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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  Blind Spot Warning, be warned - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By wexlerb - May 19 - 4:44 pm

  I have a 2015 Nissan Altima SV with tech package. I noticed immediately after getting the car about a month ago that when the roads were wet the blind spot monitoring system would give false alarms all the time. I took this to the dealer twice already and I was handed a bulletin on the problem. I talked directly to Nissan and they have no fix, and in their words it was designed this way. I asked for a refund of the car since this could be a serious safety issue, and you can guess where this request went. Be warned, do not buy.

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  Push Button Ignition System - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Nissan Altima - May 19 - 7:36 am

  I have owned a new 2009 Nissan Altima for a little less than 5 months. And I find the push-button ignition very unreliable. On three different occasions now, I just could not start the car. I took it into the dealer. I was told that they changed the codes.It doesnt happen often, but when it does, it is most aggravating. Tonight, I waited in the dark for the Auto Club after trying more than a half hour to start it. Finally, the push button ignition connected and I called the Auto Club to cancel service. I know that you have to push on the brake pedal to get it started and I have done this repeatedly without success. Is there a sure-fire way to start this car? Please tell me.

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  Love the Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By queenb63 - May 19 - 1:09 am

  I bought my 2008, 3.5 SE coupe new, it has great looks and ALOT of get up & go. I dont have 20,000 miles on it yet, planning on selling it to go with a bigger car will miss it when its gone...

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  Cvt Problems Nissian says cannot correct. BEWARE - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By harryo3 - May 18 - 8:11 pm

  Great driving car. Handles well and is quiet inside EXCEPT for transmission noise at low rpms. Do not buy this car until Nissan gets the cvt problem corrected. My 2013 has been in shop 5 times in 5 months. Want to trade in but the cvt noise scares buyers away. Hard to believe Nissan cannot correct the problem or maybe they may think it will be to costly for them. The None return of nissan customers will be felt in future cars made by them.

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  What a sweet ride! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By brandir - May 18 - 4:36 am

  All I can say is wow! What a sweet ride! I just bought my coupe this week and was planning on test driving a few other vehicles in the same category. The Altima coupe was my first test drive and I knew as soon as I took off in it there was no reason to test drive anything else. The ride is so smooth and what a kick it has for a 4 cylinder. I love the body style and the dual exhausts. I dont feel like Im sitting real low to the ground and the car feels solid. I cant say enough great things about this car!

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  Great Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Aaron - May 17 - 4:43 am

  I bought this car used with 19K on it after cross shopping many other models. Great car for small family (< 3 kids). This car is a quick performer with a sportier ride than many competitors (e.g., Camry). I get better than advertised gas mileage with the manual when I am easy on the gas. The controls are logically laid out and easy to use. I like the keyless feature (its even easy to replace the FOB battery), but HATE the FOB itself (see below). I have driven manual trans. cars for years and years, but this one is very difficult to drive smoothly, especially from 1st to 2nd. I suspect that the gear spacing is just poorly planned. With the exception of the FOB this is a great car!

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  My blue Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Grannylsb - May 17 - 3:46 am

  I really like my car. I live in TN and I have already drove it to MI and I was very comfortable except for such a long drive I wish I would have had a more substantial seat. I love my blue color and with the way the lights are it makes it lots easier to wash. I almost bought something else but I sure am glad that I bought my blue Altima.

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  Nissan Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By krystaldragon - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive been researching this vehicle for two years now..it far exceeds anything else Ive looked at in comfort, drive, and looks. This car as class all around.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By MST - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I have owned it for 2 years now, and I can say from experience that it is the best auto purchase that Ive ever made. The drivers seat squeaks when driving over bumpy areas for some reason, but the problem is minor. There have been a few recalls on the car, also, but all of the repairs were free.

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  New model Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Debbie Jara-Lorek - May 16 - 2:00 am

  The car was brand new off the lot. During the first year the following needed replacing: clutch pedal, exterior molding, clutch boot and casing, entire exhaust system, some other oil parts that were recalled because of fire potential. Tail light and head light. Unable to get tail light out of casing to change (still out for 6 mo. now). Very disapointed!!!