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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  Nissan Altima 3.5l SE Review - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By bunk22 - July 15 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased my Altima with the intent of it being my daily driver, 60 miles a day. Previously owned an 04 Maxima and loved the 3.5l engine. The Altima had 47,XXX miles when I bought it and 2.5 years later has 81,XXX miles. It is the A4 model with all leather interior. I change the oil every 4000 miles, rotate the tires and keep it in great shape. The engine is great, very good power to pass traffic or easily accelerate onto a freeway. The engine still runs beautifully; the car handles great; the interior leather looks awesome for 81K miles (though I do take great care of it). My only complaint in 2.5 years is that my 6- disc CD player just gave out.

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  The Ultimate In Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Specialty RN - July 14 - 7:16 am

  Went looking for a black Altima 3.5 SE that was loaded, but left with only the 3rd SE-R this dealership had that year. Ive got the only one in town like it. It is soooo classy yet soooo fun to drive, excellent performance, stylish, comfortable, sporty and quality built. Its everything you want in a car and all in one great package. The Honda Accord cant match its comfort or ride and the Toyota Camry cant match its style or quality. I get looks everywhere I go, because it is definately an eye catcher. I did it right this time. One classy unique car for one classy unique lady...ME !!

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  Many small opportunities to rise above the rest - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Peter - July 14 - 1:16 am

  Ive owned my Altima for a little over 2 years now. PROS: Good engine response and pedal feel. This car drives much better than its Toyota and Honda competitors. This car feels spacious and definitely has more comfort room than many other competitors such as the Chrysler 200. Fuel Economy is pretty good. CONS: Upholstery does not come in black, so it wont match a black interior option. There seems to be some unintended ventilation in the foot well when air flow is directed to the windshield. There is some BSR (Buzz, squeak, rattle) from the bracket housing the speaker(s) behind the rear seats during bass-heavy music. Headlamps are adequate but could be improved for better luminosity. There is some wind/road/transmission noise when on the highway which can get annoying - can be drowned out with music but we shouldnt have to do that. The Navigation system could use improvements with the interface and operation - When a turn is coming up, a lane suggestion would help so we know which lane to turn in. Also with Navigation, give a heads up on 2 incoming turns instead of just the immediate one, and let drivers zoom out on the map when getting close to a turn (Currently, the navigation goes into zoomed-in screen showing the turn - which helps - but wont let you look at the map until the turn is complete). Lastly, I got the underbody lights option for the car (lights up the ground next to the doors so you can see where youre stepping during night) - These need a more robust method of attachment to the vehicle. Salt from winter roads makes these loose and non-functional. OVERALL = This model is very capable in performing as a vehicle but it could use some help with noise cancellation and elimination of BSR. I think the CONS for this car are small improvements that NISSAN should be able to easily capture. If they can address these issues, then I think the Altima will be superior to all its price-bracket competitors in the sedan segment.

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  I love it - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Polak - July 13 - 6:53 pm

  i drove the 2007 camry, accord, civic and altima 2.5 S. the camry wasnt as comfortable as my sisters 2003 Camry and was weak on performance. the civic and accord were not that great for the price. for all the options you get and the performance, the altima was the best buy for me. the altima has more hp, really good fuel mileage for its class, its extremely comfortable and has a smooth-silent ride. ive driven it over 50 miles and i love it. I purchased the convenience plus package with some other random upgrades and i received a remarkable deal. i really recommend the 07 2.5 S altima.

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  Great car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By YAHOO USER - July 13 - 1:26 pm

  My altima is very fast! I use it for fun and for commuting. If my husband and i ever have children, there is plenty of room! I dont plan on selling this car ever! I love how fast it is and how smooth the ride is. I will definitely get another one like it if this one ever breaks or god forebid it gets hit. I love the navigation system, the bose system, and all of the power accessories.

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  Poor Radio Reception - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By TOM - July 12 - 7:23 am

  If you buy a 2016 Altima SV with the Navigation package be aware that the radio has terrible, non-existent reception in the upper AM frequencies. Nissan is aware of the problem and it affects ALL SV,s with the Navigation Radio, and they say that this is NORMAL for this car and they will not do anything about it. Nissan states that there is no other manufacturer for the radio that will fit into the SV and there is NO fix for the problem. Update: July 7 2016. Nissan is sending the Regional Tech Support to meet with me next week to listen to the radio and determine if there is anything that can be done to fix it.

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  Love it - Hate It - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Darlene - July 12 - 3:50 am

  Since I bought this car in April and the sun was shining in upstate NY that day, how it would handle in the snow and ice was the last thing on my mind. Well, I found out. Not good going up or down hills and since I live in a valley, the only way to get to work is UP. Ive had some scary times with it already. Im in search of a really good gripping tires for the front. I fell in love with the car style (love the rear), the leather, the moon roof, etc. The keyless thing was supposed to be a selling point, but I wouldnt buy another one, Ive walked away forgetting to shut the car off! I find Im losing my keys more often too, since you dont have to have them close by.

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  Kays - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By kdk - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Mine is a 2002 Altma with everything on it. The car is great and alot of fun to drive. I wish Nissan had put more into the inside of the car. It is not as comfortable on long trips as my Jeep is.

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  2003 Nissan Altima 3.5SE - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Shive - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Best compromise between a "family" sedan and a sports sedan I have ever seen or owned. Love to drive it.

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  Affordable Style! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By KiemaB - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought our Altima brand new and I though it was the best choich of the bunch. Pricing was great and the looks and styling of the car were even better. Anyone looking to drive a maxima or infinity for 8 to 12 thousand less. This is the place!