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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  Worth Your Money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Angela - July 15 - 12:53 pm

  I like the handling of the car. I was able to get a really good deal on the SL b/c of the end of the year. The stereo sound system isnt as impressive as I thought. I like the daytime running light feature (but I recommend NOT using the Automatic Daytime Lights b/c of over usage). Those bulbs become very costly & are not covered in basic or extended warranty.

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  Reliable until now! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By russ - July 13 - 2:23 pm

  Up to last Saturday, my 10 year old Altima has been nothing but ultra reliable. It is a noisier car on the highway, especially compared to my wifes Accord, but otherwise a nice car to drive. It handles well, accelerates very well, with power to spare from its 4 cyl engine. Cruise control is a "must" to avoid speeding tickets! Until 3/14/2008, biggest maintenance expense has been for tires (Arizona roads eat them!), and minor maintenance. Saturday (3/15/8) morning, at 65 mph on the freeway the transmission failed. Car has 144,000 km (89,300 miles) on it. Failure occured within coasting distance of a dealership. Cost to repair almost $5,000. Grrrr!!

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  Altimas Look "fine" - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Dennis - July 8 - 12:40 pm

  I bought this used at 61,000 miles and I love the look of my loaded Altima. Its an SE so its great on corners and holding the road. The car looks great! However, It has draw backs with ride and mechanicals. I had a clunking under the hood and I tried to find anything that would make the same noise when I went down the road. I found so much plastic that rattled. Thought for sure Id cure it. But no. It ended up being the strut. Now, 10,000 miles later the left strut is clunking. I also had the brake pedal stick during the winter and the brake lights stayed on and I was stranded with a dead battery. The car is all show. Not a car for a non-mechanical person.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Sjones - July 4 - 11:26 pm

  Within 3 weeks after buying my car, I stopped for gas. After refueling, the car would not start. I tried to contact the consumer affairs number in the owners manual. They stop answering at 5 PM Eastern. I contacted the dealership where I purchased the car. They told me to call one closer to where my car had broken down. No they couldnt tell me where there was a closer dealership. They suggested I "find a phone book." Have you looked for a phone book along the interstate lately? They then informed me that I was "on my own" The next day, I contacted the consumer affairs people at 1-800-Nissan- 1. Confirmed that this is what I should expect.

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  V6 is the way to go - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brayton - June 27 - 2:00 am

  28k in just over a year and absolutely no problems at all. The VQ engine is reknown for reliability and the 240-hp is a tremendous workhorse. In day-to- day driving, the engine is smooth and pulls well. Passing acceleration at highway speeds is a breeze. The interior could be a bit better (make it like the Maxima), but fine for the first model year.

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  Its ok but keep looking..... - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By tmw1207 - June 13 - 11:46 pm

  I leased a 2013 Altima after returning a 2010 Camry...the noisy engine is driving me nuts! It doesnt last the entire time but upon acceration it is noisy and shaky like an old car. I didnt notice as much during the test drive but I really hate this car... I hate it. I now wish I bought out my lease with the quiet, reliable Camry. The acceration on the car is good and the value is good- the design is great, its a nice machine to look at. The lighting is poor. The driver seat is comfortable after you manuever every which way to make it so... Passenger seat cant be adjusted as much and is horrible. If you can handle the noise go for it...its not SO BAD but its a deal breaker for me.

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  Great Value - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Guy Emmons - June 12 - 5:53 pm

  My overall experience in owning this Altima was very good. The maintenance was at a minimum; only taking care of the essentials in the usual required schedule. The only thing that was ever an issue was the transmission not downshifting when there was sustained driving; it would hang there in 3rd gear. The dealer was able to get Nissan to install a new transmission and extend the warranty for another 12 months or 100,00 miles. The idea of Nissan making it right goes a long way with me and I have told many people about my experience in owning this Altima.

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  Safety of 2005 altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By V.Luce - June 9 - 1:30 am

  Leased vehicle 8/2004 after receiving offer from Nissan on early termination of lease on 2001 Pathfinder. Loved that SUV. Was impressed with Altimas overall design and engine performance. Neglected to check oversall body frame. Late August 2004 while slowly backing out of a parking space hit a low brick planter(too low to see in rear view mirror. Cost replacement molded bumper $542.00.Used a magnet to check the body and found the hood and trunk were molded not metal. Concerned safety driving this car whose body is not 100% metal.

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  Great car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - June 6 - 11:30 am

  I bought my Altima two years ago and it has always delivered an excellent driving experience. You wouldnt think that a big four-cylinder car would be fun to drive, but the Altimas peppy performance and good handling make it a good time to drive. Its size and trunk space add versatility. Its also a great looking car, very aggressive and sporty looking with the 16 alloy wheels. It is also very reliable, I have never had any major problems with the car. The only downside is that the fuel economy leaves a LOT to be desired (see my comments below).

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  Looks great but some problems - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By speedy52 - June 2 - 5:21 pm

  Had a 2010 altima that avg 31 mpg. Purchased new 2013 altima avg 33 mpg. Passenger seat vibrates when empty, also seatbelt hitting against seat. Brought in for sevice dealer said seatbelt causing noise and there is no fix yet. Driving home from service the red brake light goes on. Too busy to bring in light has come on two times since. Wish I waited until 2014 altima model to come out. Have 8k on car now but wondering about nissan built quality.