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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185K and going strong - 2004 Nissan Altima
By deanriley - May 30 - 5:00 pmAfter 185,000 miles, this car still runs and rides like new. The 2.5 L, 4 sp automatic has plenty of pep and delivers an average of 27 mpg for this daily commuter. The ride is smooth and handling is above average. There is plenty of head and leg room front and back, the seats are comfortable, and the Bose sound system is fantastic. Maintenance has been minimal, replacing the front right wheel bearing at 90K, crankshaft position sensor at 102K, upper motor mount and idler pulley at 135K and rear wheel bearings at 175K. The road noise is the only thing that I can say bad about this car. This car has given us great service.
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2.5SL Great Ride! - 2010 Nissan Altima
By Coach - May 28 - 10:50 amI wanted to like the new 2011 Sonata, drove one for 3 days, nice but just couldnt pull the trigger. Dealership also had Nissans so I decided to drive the Altima 2.5 SL as a comparison. The Sonata has the looks, but thats really were it ended. The Altimas ride is far better, handling is better, and the COMFORT is way superior (despite Sonta having more backseat room). The SLs options were almost identical (no back seat heater). Im at 3,900 miles, getting 33 mph on the Hwy, 29 city, no complaints. The CVT is different, but not at all bothersome. This is a really nice vehicle--and for the price a great value!
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Best Car Ever Owned - 1996 Nissan Altima
By jhumbug - May 28 - 10:00 amPurchased this car used in 1999 with 55,000 miles. Now have 138,000 miles on it. Have been waiting patiently for it to fall apart so I can justify getting a new car, but the blasted thing just keeps going, and going, and going. No major repairs in the four years Ive had the car. It runs just as well as the day I bought it.
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Great comuter car - 2013 Nissan Altima
By jasonpaul - May 27 - 7:25 pmThis car seems to be a great car for traveling, I drive 120 miles a day for work and am averaging 35.4 mpg. Im a big guy 60" 370 lbs and the seat are comfortable, I drove the camry and the accord and the legacy and all of them seat seemed to short in the leg area and aint comfortable. The navigation works flawlessly I would recommend this car to anyone, I love the long range it has im averaging 600 miles between fillups
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Verygood Try it - 2001 Nissan Altima
By jonathan - May 27 - 8:50 amSo far it has been great. No problems at all and its still fun to drive after these first three months. I would buy one again, no question.
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Sports car for seniors - 2010 Nissan Altima
By STNCK - May 26 - 10:00 amTraded in a 2008 Subaru Outback wagon (turbo). Red leather is a great change from black. A real nice drive with a good ride and plenty of features.
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I love this car! - 2006 Nissan Altima
By TJS - May 26 - 2:26 amThis is my 2nd Altima. Went from 6 cylinder to 4 and love the ride and the better gas mileage. This car is fun to drive!!!
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A blast - 2007 Nissan Altima
By Badger - May 22 - 11:20 pmIm not a youngster but I prefer a sporty and powerful car rather than a big "senior citizen boat". Just bought the 3.5 SE and it seems to fit the bill. From the quality of construction, handling, looks and at least to me, attention to detail speaks volumes about this car and manufacturer. Especially impressed with the safety features built into it.
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Had it 18 months and for around 10,000 miles - 2001 Nissan Altima
By raaraa - May 21 - 2:10 pmThis is my first car, bought it when I was in college in Arizona in 2010 for 3.5k with a 109k on it. My research said the car was worth it, and it has been so far. Had one minor issue with leaking water pump. But, the car is so easy to work on that I changed it myself and a few other things as well. Excellent performance in Arizona heat. Now the car is in Michigan, had it shipped here. Well worth it. Thermostat is giving me some trouble but she is resilient. It took her some time but she has adopted to the cold very well. The light wait does make it skid from time to time on ice, so watch out. But do not regret my decision not to buy a new car. This car has served me well and I love it!
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Awesome! - 2009 Nissan Altima
By Tomasso - May 20 - 1:23 amThe Altimas suspension is superior to the 3-series. It handle Manhattan and Jersey pot holes as if they dont exist. The steering is tight and responsive. Got a sick deal too. Fully-loaded (without nav) for $1,500 below invoice and got them to throw in fog lights.
