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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  nice car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By jimff - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This was a nice dependable car. The cost was minimal, and the ride was great. No problems whatsoever.

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  New NIssan Altima 2003 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By PacificDolphin - July 27 - 2:00 am

  just purchased the vehicle. give it style and performance points, but build quality sucks. after driving 50 miles Service Engine Light lights on, replaced fuel sensor/pump unit after taking off back seat/fuel tank cover?? some creaking noise already, probably some interior panel?? Lets see if I bought a lemon here.

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  good buy - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By raza - July 27 - 2:00 am

  well all my friends have commented on all the interior space that it has. The sound system is good. good accelaration despite the size of the car. love the std. features. overall a good deal.

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  Fun and fast - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff - July 26 - 10:10 am

  This is my first Nissan, and although Ive only had it a few days, Im very pleased with the car. Mine is a base 3.5 SE, cloth seats, and a CVT transmission. Although not equipped with any upgrade packages or options (no, not a single one), I still find it nicely equipped. The engine is strong and responsive. The CVT is very smooth, and seems to be well-tuned to different driving conditions and needs. The Intelligent Key and pushbutton start are quite convenient, as well as a great topic of conversation. The interior seems to be put together nicely, and the controls intuitive. The basic radio/CD player may not be premium, but it sounds great to me.

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  Altima, Now Running With The Big Dogs - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Big Willie - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car last week, but am still finding options I didt know it had, like the Homelink that Ive already programed to my garage door opener. Nice car,both inside and outside. I could have gotten a 2003 Maxima for the same price as theyre heavily discounted, but the Altima is by far the best looking and the 2.5SL model includes a lot of luxury standard features, such as leather. I considered buying the 2004 Maxima, but kept coming back to the Altima and have not regrets.

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  Best Value For Your Money - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dave - July 18 - 5:03 pm

  With all the features and good build, not to mention easy on the wallet, how can you go wrong? 100% satisfied!

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  Fun & Comfort - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By daveton - July 17 - 11:06 am

  The car drives very smooth, the CVT is amazing. Surprising acceleration for a 4 cyl. The SL package, though expensive, comes with everything one could ask for. The controls are well placed and easy to use. Tons of storage space in trunk and lots of small hidden storage places inside the car. Excellent car!

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  Not my Car/Hubbys - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Carola - July 16 - 3:53 pm

  Traded in a 99 Avalon Toyota. Car is low to ground like Avalon 99. Engine noise is too loud, sluggish take off. Just not a car for me. I never drive his car, no desire to. Exterior is pretty, but Id rather have a Camry. It is higher of ground and seats need to be automatic. I havent found a comfortable position in front seat yet, driver or passenger. I refuse to take a trip in car.

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  What Ive Always Wanted - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Beathany - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive always wanted this vehicle ever since the model style changed from the old one. It was love at first sight and now that I own it, I fall in love over and over again everytime I drive it. The car is amazing and I highly recommend it as a first choice for affordability and reliability.

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  If it werent for the dang tires.... - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Big T - July 16 - 9:10 am

  I would love to say that everything about my car is rosy and great. However, Nissan for some inexplicable reason decided to install Continental tires on these cars (at least the ones sold here in Indianapolis), and the dang thing will chatter the teeth out of your head at 75mph plus. Other than that its a superb car and I cannot wait until I have the cash to replace those tires with Michelins. In all honesty I love this car. It has great power for a 4banger and is very smooth (if you dont have a lead foot like me). The only other issue Ive had is that it tends to sound a bit like a diesel when you start it cold. Im told that this is perfectly normal...if not a bit annoying at times.