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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  kenny - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By kenny - October 13 - 8:03 am

  fun to drive & gets good mileage around town. mileage on hiway could be better. have had some brake problems

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  2017 ALTIMA 2.5 s - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Immi B. - October 12 - 4:01 pm

  I have always loved every model of the Altima. I think that I have had every model from 1995 to the 1999 to the 2017!! Nissan gets better & better. I adore my new Altima, it has everything that I am looking for and more. It handles the road flawlessly and the design is sleek. It catches a lot of eyes and I am happy to show it off!

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  2017 ALTIMA 2.5 s - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By Immi B. - October 12 - 4:01 pm

  I have always loved every model of the Altima. I think that I have had every model from 1995 to the 1999 to the 2017!! Nissan gets better & better. I adore my new Altima, it has everything that I am looking for and more. It handles the road flawlessly and the design is sleek. It catches a lot of eyes and I am happy to show it off!

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  Reconsider before buying 6-spd manual - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By dont_buy_the_6-speed - October 10 - 6:13 pm

  I have owned this car for 10 months and it drove superb when I first purchased it, but the Edmunds.com editor was correct when he says that the 6-speed manual transmission should be avoided. In the winter, the gears began to grind, crunch, pop. I tried a dealer recommended synthetic oil and it helps slightly but even in the summer there is considerable gear grinding. Master clutch cylinder had silent recall; clutch pedal made reverberating "socket-wrench" sound until this was replaced. Nissan consumer affairs lacks technical knowledge and unhelpful and would not offer any suggestions to correct gear-grinding, it seems to be a common problem so please avoid 6-spd and go with the CVT

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  get a honda - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By gir420 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  for the most part the i happy with my altima. i have had it in for repairs 4 time in a year and a half. transmition and stalling problems. the trunk now leaks, the cup holder doesnt close, and the rear window doesnt roll up by itself(i need to wiggle it as i raise it). i am selling it soon.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Cocobeann - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Altima for less than a month and it has been a great car. I just drove it out of the city onto the highway this past weekend to get a good feel. It was great! I had great handling on the curves and excellent get up and go. The exterior is very stylish and I get many compliments on it.

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  A great car for the price - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sean101 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a grat car for the price. Nissan seems to have really done their homework. The car is very comfortable, Bose sound system is excellent, and theres just enough features to make you feel like you are driving a very expensive car. It has more room than the Camry and looks better as well. I would give it a 10 but nothing is perfect in this world!

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  The New SER - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Linda - October 9 - 7:30 am

  Great car...stylish, sleek with great performance. When owning a SER, you stand out alone as few others are on the road...which makes you special. Driving is easy, seating is comfortable, and the powerful engine can get you out of a crunch much quicker than one realizes. Its an eye catcher....as much so as any sports car.

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  Great Balanced Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By DanTheMan89 - October 8 - 5:36 pm

  What a great car! This is the second car Ive owned, my first was a gas guzzler. Stepping down from a Trans Am WS6 5.7 liter engine to a 2.5, I didnt expect the Altima to have much power at all. Man, was I wrong this car is a joy to drive. Its very spirited with the CVT, but also can get great gas mileage. Ive been averaging 30mpg, 40 on long trips. Handling is superb also, I live down a long back road with many curves and Its exhilarating navigating the turns. I love the exterior of the car, Its just gorgeous and stands out from the crowd. I get compliments all the time! If your looking for a all around balanced sporty ride, look no further this is the car.

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  did anyone get the viration fixed ???? Production change?? - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By carpersonvu - October 8 - 2:15 am

  I have a 2013 altima SL and it has the vibration/noise at 1200-1500 RPM. Was anyone successful in getting it fixed and it stays fixed????? Does anyone know what the production change was in dec 2012