - 12:24 am

  This car isnt so bad actually. CVT is nice and efficient. Gives the car much better pick up that most compeitors. Amazing milage well over 30 mpg. Super comfortable seats. More than enough room in front and back for almost any size adult. Great sound system on the base. Nice quite ride despite what critics say about CVT noise. Its only noisy if you rev the engine up to 4000 rpm or so. Handling is above average at best but very smooth effortless power steering. Only complaints are some weird noises this car makes. You can hear the gas slosh around the gas tank if you break hard. And the power steering pump constantly hums. Just pet peeves that dont really affect the cars drive ability. Overall its every bit as good as a camry or sonata. Just depends on what you prefer. For me it was the money I got mine brand new for just under $19k.

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  Good, but. . . . - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By feverfive - November 28 - 11:33 am

  Nice car, but not quite up to the hype. Nice thrust/acceleration for a 4 cyl. Could use more noise dampening to block out road noise. The heater/cooling fan is TOO NOISY!!

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  crappy transmission - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By mykegee723 - November 26 - 9:46 pm

  when i got this car it was awesome. then all of a sudden going about 30 mph car would shake and my mileage decreased from combined city and highway 25 to 19 mph. i repeatedly took it in and nothing wrong was found. although dealership felt the shaking right away. they couldnt fix it. repeatedly took it in. all of a sudden a service bulliten came out that this is the way the car is supposed to drive. b s. i say. i contacted nissan usa and tried to reason with them. and they told me yea thats the way it is. i am a car audio installer for more than 8 yrs, and i have worked on many nissan altimas like mine. they all drove great.. obviously there is something wrong. i trade piece o crap in.

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  Bad Nissan Experience - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Carlos Chiari - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I read before I purchased the car issues regarding "vibrations at high speeds". When I test drove it, it seemed fine, so I purchased it. After 3,000 miles the shake developed and i took it into the dealership. Conveniently, they "werent able to reproduce the shake;" hence, unable to fix it. After 3 visits, they still cant "replicate it". Ugh! Second gear also shifts rough - another thing they cant fix. Now my engines making a "metallic scratching noise", which - yup you guessed it - they cant replicate. This is my first and last Nissan. Im going back to overpriced Hondas....

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  Nissan comes through again. - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Joseph Mansueto - November 24 - 1:20 pm

  I am very happy with this car. Cant get over the power. Constatly feel like Im driving a V6. Very smooth in town a little noisy on the freeway. The gas mileage has been pretty good, 25mpg in town, as high as 30mpg on the freeway. Beats Accord and Camry hands down for looks. Great buy for the bucks. By the way the Special Edition package is worth every penny.

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  This is my 3rd Nissan and Im done. - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By CD - November 22 - 3:26 am

  My last 3 cars have been brand new Nissans and each one has been progressively worse as far as maintenance. Trade-in value is horrible and they are over-priced.