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:

• 

  03 2.5S - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By hadanaltima - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I like the styling. Interior layout is pretty good, but you will notice that Nissan just doesnt use very high quality materials on the interior. Ride and handling is pretty darn good in this car. The 2.5L has plenty of power, but the automatic transmission was not all that great, but ok. Fuel mileage is good, 28-30mpg on the highway. Overall, this is a pretty good choice considering I got mine for a little over 18K. I ended up trading for a Toyota 4Runner. I would recommend the Altima, but would also encourage considering spending a little more on a Honda or Toyota as I believe those cars are of superior quality and have better residual values.

• 

  loved this car intill..................... - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By 0altima3 - May 27 - 9:21 am

  bought this car used in 2005 with 21000 miles on it was evrything i wanted loved my car praised it was black on black with leather 6 years later still turnning heads flawless inside and out took the best care of the car nothing but synthetic oil changes every 3000 miles nothing but premiume 91 76 gas and last week discovered no oil in my engine with only 82000 miles had read up on it about a year ago and called nissan and they said it has to do with how you maintence your car so i thought would not happen to mine but i was wrong no one took better care of a car then i did nissan needs to do something will never buy another nissan and will tell anyone who will listen getting rid of my baby

• 

  3.5 SE Baby! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By jspirate - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. I did have a clutch problem though. It was squeaking right at engagement, but not every time. It took 3 trips to dealer before they heard/felt it. Its fixed now (warrenty) and I really like the car. Had a 2001 Acura CL Type S before this that I liked more, but I needed 4 doors. Altima is lighter and more responseive, but not as luxerious.

• 

  Sleek Appearance & Fully loaded model, overall good - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By danabrownva - May 24 - 4:01 am

  Had it for 2 months. Very stylish & expensive looking (Black w/beige interior). Overall good. Having issues with leather seats (wrinkling). Leather doesnt seem tight. Bluetooth crashing regularly, and auto on headlights not working consistently. Front seats seem a little narrow. Safety concern is the seatbelt warning. Only (3) low volume chimes. Then all quiet, with only a tiny, tiny red indicator light on dash. If youre backing up & cross traffic alert goes off wont hear the 3 chimes. Needs a big warning sign on driver display. This could be resolved with a simple software patch. Other than the above pretty happy. Has very expensive look and feel. Love the tech package/sunroof.

• 

  2005 Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By M. Lopez - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the vehicle is ok. Theres plenty of leg and trunk space and rides smoothly but abit noisy. Since the vehicle has recently been purchased and rest remains to be seen.

• 

  Ready to Trade - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By missd - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I did months of research and the Altima was one of the ones that ranked high on my list. I purchased the 01 Limited Edition model and obviously this model was not included in the high-rated reviews I kept reading about. My car has died 3 times in one week, starter problems. I have to wait for it to die again and then have it towed to the mechanic for troubleshooting. The drivers side mirror vibrates on bumpy roads and when the CD is in use. No explanation or repair available. The ride isnt as smooth as I would like and the drivers side door doesnt want to close completely... go figure. Im going to look into a 03 Accord.

• 

  Great Fun to Drive - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Mark S. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good, except for slight problem with trouble lights on dash that have been staying on after intial start up. Dealership unable to fix. Problem goes and comes.

• 

  Not too bad for a family sedan - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By LLKoolNurse - May 2 - 11:26 pm

  I havent had my car a year yet but its a nice one gets great fuel economy and mileage. I bought the 2.5S with the special edition package so it has lots of power extras that i love. Ive seen some of the other reviews and I havent had the problems some speak about. This is a dependable family car. Good for a single parent or college student that wants style. I visited my sister in Miami, Fl and they really hook these up down there which gave me some ideas. only thing is in the winter I have to take my chrome rims off because of he snow and salt on the roads other wise .

• 

  187,000 miles - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Rick - May 2 - 6:43 pm

  I bought my 2001 Altima GXE limited edition new. The car has never failed to start, but I have been dumping in money lately. I have replaced the manifold gasket twice, the driver window motor, and both rear window motors need replacing. I have also put on 4 new struts. The wheel covers are very noisy. When everything is fixed on it I do enjoy driving it. Get around 23-25 miles per gallon.

• 

  Almost there - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By cgp - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this car. Seats are very comfotable, tons, of space, plenty of power. The biggest negative is a slow shifting automatic transmission that I havent adjusted to yet. The interior plastic dash and door panels are very cheap materials (but you can see that when you chose the car). The cup holders are worthless. Stereo is great and exterior styling is great.