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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  Electronic Steering Column Lock - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff Long - July 4 - 5:50 pm

  Got stranded when the ESCL failed. One month out of extended warranty with very low miles, only 5000 miles a year on average, and they denied warranty. So $975 bill for me. Wouldnt buy one again. Had other issues with the car as well.

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  My Ultimate Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By vwilliams - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Altima. To be honest I had driven a Toyota until I looked at the new designed Altima. I have a 2002 and just love it. I got the 3.5 V6 and it runs like a top. So fun to drive and great sporty looks.

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  Reliable, roomy, & fun 4dr sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By jona57 - July 3 - 8:07 pm

  After much research, I bought 10 Altima loaded with SL package. Well-balanced near-luxury sedan with these options. Smooth, quiet ride but also sharp handling (for family sedan) and fun to drive. After 4+ trouble-free years, my worst complaint (as for most midsize cars) is that front passenger seat is not height adjustable.

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  Superb car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bkups - July 2 - 12:18 pm

  I own 2013 Altima SL model. I purchased it a month ago, and I have 1200 miles in it. Loved every mile driven on it. Ride is so comfortable and handling is very easy. I feel steering wheel steady even at freeway speeds. I never had Altima in my mind when I was looking to purchase a car. I was going back and forth between Camry for roominess and Civic for gas mileage. I happen to notice Altima since the Nissan dealer was right next door to Toyota. I noticed the rich exterior/interior look that was lacking in Camry. I also noticed that Altima had a nice MPG ratings and is comparable to Civic on this. These factors tipped me in favor of Altima. I average around 32.5 MPG so far.

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  IEATHONDAS - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By LCK - July 2 - 10:00 am

  Despite its appearance, this car is fantastic!! With the performance mods I have added, thanks to Stillen motors and Flowmaster, I readily devour Hondas, Mitsus, and other wannabes with my sleeper. Very easy to enhance and am now getting 190+hp (on the way to 220hp). Not any problems with this car, except that I may need to put a racing clutch in soon! Recommended it as a first timer, college, or performance mod car. Great engine.

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  Really Impressed! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By jojo26 - June 28 - 5:39 pm

  I purchased a 2015 Altima last week. I have been a SUV mom for several years and was concerned, coming from a V6, I worried about the power loss. Well, we are 650 miles into it and I am thoroughly impressed! I can tell that ther is a difference in power, though the 4 cylinder gives it one heck of a try. Not enough to make me regret not getting the 3.5, but enough to notice. There is a bit of a whine at my typical launch. But the gas mileage is absolutely amazing! Exterior styling still has me checking her out when I walk to her in the parking lot. Very smooth and stylish and so classy. The ride is so smooth, feels like I am floating. Loving this car!

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  excellent - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By amac - June 27 - 8:46 am

  We love this car. Very fun to drive, nice power for a 4 banger.

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  fine lease value - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By marty g - June 26 - 7:00 pm

  had car six months with no problems. four cyl performs like a six.good on gas.would do it again.

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  Good Car, Needs some Care - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By raj - June 26 - 3:50 pm

  Bought the car from route22 nissan. nice car for a good deal and everything was smooth until I found out the AC is not blowing cold air. Called up service and they said its air conditioner and not air cooler and will only go 30 degrees of whats it outside.if its 90 outside inside will cool to 60 but I dont know if the AC has sensors as it turns off by itself and blows air and again it starts blowing cold air.The car is excellent other than AC.

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  Totaled - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By ijustdontknow - June 26 - 3:00 pm

  I had a 2005 Altima for about 2 1/2 years until it was just totaled in September. I loved this car. I had some issues but she would get up and go when I needed her too. I was having to replace some things but I had to remember she was almost 10 years old and had 208,000 miles... it was time. Not sure I would buy another nissan due to the fact during my wreck I received 2nd degree chemical burns from the airbag. I called the main number for Nissan to find out what chemicals in the airbag were, they had to call someone else to find out. A week later they called me back and said they couldnt give out that information to consumers. Really ??? Its a secret?? I went back to a Chevy..