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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  Excellent car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By car enthusiest - September 7 - 3:43 am

  Its a good car with a good engine. Leg room in the back is very small, but overall comfort is good. The avalible features are superb. Safety is good. Maintenance is low due to a new design in transmission.

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  2000 GLE - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By RJ193 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money. Would buy a new one today! Low maintenance cost and reliable. However, only gets 25 MPG on the open road with the automatic. Good pick up and handling. Front brake squeal since day one.

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  The beautifully fickle beast - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - September 6 - 5:30 am

  I bought the car brand new in 4/04 as an 05 model after reading reviews about how much fun it was to drive. They had just refreshed the interior and exterior and added 10 more hp for the v6. Over the 2.5 years I owned it, I had 3 sets of struts replaced, 2 radiators, 1 alternator, and always had the dealership chasing rattles and squeaks. When it wasnt in the shop I loved it, always got compliments and it was a blast to drive. In 09/06 I rolled it on the highway dodging some debris in the road. It slammed into an embankment and rolled twice. The passenger compartment held up very well and my friend and I walked away, but the car was totalled. If nothing else the car is safe.

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  Altima nears ultimate for my driving needs - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Tyler Aberle - September 5 - 11:49 pm

  great car, feels solid on the road, surprising performance, very comfortable, good space and comfort for passengers, remarkable gas mileage--hit near 40 mpg on first highway trip after purchase!! only had the car a short time so cannot evaluate repair frequency or a few other "length of ownership" details; my only complaint--I do not like the range of headlight beam in rainy conditions; would definitely purchase again --and will be a standard for future car buys. --Warning: buy from a reputable dealer or carefully explored other --almost got stuck with a badly hacked repair --that looked good on the surface.

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  Love it! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By TJ - September 3 - 3:06 pm

  Love everything about the car! The CVT takes some getting used to but is very fuel efficient while surprisingly powerful for the mpg.

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  i love my car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By nickia reid - September 2 - 10:00 am

  i brought the altima in 2000.. i love it very very much and i will always stick with the altimas.. i love the way the the inside is built.. i love the way it drives.. The car is very sexy and it fits me completey..in 3 years im planning to buy me another altima

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  SUV/Truck Lover has change of heart. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sooner - September 2 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were shopping for SUVs. We drove all of them. While we were at the Nissan dealership, we saw the Altima. We both loved the way it looked. But how would it would drive? The dealer let us test drive one just for fun. The very next day we were back to sign the papers. This car rocks! Ive never had so many people stop me just to look at my car. I still want a SUV or truck for 4X4ing in the snow. However, this car is my baby and we plan on having it for many, many years!!!

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  first car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By fidel - August 31 - 2:20 pm

  this car is a good first car. i have not had any problems with this car since i bought it. very good performance.

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  Excellent - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Kristen - August 30 - 2:36 am

  When I am behind the wheel I feel so powerful I automatically have a smile on my face I can say I am in love with my car.....

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  beware of paper thin clear coat - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Denise - August 29 - 10:33 pm

  this auto has the least amount of clear coat I have ever seen. I wash my auto about every 3 weeks between washings hardwood sap landed on my hood, now I have damage that is awful. It ruined the paint that quickly. Also when removing my cover for my morning drive my arm swung to the right and my fingernail broke part of the front grill, my fingernail! The plastic covers at the threshold pop off. My veh is 1 year old and I am freaking out. The clear coat is my biggest heartache with the car and the price. I will never again buy a manufactures so called "bread and butter" auto. I had a jeep and a grand am that after 6 years never showed the first sign of clear coat peeling.