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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  Dont shop at Northside Nissan at SC. - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Anthony - June 8 - 9:36 pm

  If you want a good deal and honest people dont go to Northside nissan. My experience was awfull. They are pushy to run your credit and they can trick you into a suckers deal. The Nissan product is awesome but the dealership gives it a bad name...

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  Great car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By dclavey - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This car makes a great commuter. The gas mileage is great and it has enough power to merge into traffic. Ive never had any problems for the four years Ive owned it. It now has 89K miles, and just regular maintenance, such as brakes and battery.

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  Faster than a speeding bullet... - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By generalelectric1 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  A truly great car at an affordable price with options only available at a much higher price! Style,character,power,and amenities galore! What more could you want? Comfort, convenience,BOSE,moonroof,leather, and power everything...add heated seats..a couple clouds..and heaven couldnt be finer! Seriously, I have 2 other Nissans..one 1990 Sentra..which is still whisper quiet..and a 2001 Altima. All are great!

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  Horrible in snow - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Frenzy - June 8 - 9:10 am

  Bought my Altima about a year ago. LOVED this car all summer. Its quick, very light handling, and has very responsive breaks. But then it snowed. I live in rural central New York so we get some serious snow storms, I spent most of the winter in my apartment because the car was so bad. I have driven front wheel vehicles all my life and have never had a problem, even in storms when people with trucks didnt want to go out. On ice, however, this car is GREAT!!! Just not if there is more than a dusting of snow on the road. So if you live in a southern state or never leave a city up north youll be fine.

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  Good Car!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By M.J. - June 7 - 12:36 pm

  I have the 2.5 SL. I bought it brand new with 4 miles on it. I get about 24.5 mpg in the city. It has a good size trunk and lots of leg room in the back seat. Knock on wood, I have had no problems with this car. I have about 65,000 miles on it. I just had my third set of tires put on. For a four banger engine it is pretty peppy. Leather interior has held up great!!

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  Loving The Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By BSTANKY - June 6 - 5:23 pm

  My wife and I finally traded in our beloved 2000 Maxima for this 2008 Altima 3.5 SE, with the sport package, (sliding moonroof, fog lamps, and rear spoiler). We are loving this car. The ride is smooth as silk, And the 3.5 V6 has plenty of pep. There was no drop down there from the Maxima. The CVT is terrific. It blows away others in its category for both looks and performance. We considered a Ford Fusion. But when we drove the Altima, we knew this was the car for us. Knowing that it is a Nissan and will last forever is extremely comforting. Heck, our Maxima had 160K miles on it and was still going strong. Do consider this car, or the 2009, if you are in the market.

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  16 Nissan Altima, everything it promises and more - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Jay Plyler - June 5 - 12:00 pm

  This is an exceptional car for the money, many safety and technology features that are usually available only on much higher priced vehicles. Ride, comfort and handling are outstanding. Styling tweaks from the 2015 Altima make this model look sportier.

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  Defective Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By John - June 5 - 4:46 am

  The 2002 Altima has defective catalytic converters. The media comes apart and gets sucked into the engine and destroys the rings. That is why so many folks complain about high oil usage. Nissan has abandoned owners and refused to do a recall. Buyer beware when dealing the this car company. My daughter purchased this junker and now cant afford the $4000 to fix it. Google "Altima engine failures" before you buy a Nissan. Who knows what other Nissans might have wrong with them after 70,000 miles. Owners beware.

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  A solid car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Brian J. Braddock - June 4 - 6:33 pm

  I just traded my 07 Camry XLE for the Altima SE V-6 with premium and sport packages. It also has stability control known as VDC by Nissan. This is truly an awesome car, that provides a firm but controlled ride, lots of power, handling is superb as you might expect in he SE version. The Bose stereo is nice, but not as nice as the JBL synthesis I had in my 05 Avalon. The CVT transmission is nothing short of spectacular. there is a slight learning curve. The Nissan has a sportier interior than the Camry that was more luxurious. The leather is of a high quality. Gas mileage is just ok, but still acceptable. I am pleased with my decision and look forward to enjoy the ride.

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  Excellent Car!!!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By KPlove - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has a lot of get up and go. The engine dosent hesitate to accelerate at high speeds. There is slight roadgrain noise at about 75 mph, but that is forgiven because of the awesome Bose stereo. The interior could have been designed better or Nissan could have used better materials. Overall, this is great car that can get you from point A to B with no problems!