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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  Nissan Delivers Again - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Joseph - October 23 - 8:46 pm

  This car is great,I bought it the same year it got the new body in 2002.I always trusted nissan,my first was a 1985 maxima,then a 1990 maxima,a 2001 quest and of course the 2002 altima.This car only has 49000 miles on it to this day it is always in mint condition.

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  Very Satisfied First Time Nissan Buyer - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dilligas - October 21 - 10:50 pm

  Having had a V6 Accord and VR6 Jetta in the past, I can honestly say that this is the sportiest sedan I have ever owned by a longshot. The low growl of the engine every time I step on the gas reinforces my purchase decision. Love the tekkie features like the push button start and bluetooth capability. What seem like gimmicks quickly become indispensable.

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  Do not buy this car! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Drew - October 20 - 10:10 pm

  I had my engine and cat converter replaced in Aug of 07 free of charge due to only having 78,000 miles on my car. But they charged me for replacing my O2 sensors which was $450.00. Just last month in April one of my ignition coils went bad. Dealership wanted to replace all four. I declined and just got the bad one replaced. Two weeks ago my car stalled out on me when I was getting off the freeway, and I was barely able to drive it to the nearest dealer. Intake manifold and gaskets were damaged; they also recommended changing my spark plugs. Bottom line is these cars are pieces of crap, no matter how much money you invest in these cars to fix them something else is bound to go wrong.

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  Great Car All Around - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By hondaccord09 - October 19 - 2:50 am

  My past life was a Honda owner. I decided to purchase the new 2013 Altima 2.5 SV over the Accord EX. Honda owners tend to stick with Honda for whatever reasons. They both have the same features including CVT transmission, except the EX has moon roof, which I never use. By this comparison, the Accord EX is more expensive and the look on both cars is equally nice, depending on the color you choose. The Altima is an overall all around car with better MPG and acceleration, and drives smoothly and quietly on the road. The car is lighter and the ride is firm. One of the main reasons I switched from the Accord is because of its loud cabin noise.

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  Not what i thought - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By tom from Jersey - October 17 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased a "Program Car" w/ 10,000 miles on it. Now after spending some time in it, here are some comments. Stereo in 2.5 S so-so , seems like CVT vibrates to about 40 mph. Feel it in the wheel and floor. They say 600 miles per tank full, Im getting approx 510, this is all highway driving.

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  2.5SL Altima Silver - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Dezbum - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I searched for months on what type of vehicle to buy, I went from a coupe, to SUV, to truck, and then I was online searching in the sedans category, I never realized they had redesigned the Altima. I bought it for the realibity, it has 20,000 miles on it. I bought it from a peronal owner with 11,000 miles on it. I love it!

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  2002 Altima Review - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By JabbaJ766 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car overall. Since I bought the car about a year ago, I have had to replace the boot on my shifter, because it came apart, and I have had to get the black part of my window repaired twice. Wish the dealership was a little better. Have gone there along time, since they changed owners they have been going down hill. The car handles great, I wish they offered sunroofs in the 2.5S, that is all I wanted when I bought my car, but I could not afford to go up the next step.

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  Love this car!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Stacie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is exceptionally roomy - able to fit 5 adults very comfortably. It handles unbelievably well, and its really fun to drive. Ive had it for about 4 months now, I dont have a single complaint about it. I would highly recommend this car for anyone because of its low cost and superb design.

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  My 2003 3.5 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Antione - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love m 3.5 Altima a lot. In 2 more weeks I will have had it 1 year. Also Im closing in on 23,000 miles and I can say the car is a blast to drive especially in 5sp, Im never bored driving it and its power always surprises me. The 3.5 liter engine is so smooth and you cant even hear it accelerating. You can hear some oadnoise but not to the point of unbearable and constantly noticeable. But all in all I love my Altima and wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  Altima 2003 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By angeljess - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my Altima. Its a lot of fun to drive, there isnt a lot of outside noise coming in, and its easy park!