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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  Thee Worst Nissan ever owned!!!! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By medinamv - November 21 - 1:48 pm

  I have owned about 9 brand new nissan 10 used ones. from 1979 till 2009 5/pick-ups /3-200sx 5-altimas (2 have 200k onthem) 3/240sx and yes even my toys 2001 Skyline/2001 silvia S15 bluetop (stationed in Japanand now in the states with daddy) plus 3 sentras. never any problems at all!BUT! my 09 Altima 2.5s is the biggest dissappointment ever/ engine replaced at 30k for Knocking/ wears tires on rear evry 20k but alignment shows it is fine. now tranny at 59k and engine noise is back. real loud in mornings like oil is not getting up to top end. I am going to trade in ASAP on A Hyundai or VW Passat asap! I have owned my last Nissan.

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  Pretty good car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Paul-engineer - November 19 - 1:13 pm

  I bought this car as an everyday to-and-from work car, and used it that way for 5 yrs. Now my daughter has it at college. I have liked this car. It has a smooth, powerful 4-cylinder engine, and the ride is nice. It has been very reliable - a couple of repairs done under warranty (intake manifold gasket and remote fob) - no hassle. I had to replace the radio/CD player when the CD player stopped working. And I went through the round of tires/brakes/battery at 60K miles, which is normal except the cost on the brakes was high. My gas mileage has been OK - around 30 for highway, 25 in mixed city/freeway commute. Interior space is tight. I am 61" and I think that no one taller could use this car.

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  Stay Away! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By unchainedskydiver - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after saving money for two years. As a college student, my commute only involved going to college and back, and work almost everyday. The car started giving me problems from the day I bought it. Cam/crank position sensors, which had already been replaced before because of a recall went bad. Had to pay $400. The head gasket is faulty in these models. Consumes more oil than gas. Ac/heater problems. Suspension has issues. The backlight for radio stopped working. Its a very fragile car. Unless you love wasting your hard earned money, dont buy this car, even if it is handed to you for free. Its a complete piece of junk!

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  Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jim Campbell - November 19 - 12:33 am

  While I am very impressed w/ the quality of construction, I remain disappointed w/ the performance of the vehicle. The best mpg I have achieved is 30 mpg when I first bought the car, but this has decreased to around 25 mpg, even on highway driving. The most disturbing aspect of driving my Altima though is the jerky performance of the engine/variable speed transmission. In suburban driving the engine stumbles along until the speed of 40 mph is reached. I can only describe its performance as rough, depending on the rpm modulated by the transmission. When descending hills the transmissions gears down, rather than coast for increased fuel efficiency. My last purchase of a cvt.

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  2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By mjhand - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive! Its so fast and cool looking that Nissan had to redesign their flagship Maxima because peopel were buying the Altima instead. Handling is great. Good fuel economy. I get about 30 mpg on the highway. Fairly quiet ride. Awesome sound system! Biggest complaint is that Nissan could upgrade the trip computer to be more ergonomic (you have to change displays from the steering wheel, but then have to reset each one from the dash board).

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  What a Difference - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Corey Truesdale - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 93 Altima GLE which I enjoyed very much but the 02 Altima is by far the best car I have ever owned "Great Job Nissan"

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  driven-2002 Altima 3.5 SE - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By clank44 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my vehicle in January. I do an extensive amount of driving as a sales rep and find the vehicle comfortable even for extended trips and extremely fun to drive. Performance is impressive and mileage is reasonable for that performance. I am very satisfied to date.

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  Motors are junk - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By steve - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I will never buy another nissan altima or nothing in nissan the motors are junk and will not hold up i have spent a fortune on this junk pile and i am going to buy another car as soon as possible shame on you nissan for selling junk!

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  headlights - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By shelly30 - November 8 - 10:14 pm

  I bought a 2013 Nissan Altima sedan back in November. I traded my 2012. I noticed that whenever the headlights are on that there is a smudgy place, which later found out it is a shadow from the lamp. I did talk to my dealership and they said all the headlights were like that. I called and reported it to consumer affairs nissan. She wrote up a case number and all and asked me to send pictures. I did that and she sent them to the engineering department. She called me back and told me that its the lamp and that theres no solution to correcting this as of right now. My question is did whoever make this car not look at it before sending it out on the market. You buy a brand new car

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  Worth it! - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By MeiMei - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car I have owned and the only one still. I bought it from the dealership in Dallas for 9500 with 46000 miles on it. Now, its over 60000 miles but I still do love it. Besides oil change, I have never done anything to the car but it still works great. If theres any reason for me to change the car, it may be that I want a cooler looking car. This car is too much like a familymans car.