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 first car - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Nathan - September 16 - 1:06 am

  I got this car in August 2013 at about 183,000 miles and is at 210,000 currently and its been great have had no problems with it yet. If you want a cheap reliable car with very little to no maintenance than pick this car up.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Dave - September 13 - 9:50 am

  Ive only had my Altima for about 3 weeks, but I already love it. The ride is firm, but not too harsh. Its comfortable and stylish. The Bluetooth feature is very cool. What I love about the car: the style, the performance and how well things seem to be laid out. What I dont love about the car: the stereo puts out too much bass, the gas mileage is less than I thought itd be (Im getting about 20 mpg), and the air conditioning is a bit weak. Ive already had it in the shop due to a faulty fuel canister (leak).

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  Great Car If You Can Afford It - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ryan - September 13 - 9:20 am

  Besides overpaying $2,000 on the car, I love the car. It definitely has LOTS of power. Torque steer is very evident when flooring it from a stand still. Crusing at 80mph on the freeway feels like your going 30. Leather seats are nice, but take awhile to warm up. Stereo is pretty nice. Suspension is really stiff, which makes freeway driving a little bumpy. Average about 17mpg in the city with a heavy foot so thats pretty good. The navigation system tells you your current fuel usage and mpg, distance to empty, distance to next maintance...etc. Overall a very fun car to drive! Just dont get ripped off at the dealer!

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  Good! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By steve_bz - September 12 - 7:20 am

  I have a 2013, 3.5S. I got it because it was on end of year special and I expect excellent things from Nissan. Normally, I go for smaller and sportier. This one is very sporty, lots of get up and go. The sound of the engine is actually throaty, with a growl, surprising. Not loud, but it sounds good. It handles pretty well but the stock tires are just ok in winter conditions, found out just today. The seats are comfy and with this version the stereo/high tech is minimal but still what I need. The configurable display is actually pretty techy but I guess Im saying the S version stereo is minimal. Dunno if it is ok to say, but for 21K this was a steal of a deal. Had to buy at Xmas though.

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  Gas Bill is not believable - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Joe - September 12 - 2:41 am

  It is impossible to believe but ill give it to you straight! I filled to Full at Qt making sure Gas was 100 percent topped off to 20 gallons, Left QT drove 1.3 miles away and already burned about half a quarter tank of fuel. 60,000 Miles on car no issues at all! This 3.5L Altima can guzzle gas 2 times faster than a V8 motor, This altima has amazing HP but not worth even enjoying cause it drinks gas like you cant believe. The Interior is really nice, black dash and carpet, steering wheel has controls and hands free phone and high gloss black leather steering wheel, It has navigation and bluetooth and bose system.. Really nice car although my biggest complaint is the front seats and how uncomfortable they are. The back seats are very comfortable. this car has 9 cup holders and not sure why. My wife has a 2.5s and it gets the complete opposite fuel economy. She gets like 40Mpg even close to 60mpg when on freeway best i ever seen! 2.5s best fuel economy i ever seen even than hondas 3.5 SR worst fuel economy i ever witnessed in my life seriously!!!!! How does these 2 altimas are so un-alike??? Makes no sense at all! I will never buy a V6 again with name SR Altima on it! Most Altimas Bumpers are always falling off i have noticed! The inside was a great design and comfort is good just not cloth seats outside is not stylish

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  Excellent model - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rdmprofsvcs - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle now for 5 months and it still feels like its right off the dealer lot. The interior is functional, stylish and modern and the exterior as well as the color (blue) doesnt get old. I have owned several Nissans in the past but this is the first Altima. Alas, my heart is set on an all-wheel-drive Maxima when they come out and I will reluctantly trade this in or sell it on the private market once that day arrives. But I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have spent driving it. The only problem I have is that I did not purchase the 6-cyl to save money while waiting for the Maxima but sometimes the 170 horses is just shy of whats desired.

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  Nothing to complaint - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By AnotherAltima - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I had an Altima 03 but I think the interior design/quality is ok. So, when the 2005 is out, I went to see both Solara and Altima. The layout of Solara is as good as Altima. However, in my opinion, the quality used on Altima is better than Solara despite others comments. One of the obvious examples is that Solara just used all hard plastic on the door trim while Altima used leather with pad underneath of it. At last, I traded my 03 Altima for the 05 Altima.

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  Not as good as people say - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Buhba - September 9 - 10:16 pm

  After 4 yrs, 35,000+ miles, very roomy, nice exterior, enough powerful, good MPG. Very noisy, twice changed shock absorbers (on warranty), over 3 yrs something knock in right front area, no one knows what is that, gaps around headlights, askew bracing of trunk hood, bumpers are very easy to markup after that looks cheap.

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  2005 Altima SL - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kurt - September 9 - 12:30 pm

  I wasnt really looking ot buy a new vehicle, but with the gas prices being so high I started to look (owned a 2001 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 - gas guzzler). The Altima caught my eye because of the exterior design along with the many features it has. I instantly fell in love with the Altima and it handled with ease on my first test drive. Like all the safety features along with the Homelink remote.

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  High Mileage Altima - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Dragasoni - September 8 - 7:20 am

  I bought my 98 Altima in March 2001 with 30,000 miles. Now it has over 200,000 miles! Ive had almost NO problem with this car either. I had to replace the alternator at 120,000 miles and the the CV joints at 150,000 miles. The car has never broken down, and has made several long trips to New York, Miami, Orlando, and Atlanta from Tampa Bay. About 65% of the miles are higway and about 35% are city. It currently runs strong, just as it did when I first bought it. It does burn some oil (1 quart every 4,000 miles) and its a bit slower then it was 170,000 miles ago. I dont maintain it as good as I should though. I change the oil every 5,000 miles.