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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  Not Exactly Happy - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By tejewa - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I was really taken aback when I realized how terrible it handled in snow/icy conditions. It slid and slid, and the ABS made huge sounds but never stopped the car. Never felt safe in snowy/icy weather after that. The fabric on the seats attracts so much dog hair and yet our dogs have never even been in the car. And you cant get the hair out. Twice in a year weve had to take it to the dealership because the memory in the computer system goes out and all the radio settings, clock, etc. have to be re-set.

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  Traded it for $16k - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Scott - December 8 - 12:36 pm

  Owned my Altima for 2 years. Proved to be reliable. I got 26 mpg mixed city/hwy driving (mostly commuting through the city). Like others have said, what I disliked were the seats. Im 65" and I didnt find it comfortable, so I traded it in. I got 16k on my trade for the SL w/leather at 24k mi. Pretty nice car, fun to drive, reliable, not ugly, decent stereo, great transmission, comfortable enough suspension, etc.

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  Great car - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By Dave - December 7 - 9:08 pm

  I bought this vehicle after owning a 2001 chevy blazer for 3 months. I bought it with 20k miles after 4 years it has 100k never gave me a problem. Gas is amazing. I was 18 at the time and it still looks amazing. Great car the only issue i am starting to have is the transmission which according to mechanics it held up great since i have a tendency to torture my car. And they say it can hold up to 60k miles more

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  Loved this car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Katie R. - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I just sold my 98 Altima to get a new car and wanted to review it. I LOVED this car, it was my third car, I bought it used with 55,000 miles on it and it drove like new EVERY day. Never had a problem with it. It was well cared for before I bought it and I cared for it until I sold it at 72,500 miles.

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  Engine Failed at 95k miles - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - December 3 - 7:20 am

  Pre-catalyst came apart at 95k miles after a recall supposedly fixed the problem. The pre-cat came apart and is close enough to the cylinders that it ruined the engine (the 2005+ models have the pre-cat moved farther away to permanently solve this problem). Nissan has rejected all warranty claims on any cars outside of 60k miles. $4600 to fix it. The only permanent fix is an aftermarket header that puts car out of emissions compliance.

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  Dont bother - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Madelin - December 2 - 8:50 pm

  I purchased this 4 cylinder car thinking that I was going to get decent mileage, however I barely get 17 MPG city 21 HWY. I cant start the car without pumping the gas pedal first. Ive had the car in twice for service and they tell me they dont find anything wrong with it.

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  My First Japanese Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Heat Shield - December 1 - 9:06 am

  The 4 door 2.5 SL package gave me lots for my money. The only issue is with the loudly rattling heat shield in the engine compartment. Service tried to fix it once and the noise came back. A letter was sent from corporate Nissan informing me of their awareness of the problem and a promise of a solution in 60 days. That was early November and its mid January. Service said a bulletin is out and its going in tomorrow. It looks great, but even better with an aftermarket window tint job. If they can work out the rattle, It will be one of the best cars Ive owned.

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  JUNK! Traded in after 9 months - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By raey12 - November 30 - 11:04 am

  In the past I heard nothing but good things about Nissan, so with the new Altima body style and the available 3.5 liter option I decided to give it a try. This car was junk since the day I drove it off the lot. There was an issue with bolts in the front wheel area being installed backwards. The brakes always had problems where they would stick. A really loud rattle in the roof near the sunroof which Nissan claimed they never heard. A broken air vent. The blinker would stick. The passenger airbag would deactivate while driving with a 160 pound passenger in the seat. The manufacturer would do nothing about any of it. Go buy a Lexus or Toyota they are more reliable.

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  Like a Bull - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Salesguy - November 30 - 2:33 am

  Car is nice looking and fun driving...except for what could have easily been avoided with simple engineering. There is way too much TORQUE STEER. Car would swerve right unless you are prepared and braced at rapid acceleration. Very comfortable for long drives. Also, soft steel used for panels - easily dented in parking lots.

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  not too shabby - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By yankeefan - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Purcased the vehicle for the wife with the intention of also using as family transport. She needed less of a car but I made the mistake of test driving the 3.5 SE first and could not even imagine having to drive the four banger ever. Basically got it loaded. Leather package, ABS, traction control, side air bags. havent had it long but she is very happy so far. Have a buddy that owns the same car and he loves it also.