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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  Regretting first ever new car buy - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Not so happy now - December 30 - 5:06 am

  Love my car, it handles great. Steep curves feel like Sunday driving @ 55+mph. However I have paint drips in tire wells under the fender. Also, I want to pierce my ears to save myself the agony of listening to the screeching sound coming from somewhere on drivers side. Thought it was poorly designed side mirrors, now I am thinking its the tires. It is so horrible I wish I could take my car back. Forget about cruising with the sunroof open and windows rolled down, unless you want to know how it sounds for cats to die miserably.

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  Update - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By phillygm - December 29 - 12:43 am

  Ive got about 10000 on the clock now. Car still drives like a champ. Mileage pretty much the same as when purchased, @ 20-22mpg combined 20 miles roundtrip daily depending on foot. Noise in engine compartment is ABS automatic and occurs on all Lexus and Nissan V6s, some more audible than others. Sadly, the rattle in the back was never solved after repeated trips. Strangely, it goes away when a passenger sits on side of the back seat, may try and lcoate rattle myself at some point. No major disappointments yet.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By diesengine - December 28 - 5:30 am

  Sport Package Pros:37.3 mpg in 90/10 city/hwy driving (light foot), design, comfortable zero gravity seats, and lots of interior space. Cons: Starting with the 2013 redesign, Altimas moved over from the hydraulic steering system to electric which does not have the same "organic feel". The car wanders left to right and right to left requiring constant correction of the steering wheel on speeds above 65 mph which is major safety issue. Took it twice to dealer and they could not find the problem. Nissan markets the car as sporty, yet having owned a Maxima and 350z, the only thing sporty about the car is the exterior design. Has no steering feedback whatsoever. Will try Mazda next time.

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  interrior fogging - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By B Ray - December 27 - 9:44 pm

  Winter in NE needs good visibility however my 2015 Altima is horrible with interrior windows fogging. No one seems to know how to prevent. Ive been told to run my AC in the winter...really? Usually drive with windows open which is rather cold. Running dedrosters only make the ptoblem worse as i was advised be the dealer. Since there were recalls for this problem in previous years I would think Nissan would find a fix.

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  dependable car, good for students! - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Kob - December 27 - 10:00 am

  these cars are very dependaple and unless you take real bad care of them they will get you going. No major production problems, totally recommend if dependability is what you seek.

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  Family car thats fun to drive - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By nbarry - December 26 - 5:53 am

  Had the 3.5SE 2 weeks now - great performance, gas mileage better than the EPA rating even with my lead foot. The ride isnt as smooth as my moms Camry, but the Camry lacks real personality. Huge back seat, great drink holders. Mirror remote control seems cheap, as well as the interior door handles. A fun car that doubles as a family transport.

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  Nissan/Altima V6SL - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By BVersoy - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The car is quiet - smooth and steady. The acceleration is instant (& fun) and the breaking is extraordinary. It just is so effortless. An extreme pleasure to drive this BEAUTIFUL car.

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  Patience is a virtue - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By a25ret - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I looked for two months for the right car. I narrowed it down to the Altima 2.5S, Camry LE and the Sonata LE (fully loaded).Each car has advantages.I finally made the decision to buy the Altima and I am extemely happy. I got it for a few hundred under invoice. The Camry was to plain and I just could not flush my money on the Hyundai. The Altima is large, powerful, roomy, plenty of power features, and lots of storage space. The 175hp 4cyl is responsive and the gas mileage is good. I have never been happier with a new car purchase. The color is polished pewter. I highly recommend the Nissan Altime for looks, power and quality.

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  noisy - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By lato - December 22 - 9:20 am

  this engine is very noisy

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  Better Gas Mileage Than Expected! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By billybronc - December 22 - 12:43 am

  Im a courier and drive this car about 180 miles/day. I had an 07 Camry and averaged about 23 mpg, Ive been getting about 26.5 average in the Altima only change I notice is the low rpm at high speed. Very smooth ride and acceleration. No hesitation when you hit the gas to pass another car. Should have XM radio standard. Much more fun to drive than my Camry, tires are MUCH cheaper to replace. Performance+ pkg is a great deal for what you get. The push button start is GREAT! The CVT (continuous variable transmission) is VERY nice and I wasnt expecting to notice such a difference.Youll notice it within a minute of your test drive.