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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  Inspect thoroughly - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By jacksol - June 12 - 12:07 pm

  I was looking for a car good on gas , low miles, nice sporty looking, found it at dealership for $12,999, thought I had hit the jackpot. Purchased in May and in July noticed a rattling noise , it was pulling when driving, was hard to tell when it changed gears. In Sept, the a/c started blowing hot air and on a 6 hr trip, the car started losing power, rpm was high, was making whining noise, was struggling to change gears. The car was still under warranty so took to the shop, had to replace A/C condenser unit , had to pay deductible, then had to get wrecker to pick up and take to another place because the transmission was stuck in 2nd gear .They had to put in another transmission and welded the pipe which was causing the rattling. Had to pay another deductible. A week later, car will not change gears and fluid is leaking like crazy, had to get another wrecker to take back to dealership found out there was a problem with seal . 2 weeks later, check engine light came on, problem with sensor, last week check engine light came back on, problem with computer. At this point I am beyond frustrated, I tried trading it in on something else, but right now am so upside down that I cant afford anything so am just stuck with it and looking for a way out.

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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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  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!!!

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  Good car but unstable in winter - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By arilling1 - May 9 - 4:51 am

  As posted in separate message, my 2009 Altima has stability problems in winter and weighted conditions. Aside from this, it is rather decent car but the fear to drive in winter out-weighs any benefit. I would recommend not to buy due to safety concern.

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  Happy New Honda Owner!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mastercaster - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the 2.5s 5spd. in 11-2002. aside from the several recalls, we had to have the oxygen sensor,camshaft sensor and fuel cap replaced. that was after it left my wife stranded. died 2 times in the middle of driving. had to be towed to the dealer for repair. nissan was not pleasant to deal with at all! wouldnt recommend nissan at all. should have listened to my gut when i bought it, and gone with the HONDA then. just bought a 03 Accord EX 5spd. LOVE it!! there is absolutely no comparison between the two. the accord is like climbing into a lexus after the nissan! really! every single aspect of the honda is better in my eyes, wallet and piece of mind!

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  bad transmission & endless recalls - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By THEPILGRIMS - April 1 - 12:16 pm

  My car has less than 30000 miles and the transmission already has to be replaced. My rotors had to be turned already and dont get a remote starter to the tune of 549.00 for this really bad car. Im trading this thing in next week. Whats it gonna be like at 40000 miles?? If I get one more recall I will scream!!

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  Would not reccomment another Nissan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Prof - March 29 - 12:16 pm

  I bought the Nissan altima 02 new and had planned o drive for at least 10 yrs. In the beginning it had recalls every other 3 mths. Every thing was ok since I made sure I took it in for every service the manufacturer recommended. This was until it go to 95,000 miles. It could not start in the mornings and the dealer said I had to replace the head gasket ($1500). This is after they replaced the body throttle 2 weeks before ($600). 3 mths later it just loses power while driving on the highway. I took it to the Nissan dealer 3 times ad they could not figure the problem out. I drove it to 3 mechanics who could not fix the problem. I had to buy another car. I do not recommend Nissan car to anyone. That engine?

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  Great Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Jay Tharpe - March 15 - 2:00 am

  My car has over 100,000 miles on it and I havent had to replace anything except for a driveshaft that just recently messed up! Great car starts-up everyday and drive.

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  Nissan Altima 2013 3.5 SL - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By brandenmh - March 12 - 5:08 am

  The car shudders at 1500 to 1800 rpms ...had transmission replaced and still shudders...feels like it will stall...very dangerous. ..needs attention ASAP..cant stop driving the car....dealer sends you on way like its ok...

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  Humming sound - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Gail allen - February 23 - 11:39 pm

  Had to dealership 2 times they say it is power steering ? Concerned .? POWER STEERING .?