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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  Great Altima - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By rhino20 - October 29 - 11:30 am

  A fun car to drive with a 4 cylinder that acts more like a 6. Great handling...takes curves at high speeds staying flat and giving great feel of road. I have had the 2.5SL for about 1 1/2 months and have put 1400 miles on it. Love the car so far and the gas mileage is very good...25+ in city and 35 on interstate. If it proves to be as reliable as my Hondas of the past, I will be back to Nissan in the future. If not, then back to Honda.

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  Great car and better value - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By V6Altima - October 25 - 7:26 am

  Purchased the Altima 3.5 SR after comparing to the Mazda 6 GT and Nissan Maxima. In my opinion, the quality, feature set, and performance rival the Maxima, but at a significantly lower price point. The CVT has been flawless, as well as the overall functioning of the vehicle. The V6 is quite refined, and a pleasure to accelerate on the freeway. Smooth ride and quiet cabin, even with the sport-tuned suspension on the SR. Regular (87) gas is a welcomed upgrade from the 09 V6. Fit and finish were above average in my opinion, with a very attractive, yet mature interior cabin. Navigation is by far the best I have used, and the new for 10 iPod interface is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition.

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  The best car I have ever owned - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kris918 - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder which I had nothing but problems with. I went to Riverhead Automall and I fell in love with the Altima, I get easily over 400 miles to a tank of gas. The car is comfortable to drive and feels like you in a cadillac! At first I was scared going back to driving a car , after owning my Altima for 3 months i would not trade for any SUV.

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  2nd Gen 1st Yr (2002) Nissan Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By R.Bruce Hiddleston - October 23 - 2:50 am

  The 2002 Altima underwent a big design change resulting in many new and some not so improved or appreciated changes.New body is nice, but too low. The interior is appealing and comfortable. The interior lights need to be much brighter, as in the Sentra. The heater in our car has had problems since we got it at 14,000 miles. The car is taken to the service dept at least once a year to make it work as well as my 95 . Nissan PU,so far to no avail. Our car has had several recalls and problems peculiar to 2002 Altimas. Exhaust header replacement recall at 30K mi, muffler recall at 60K mi,front converter selfdestructed at 88K & Killed eng ($3.5K) The 100Kmi $2K warranty was a wise choice. purcased

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  New Car Nightmare - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By JulieQ - October 22 - 9:20 pm

  Since owning this car the following has taken place - both tail lights had to be replaced, carpet replaced, door seal replaced, defective sunroof wind deflector replaced, sunroof drain clogged & caused excessive moisture damage, which resulted in having part of headliner glued back in place and interior musty smell, trunk seals not installed correctly which caused the trunk lid to rub grooves into the bumper, hood had to be adjusted to fix large gaps, console became loose drivers side window seals have gaps, sometimes car idles so loudly it sounds like a diesel. I could go on. In April of 2010, I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs. Today, they called as said the problems are normal.

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  Beware of the CVT - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By considerate128 - October 19 - 4:43 pm

  Bought this car used with 50k miles on it. After about 6 months I noticed a rattle sound from the transmission at low speeds @1,500 rpms. I did some research and it sounds like its a common thing for their transmissions. I was very disappointed and the cost to repair looked to be steep. I knew there were mixed opinions about the transmission and I wanted to give it a chance. Last Saturday a truck rear ended me, totaling the car. It may be a blessing in disguise due to the transmission needing repair and I was able to go out and get something else. I will not buy another Nissan again if it uses the CVT technology.

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  great value - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Two Nissan Man - October 18 - 2:03 pm

  Ive had my 01 Altima since June/01 and have about 9000 miles so far. I have the GXE automatic and even in Houston, where we have to run the a/c often, it has plenty of power for a small 4 cylinder. It is fun to drive and easy to maintain. Mine came with the Limited Edition package at a great price and rebate. My only complaint is the usual bumpy ride with the stiff Nissan suspension. Other than that it is great!

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  Love My Coupe - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Charlie - October 17 - 11:26 am

  Ive had my 3.5 SE coupe for 6 months now and really love it! My favorite feature is the CVT in the shift mode - lots of fun to drive out here in the country. Havent had any mechanical problems but only has 5,000 miles on it. Drove it all winter and had no problems with the snow (live in Toledo Ohio so weve had our share). Everyone in work loves the way it looks - precision gray with black leather. Car is a little nosier on the highway than my Monte Carlo SS was but this is my first foreign car so I guess I need to get used to it. Salesman didnt tell me the car needs to run on high test gas - gets about 21 mpg city/hw

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  best car ever - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ally - October 15 - 10:00 am

  once i saw the car i thought it was just another nissan but when i got closer and was able to see its comfort ans its awesome designs i was hooked on it and only it

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  Sports Car without Sports Car Cost - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Evan - October 15 - 2:26 am

  I may be biased having previously owned a 2005 Altima, but I love this car. After 6000 miles I havent noticed any difference in the driving from mile 1. It can be fuel efficient, or really give me that extra boost when I want to cut it loose. Bottom Line, this is a great car for individuals or for families looking for a little fun from their everyday sedan.