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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  unhappy purchase - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By thechad - December 20 - 7:43 pm

  I previously owned a 2006 Altima 3.5 SE and loved every second of it! Strong motor and great handling car... Traded it for a 2008 2.5 SL with CVT. I just want to run it into a wall every time I drive it. I thought I would adapt to the CVT and 4cylinder... it will never happen. Its too slow, CVT is annoying and the never ending revving of the engine is ridiculous. There is unfortunately nothing exciting about driving this car. The breaks are touchy and will throw you through the windshield, the throttle will snap your neck initially, the driver seat creaks with every turn (3 times they have tried to fix it) sunroof cover rattles (they said they cant fix.. on and on and on...

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  Impressed 2nd Altima Owner - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Tony in Seattle - December 20 - 2:20 am

  Got the 2.5 CVT with SL package a month ago and I cant help but smile everytime I drive it. The 2.5L engine is powerful and torquey for a 4 cyl and the CVT is smooth as silk. We love the leather, dual climate control, power seats, stereo and all the options you would find in lux cars, not to mention the styling! Nissans power train is reliable and innovative. We expect to enjoy this car for years to come. (Still have our 94 Altima. After 200K and 13+ years, the engine still runs like a champ!)

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  Nissan Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By stomur - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I never thought I would own any car made by any company other than Chevrolet until I bought a Chevy Malibu. We had nothing but problems from the get go. We have had a wonderful experience with our Altima. I for one am thrilled my husband convinced me that I needed a new car. I LOVE MY ALTIMA

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  Altima deserves a look - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jimmie Lee - December 18 - 10:00 am

  The team at the Nissan Altima design and build studios have been listening to the reviews of the Altima. The 2005 is miles ahead of the 2004 in the interior. They have actually been implementing the ideas of the people who purchase the cars. The one thing they cant seem to address is the wind and road noise. I believe if Nissan could find a way to make the interior of the Altima more quiet, they would find themselves in the hunt with the Accord and the Camry. Everyone who owns a pre 2004 Altima should go to the dealership and take a look at the 2005s, I think you will be pleasently surprised by the new interior and the driveability of the new cars.

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  Exceptional - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By knoll - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Based on personal comparison shopping, the 2003 Nissan Altima outperformed its competitors in terms of price and quality. The standard 170+hp engine on the 2.5s is more than sufficient and can be upgraded, while keeping a very young professional feel to it necessary in my line of work. The only minor drawback, which should not discourage the Altimas potentional buyers, is that the engine is slightly noiser than its Toyota Camry counterpart, which is to be expected with the larger engine. I am so satisfied with this car that I recommend this car to all my friends.

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  Nissan To Die For! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By TAL - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Lexus, BMW, Mazda RX-7, Diamante and a Suburban, to name some. I can honestly say this is the most fun car out of all of the above. The power is unbelievable! You have to be careful when accelerating quickly due to the front wheel drive (it gets a little out of control!) I LOVE IT! I would highly reccommend this car for the money.

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  Too Soon To Tell - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By susan - December 13 - 9:50 pm

  Just a few days of ownership and have mixed feelings. Glad we went with the 4 cyl., power and handling seem fine. Traded a Murano and that car was so much heavier than the Altima along with quieter. Drove on the highway in pouring rain and one would think we were in a tin can. The interior compartments are loud with our belongings rattling around. Even the side door panels feel cheap. Havent found my Bose system to be anything special either. I do love the keyless entry. Love the navigation, much improved from our last one. Gas is too soon to tell, hoping it gets better. Perhaps Ill enjoy it more as I get accustomed to it.

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  2 years later - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Altima lover - December 12 - 8:33 am

  I bought my 2014 Altima in September, 2013. I heard of all of the horror stories about the 2013 models so I decided to wait. AM I GLAD I DID! This car is amazing and has never let me down. In 2 years and 30.000 miles later, it has taken me to and from work and school, Orlando on multiple occasions (I live in Miami), Georgia, key west, and up to to Illinois. This car excels in long distance trips. The highest I have for a full tank of gas was 615 miles, thats amazing! The ride is always smooth and you cant go wrong with the blue tooth streaming. It can be a little sluggish(especially the 2.4L engine) but put the car into sport mode and it has a little more pick up. (Youre not driving a sport car so dont expect it to take off quickly.) It is a great family car and once you fold the seats down, you can stuff that car full with stuff. (It has helped me and my friends move) I do receive complements on my car all time, especially with it being red. Also you have to love the remote start on those hot summer days. It cools the car right off by the time I get in it. This car is very safe! I have had a number of occasions where people cut right in Front of me and the car will come to a complete stop very fast. (Going under 40 mph of course) Earlier in the year I was involved in a 4 car pile up. My car was number 3 of 4. I have to say I got rear ended fairly hard, and I had the break pedal to the floor but still ended up tapping the car in front of me. When the car that rear ended me backed up, there were only a few minor starches on it! The only problem I did have was the passenger airbag sensor did not work until I took it in to get it repaired. Now no car is perfect so here are some down falls to this car. If you are only driving city, like I do, the gas mileage is terrible. Currently Im averaging 18 mpg. But usually I average 22 mpg in the city. If you barely go anywhere, you can go a full 2 weeks and then some before you have to fill up the car. But if you add a little more driving than usual, a week and a half , maybe. (City only driving) The beige material is cheap and gets dirty all the time. (I clean my car every two weeks and find that I have to do a little extra scrubbing to keep it clean.) My back up camera loves to act up on me. When the car is in reverse, it will start flicker. (As if a cable is loose) I have taken the car into the dealership 4 times and they have replaced both the camera and the radio unit, and it still chooses to act up. However It only does it on occasion now. The steering wheel makes a loud whining noise when you drive at slow speeds. You can only hear it when the music is turned off or if someone is driving my car I can hear it from the outside as well. Also you have to get use to a cvt, it can get loud when you are merging onto the highway. Overall I really like this car and plan on keeping it for years to come. I take it into service when it needs it and I take care of my car. Other than a few imperfections, this is a great car. Its roomy enough so you dont feel squished, the styling is beautiful inside and out, the gas mileage is amazing on road trips, and it hase served me well over two years. This is a car to consider if you are in the market for a sedan.

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  2nd review after more miles. Still Junk and getting worse... - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bradhenson - December 10 - 3:52 pm

  The 2013 will probably go down in history books of how NOT to build and market a car. The transmission still isnt working right (2 dealer trips as of today, and still wont admit to hearing a clattering noise coming from transmission billed as being unusually smooth), but lets make some impressive titanium paddle shifters that dont turn with the wheel (stupid). That will take their minds off all of the clattering and squeeling under the hood. I honestly hope someone steals this car for (crappy) parts. Its pretty on the inside and outside, but it has the character of worn out old truck. Pathetic. Really

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  Geezer Ride - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mudflap - December 9 - 12:33 pm

  Test drove most everything prior to buying. I am most impressed by the CVT. Build quality excellent, and the ride is smooth and quiet. First distance drive was 3300 miles and gas mileage was 32 mpg.