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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  Stay Away! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By unchainedskydiver - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after saving money for two years. As a college student, my commute only involved going to college and back, and work almost everyday. The car started giving me problems from the day I bought it. Cam/crank position sensors, which had already been replaced before because of a recall went bad. Had to pay $400. The head gasket is faulty in these models. Consumes more oil than gas. Ac/heater problems. Suspension has issues. The backlight for radio stopped working. Its a very fragile car. Unless you love wasting your hard earned money, dont buy this car, even if it is handed to you for free. Its a complete piece of junk!

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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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  Junk - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By madnissan - March 7 - 12:42 am

  I beg you please, please, please go look at all of the problems with Nissan Altima on the internet. On a 2005 2.5s there are over 400 Technical Service Bull (TSB). They do not back their products. They have people from the Phillipines trying to answer your questions, you cannot understand them. Never, Never, Never buy a Nissan Product

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  Good performance for the price - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By David Nishimura - February 25 - 5:13 pm

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  Worst Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Otis Lee Singleton - February 11 - 6:40 am

  The only good experience with this car is when I first bought It. The Keys Deactivated with no one at Nissan able to tell me why but charged to reset them. The exhaust manifold cracked and had to be replaced which they did but not before engine developed a valve noise that they would not help. The driverside window motor went out. The sunroof opens and closes on its own. The interior is cheaply built, the visors and cup holders have broken or screws are falling out. Exhaust donut gasket went out. With all these problems along with a couple factory recalls led me to never to want another Nissan because even contacting Corporate they would not help.

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  Not so fast Nissan - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By _impeachbo - January 18 - 11:52 am

  This 1996 Altima GXE was driven by an older lady on her less than frequent trips around Denver. It was bought at fair market price or so I thought. It was gone over by a mechanic prior to purchase, who confirmed the motor mounts were shot, so I took that at face value. Later, the automatic trans seized up, and it became quite apparent from my research that many of these transmissions have a flaw in the valve body design. So fine, if your has not been replaced it will eventually weaken in this crucial area. I am in the process of replacing this transmission, and will need to buy at lease one half shaft with cv joint.

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  Transmission Nightmare!!!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Tasia matthews - December 12 - 10:04 pm

  After only 70,000 miles my transmission has to be replaced on my 2013 altima. The car begin to shake unexpectedly one day and shut down. Ive never had any mechanical issues with my car since I purchased it at 30,000 miles and Ive always had the recommended maintenance done, so replacing the transmission was a shock! Be prepared to pay over 3K to repair, depending on what dealership fixes it.I would definitely recommend purchasing a extended warranty if you decide to purchase a Nissan . The cvt transmission has the worst reviews Ive ever seen online . Calling corporate is like talking to no-one . They wont do anything !!!!! Im definitely trading my car for a HONDA .

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  Lemon Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jodi - November 19 - 3:26 am

  Brought car 11 months ago, has left me stranded twice & towed in. In shop at least once a month. No motor noise when brought car, now motor noise gets louder everyday. Depending on whom you talk to there are a 100 different reasons but nothing to worry about as it is still under warranty (per Leith parts manager). If gets too bad can replace engine if complain enough. Have had to replace fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel cap, repair transimission and fuel pump. Would not buy another Nissan from Leith. The parts department is a nightmare. No two people can agree on what was done to your vehicle or what was wrong with it. Rarely does work report and verbal report agree.

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  Overpriced!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Furrball - October 9 - 10:00 am

  A mediocre car, especially for the price. Like others, I had problems with the cars handling in wet weather. The interior cant get much cheaper, there are more recalls on this car than one can imagine, and the engine flooding and not starting was a major nuisance. Also, the power windows intermittently stop working. The dealership, like other Nissan owners have mentioned, is not very helpful. Oh, and if you need to replace a tire, good luck! They are a rare size that must be special-ordered unless you pay the dealers price to replace.

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  Poor reliability, known problems w/ this model - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By hyperslug - October 3 - 2:48 am

  Seems like a good car overall, but do a search on the "nissan altima intake manifold gasket". Many people have experienced this same problem on this particular model; some have noted the same in their reviews here. A required $600 fix mars an otherwise decent vehicle. The engine is more powerful than other 4-cyls Ive driven, but you pay for it in gas mileage.