3 Star Reviews for Nissan Altima

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.37/5 Average
3,673 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 81 through 90 of 3,673.00
  • Dangerous in snow and rain - 2006 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I own 06 Altima and drove 15000 miles. This vehicle is too dangerous to drive in snow and icy conditions.My car is came with out an ABS. I do not know how much improvement you get with ABS. Car slips crazy even at low levels of snow and icy. I am trying get rid off this car for my safety. In dry conditions the car is ok.

  • Want my 02 SE back - 2012 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Had and 02SE that was totalled. Just replaced it with this car. CVT is horrible, sluggish and noisey. Bose radio is rotten compared to my 02. On the positive side, interior materials are great. Care feels heavey and bolated to drive. Steering is numb. Tailpipes are uneven and one stick out further than the other. Trunk is crooked one side is rubbing the bumperskin. There are burrs around the lip of the wheel wells. There is a paint defect in the middle of the roof that looks like Nissan painted over a 2 inch worm. I can not wait to get rid of the car and it has a little over 300 miles on it.

  • ok car - 2003 Nissan Altima
    By -

    i got this car for my wife for Christmas 2003 car did us right for aprox 3 years brought back to dealer for 3 recalls dealer insisted we need a service when dropping off the car we were not getting suckered for those ridiculous prices we maintain this car like a baby oil change every 3k all the time. after getting car back from dealer for recalls we had numerous problems sevice light would always go on car ran very rough when idling had to get it towed back to dealer 2 months later this went on for a year and a half costing $300 each time sensor sensor sensor every dam sensor seamed to be changed now running ok but the gas mileage stinks 18-22 mpg my wife loves her car i dont too big for 4c

  • 2013 Altima - Not Quite Ready! - 2013 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Among the many continuing problems -heated seats that dont heat unformally;power sterring wine, no fix after 6 months; very hard ride -they suggested I change tires! GPS is ridiculous, Center vents can never be closed- continually run air unless you turn off system. Sensor for cabin temp is on the top of the dashboard - when ever its sunny, even in winter it blows cold a/c air to cool no matter if the cabin is 40 degrees. rearview camera washes out in sunlight. Blind spot system is usless in wet weather - it either sees nothing or falses all of time. Nothing can be adjusted! Interior drivers area is tight - & Im only 5-7". No passenger power seat in a 32K car! The CVT trans slips.

  • 2005 Nissan 2.5 S Automatic - 2005 Nissan Altima
    By -

    - This was the roomiest car Ive ever really fit into as my previous cars, in order, were: Civic, Corolla then Passat (leased) and my first w/auto transmission. - Bought car in Sept. 2005 used with 20,001 miles on it. Found out it was previously owned by Enterprise Rental, but warranty was almost used up hence price ~6k below retail cost! - Had to buy an extended 3yr. warranty which paid itself off later. Then bought another final ext. warranty for an add. 3 yrs. later. - After many repairs years later, it still works but isnt that fuel efficient, 23/27 city/hwy but winter brings it down to 18/24 city. - Too many repairs now so wont consider another Nissan >:(

  • noise and vibration when accelerating - 2013 Nissan Altima
    By -

    We have had our car to the dealer three times and called the Nissan Customer Service to register a complaint. Customer Service says the car is running normal and that they have not received any complaints. This car makes a lot of noise and vibration when accelerating from a stopped position. It sounds like an old car. Also, the car was recalled once and soon will be recalled a second time because the light keeps coming on saying the passenger seat air bag is off. Do not buy this car!!!

  • Leaks Oil - 2005 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I bought the car in September, 2004. Tow weeks later I found out that, it was leaking oil. My garage floor was full of oil. I checked the dip stick. It was below low. Anyhow, I towed the car to the dealership. They were not very nice to start with. Somehow they didnt know anything about customer service. Moreover, it took them 3 days to fix the leak (thats after I had a talk with the GM of dealer). At first, they told me they didnt know when it was gonna be fixed. Im very unhappy with this car and the dealer. I will NEVER buy another Nissan.

  • Not really a bad car - 2005 Nissan Altima
    By -

    i have a 2005 altima v6 se model i mus say overall its okay needs minor work such as alignment, struts, brake system etc , just small things but can be pricey, its lasted me quite a while, the design is quite nice i get alot of compliments not like other altimas i gave it a custom paint job got creative and just modified the current hid system from the factory and added some after market bulbs. threw some 18 factory 350 z rims same bolt pattern as alitima fit like champ , painted those black , it really makes the car stick out , i just gotta gut the exhaust system the one from the factory really sux , i think modifying the engine jus a tad and overall suspension this car will go!!

  • 2016 Nissan Altima Led Daytime Running Lights - 2016 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Unfortunately, you will be very upset to know that even though it appears to have led daytime running lights which all new cars have today. You will not get them even if you buy the most expensive model like I did. Every time I drive my new 2016 Altima SL (3.5), I see all other cars which are less expensive driving with their Led Daytime light on. I feel very much cheated. and rip off. So buyers beware when purchasing this car. Everything else with the car is completely fine.

  • DO NOT BUY!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I have nothing but trouble since buying this car. I am only getting about 18 miles to the gallon. I drive only back and forth to school (15 min from home) and I go through $80.00 a week in gas. Nobody can figure out what is wrong with it. My alignment goes out a week after getting it fixed, it makes weird noises going over bumps. When I shut off my car after drving it smells like sulfur. The steering wheel shakes on a regular basis. This is a car that is just going to nickle and dime you to death. DO NOT BUY! It is a waste of moneyyy!!

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