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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 3,673.00-
Awkward Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
By Taylor - December 27 - 8:52 pmThis is the worse waste of money! This car has a lot of recalls and should be taken off the road! The brakes freeze and you could die! Nissan should be ashamed!
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Complete transmission and sensor nightmare!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
By S - November 9 - 10:21 am2013 Altima 3.5 SV. 58000 miles and 3 replaced transmissions later...Nissan corporate puts you on ignore. Dont get suckered into this vehicle...it looks pretty, goes fast, but major design flaw that Nissan has no interest in addressing...your drivetrain warrranty WILL expire and youll be stuck with the tab of $4-$5 grand per trip. Have spent over a month in a rental car since buying this new. The last trip to dealer "we need to fix your 02 sensors for $1200 before we can even address your transmission...out of your pocket !" UNNNNNNNREAL! Nissan regional warranty manager will not call you back for days and days, and when she/he does, they dont call you back during a time of day that you can actually pick up the phone (even after youve told them when you are availible). Then you call them back, and you have to wait another 3 days. My service writer at Nissan admits they are having a ton of problems with the CVT transmission, and that these O2 sensors should last at least 100,000 miles, but im still stuck paying for them. NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE. Dealer service writer can not get a hold of or get a call back from regional warranty rep either. Nissan is costing me alot of time, stress, and $$. Sad, because we have been loyal Nissan customers 7 vehicles in a row...NO MORE !!!
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2009 Nissan Altima Poor Quality Interior - 2009 Nissan Altima
By Michael - September 5 - 7:44 amI have a 2009 Altima with 25000 miles and the dashboard is melting. Nissan refuses to replace it. They have poor customer service. The regional manager I was speaking to hung up on me. Poor quality, Buy a Toyota it’s a better car. Look into the class actions law suite regarding melting dash board and the concerns around safety. Nissan refused to replace mine because it is out of warranty. They are currently involved in a Class Action suit that goes to trial this summer. This is not an isolated problem. There are many reports of the 2008 and 2009 years with this issue. It is truly a safety problem. The dash gets so shiny that when driving into the sun you cannot see. Nissan as well as the other Japanese auto makers are fully aware of the substandard dashboards. Toyota stepped up and extended the warranty on both the Toyota and Lexus brands. Nissan refuses to do anything unless they lose the class action suit and even then I fully expect them to drag their feet. The dealer I took my car to for the inspection wished me luck but basically said Nissan Corporate will do nothing to help you. They said they see the melting dash issue all the time here in South Florida. http://www.wftv.com/news/action-9/action-9-melting-dashboards-causing-safety-issues-for-drivers/155341084
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Dont buy! - 2009 Nissan Altima
By Brian Hertling - August 13 - 3:53 pmWell here it goes...I dont complain much, but Ive had it with my 2009 Nissan Altima. The steering lock column has failed on me, leaving the vehicle dead in its tracks. After researching the issue, Ive learned that it has been and continues to be a major issue on this make and model. I reside in Minnesota and this happened at night with the temperature of -5 and wind-chills at -30 leaving my wife and I stranded 30 miles from home and 45 miles from the nearest Nissan dealer. The $700 part fails to disengage from the steering column and therefore renders the car useless. After numerous conversations with Nissan consumer affairs I have yet to get an answer. Apparently they extended the warranty for this part, but go figure...It happened to me after the warranty expired. In doing more research I have learned that unless a certified Nissan mechanic diagnosis the issue they(consumer affairs) cant or wont(not sure) do anything for me. Furthermore, the part is the size of a deck cards and riveted so I cant replace the part myself. So, long story short...$700 part, $300 in labor, $150 towing bill for a part that is essentially useless. What has me upset is that Nissan knowingly has not placed a recall on the part even though there have been thousands of issues directly related to this issue....Not to mention its on the National Highway Safety Dept list of hazards. There will never be another Nissan in my garage...ever!
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A PIECE OF CRAP! - 2013 Nissan Altima
By rebert - June 29 - 4:58 pmWARNING! Bought based on Consumer Reports rating which was much higher than Camry. Chief auto tester came from Nissan then went back to Nissan! This car is a piece of crap! First week had vibration at highway speeds. Found three rims were out of round. Any wind affects the car and you must hold onto the wheel as it will drift all over the road. Interior is cheap as hell and the seat covering wrinkles easily. Under a slight load engine skips as it runs extremely lean. Engine and entire car is very loud. Solved problems by trading it in! WARNING!
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stay away - 2008 Nissan Altima
By Mart - May 24 - 10:34 am-Both head gaskets needed to be replaced at 62K -Metallic sound upon acceleration at 88K -New Basal vibration/sound when accelerating and decelerating Though Nissan would be trouble free...Cannot believe the low quality of this vehicle. Never Nissan again...
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DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR CVT TRANSMISSIONS - 2013 Nissan Altima
By Lee Ann Rankin - April 25 - 2:03 pmI bought my Altima with 32,000 miles on it and it wasnt 6 months later it died while in drive! I had it towed and after being sent to 2 dealerships, they concluded nothing was wrong with the car. Through the 2 years Ive had it, my Altima has done this several times until finally one day it completely died in drive again. Luckily, I was at a gas station. I had to have a complete transmission, sensor, and programmer put in plus towing bills, which totaled to $4,400.00....Nissan needs to own up to there [non-permissible content removed] transmission problems and recall them all with reimbursements!
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DONT EVEN THINK ABOUT IT! - 2005 Nissan Altima
By WOULD RATHER GET A HONDA - March 14 - 3:43 pmWhen we purchased my Altima, it was a cheap 3500. Except, it wasnt. My parents ended up dishing out another 1k to fix some of the issues it had in the first week. The O2 sensors had to be replaced, it burned oil, there was a coolant leak and blockage. The heat also didnt work properly as you had to drive 40mph for it to kick in. Plus some other issues such as misfiring and me being stranded on a busy backroad. The mpg also went down when we tried to slow the burning with stop smoke. All of this and more happened before I sold it for a measly 1k, which is more than I thought we would receive. Granted, my parents never told me or they didnt know that this particular vehicle had been in two accidents and had flood damage. Of course, the other 05 Altima they got for my sister also burns oil and other issues have come up in the period she has had it. I wouldnt recommend buying a Nissan.
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Edmunds did not post my review of my car - 2015 Nissan Altima
By MyCar - February 16 - 12:31 amEdmunds did not post my review of this car nissan altima 2015 because I was telling the truth . These ppl must have connection with nissan ppl. I owned this altima 2015 2yrs ago. Please DONT BUY THIS VEHICLE . The real problem starts appearing when you have mileage above 30k. My car CVT broke down at around 32K. Before it broke ,these were the symptoms I was experiencing but I did not know at that time. First ,If your front passenger side seat will vibrate a lot. Second you RPM is always high . The worst thing was, the dealer did fix because of warranty but after 2000 miles it broke again. I heard that once your transmission is broken you will always have the same problem unless you put the new one. STAY away FROM NISSAN CVT. NIssan has a lot of problem for CVT transmission especially for 2013 and 2014 model but I found on my 2015 too. I suggest go for toyota or HOnda because my friend who are driving these have no problem even after 50k miles.
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Disappointed & Regretful - 2016 Nissan Altima
By RPorter - August 19 - 2:07 pmMy fault for being talked into buying this car. I dont like it. The price is too high for the features -- or lack of. I am currently on a road trip visiting family in another state and found out there are NO REAR SPEAKERS in my car! I couldnt understand why they werent playing and when I arrived, my brother and I looked in the trunk and he said theres no wiring and we could see air space where the speakers are supposed to be. I dont know if theres supposed to be rear speakers or not (what car wouldnt??) but will definitely find out when I return home after the holiday! I have been disappointed from the start and horribly regret signing the contract! Note: I love Altimas. I just do not like the base model not the price they charge for it. Please look and consider all models til your feet fall off before you sign any papers!