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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  The best Ive ever had! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By captain B - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Only two weeks old but first impressions are that this is an outstanding car. Purchased the 3.5 V-6 and happy that I did. Test drove the 2.5 and it was very good but the V-6 is like a rocket. Tip, hold down your cost buy selecting a model without Sunroof/Bose/Leather, that can run you up 3 grand. Good negotiations and shrewd comparisons with on line quotes got me the rear spoiler. It doesnt do anything but looks sharp. The 3.5 model is loaded with CD/Power seat/ 17"alloys/Keyless entry/alarm just about everything. Digital gas usage tells me Im getting 25.9 to the gallon. Im very happy with this car. My advice GO FOR IT.

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  I LOVE IT I LOVE IT - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By MRKING - November 5 - 3:00 pm

  I purchased this car a few months ago and love it. This is the best car Ive ever owned. I had an 01 Malibu 6 cyl previously, this car turns heads all the time. The CVT is the best 4 cyl alive . Quick on the highway and did I mention good looking.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike Witkowski - November 5 - 9:53 am

  I had leased a 2005 Grand Prix. This ride is not quite as comfortable but it is more fun to drive. Went on 250 mile trip two weekends in a row. First week we took my wifes Prius. Nice mileage but not very quick. Taking the Altima the next weekend was much better. I am not totally sure that I that I did the right thing by not buying the Grand Prix which I was getting 24 mpg while I am getting the same with the Altima. Maybe when the engine gets more miles the mpg will increase.

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  Do NOT buy a Nissan!!!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bighair2 - November 5 - 9:02 am

  We bought a 2013 Nissan Altima in September. Since then we have had nothing but problems;. I dont know where to start. The back seat is missing a piece of foam, still not fixed. The car is a danger to drive, it sways from side to side very hard to control if you are going over 35 mph, you find yourself in the other lane in a blink of an eye. The Nissan engineer said there was a problem but no answers. We have taken it in numerous times, they have told us there is nothing they can do. We have worked with Nissan consumer affairs and that was a joke. They are very rude and unhelpful, they offered us $400 for our problems and not fix it. Our next step is an attorney.

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  A Necessary Addition - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Andrew - November 4 - 6:50 pm

  When I was looking for a new car, nothing stood out more than the Nissan Altima Coupe. The look of the car and its uniqueness on the road alone sold me. It is very fun to drive and responsive for me. The seats are perfect and the basic package brought what I needed and not the extras I honestly see as unnecessary. The 4 liters saves gas and since I am a penny pincher with little money, this helps a lot and trust me, it can keep up on the highway. While you may find some gripe with the car, such as small trunk space and no existent back seat, honestly, this car is perfect for me as a teenage driver. Honestly, with 4 liters, I get the power I need and my parents do not have to worry like a V6.

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By David - November 4 - 12:26 am

  What a fun car to drive, From the response of the gas pedal, the stability of the suspension, and the comfort and support of the sport bucket seats I look forward to jumping into the drivers seat each and every day. The car comes stock with all the after market goodies you can expect to pay big time money for. The dash is nicely laid out and the stereo produces sound that is incomparable. The seating in the rear is comfy and spacious, through the car in sixth gear on the highway and expect to get 35mpg. I couldnt ask for more in a car. Good job Nissan.

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  A truly beauty - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By NW of Wilmington, DE - November 3 - 11:36 pm

  Ive owned the new 2008 Altima 2.5 S for just over 2-month with 2500 miles on it. It is a truly amazing car with outstanding gas mileage and fun to drive. I got 31 mpg on mixed city/hwy driving. It is fun to drive with plenty of ponies to spare on the hwy. The CVT is very smooth and the rev rarely over 2000 rpm even at 70 mph. Five-star crash test rating gives me a peace of mind. Having owned three Toyota Camry and one Honda Accord, I must say the Nissan Altima is way better and with the money saved enough for a nice Bahama vacation package. I just hope Nissan would make a diesel version of the Altima in the future.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By gols4379 - November 2 - 4:10 am

  This car is great to drive on a daily basis and it looks fantastic. This is my second Altima in a row (last one was a 2001 SE that I traded in for this one). I got the SL package which includes heated leather seats, a sunroof/moonroof and a great Bose audio system.

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  No ABS Brakes - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By scarolina - November 1 - 2:03 pm

  I purchased my Altima last September & was very excited since I had a 88 Maxima I traded. My new car lacks power (quick acceleration) (4 cyl engine) definitely underpowered & affects mileage. The driver bucket seat is not comfortable & the original seat was installed at a angle-had it replaced. My biggest concern is not having ABS system. I had ABS before & didnt realize the added safety in having ABS brakes. Im seriously considering trading my car in for a 3.5 Altima with ABS or purchasing a Honda or Toyota. Cars are so experience & purchasing a new that lacks quality to say the least is extremely frustrating. I normally keep a car 10 to 12 years but feel this car will be the exception

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  Perfect Used Car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By L7jr - November 1 - 2:50 am

  After alot of research for my next car I decided on the Altima. I have no regrets at all. I purchased the car with 79,000 miles and now have 90,000 miles on it and have only 3 things gone wrong on the car other than brakes and oil changes. The first thing that went were my CV boots and second my throttle linkage snapped which controls the acceleration of the car. Basically, when it snapped my gas pedal did nothing and left me stranded. My mechanic told me in his 25 years of working he had never seen that happen on a car. Lastly, the alternator had to replaced but other than that the car has been perfect and I highly reccommend this car. I added a K&N filter and it makes such a difference.