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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  What a Lemon! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By ammaiol - August 14 - 6:00 am

  Come on Nissan- whatcha gonna do for all of us? This cars SUCKS! And with so many of us having the same problems youd think they do something fast. How many does it take for a class action suit? I have brought the car back 5 times already. So far theyve supposedly replaced the entire transmission, replaced the torque converter, reset the computer and car still bucks, chugs, surges forward at exactly 25 mph. and vibrates when you come to a stop. And Ive been told the same bs as everyone else, almost word for word. Do they actual have a pitch they say to all of us? I have filed complaints with everyone- PLEASE file your complaints. We need to speak out.

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  NEVER buy a NISSAN!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Jo - March 14 - 7:31 am

  Worst, most expensive car to maintain I have ever owned. If the gas pedal sticks and then doesnt randomly, Im afraid to drive this car. We have replaced so many parts I could not possibly list them all here. The dealer is NO help, they diagnose, take your cash and youre back in 2 weeks. This model should have been recalled!!! Car has been maintained since we got it with 32000. Looks nice, under the hood it is a real nightmare. Only foreign car we own, will NEVER get another Nissan. They should care about their customers before their cars kill us!!

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  Nissan Buying This One Back - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By HERB Nyman - February 21 - 2:11 pm

  This car is a LEMON. Been to the dealer 6 times because it will not steer straight and pulls. The tires were replaced,front end aligned 3 times. Rack replaced and still pulls and drifts. Nissan North America has fought us all the way, lied at arbitration and generally uncooperative. We won the arbitration but had not sent Nissan NA a registered letter so instead of getting all our money back it was reduced by about 20 percent. If you have a LEMON be careful to follow your states lemon laws to the T. Dont expect much cooperation from NISSAN CORP. Buy another Brand.

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  DO NOT BUY - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By pmz3 - November 28 - 7:42 pm

  Ill keep this simple.... 1. Replaced transmission with less than 4000 miles 2. Replaced entire sunroof assembly immediately after multiple attempts to fix 3. whistling wind sound addressed twice now 4. multiple attempts to fix an "axle cap" which was not seated properly at the factory Got up to my 30 days in the shop under the lemon law in three months. Not too good. Either poorly designed or poorly put together. You wanna take a chance at finding out?

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  pass it over - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By gski1 - August 28 - 1:59 pm

  I couldnt say enough bad things about this car. Bought it brand new. Notice you can select the production date for the reviews...horrible quality before November 2012. After November, I dont think theyve fixed anything either, but addressed the crash tests. CVT problems, radio replaced, heated seats didnt work, moonroof rattles (numerous repair/replacement attempts), rear deck and dash rattle, alternator replaced. If it can go wrong, it did. Took about 2K miles to start falling apart on me. Worse than the car was dealing w/nissan consumer affairs. Left me no choice but to contact an attorney who got my $ back in 2 weeks. STAY AWAY from Nissan.

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  Do not buy a Nissan without researching the CVT tr - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - August 10 - 9:24 pm

  My 2013 Altima left me stranded in traffic on the highway because of the CVT that Nissan knows is a problem. Wish I had known before I bought one. Never again.

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  Updated Review - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Altima yuck - April 17 - 4:45 am

  Dont buy an Altima! 70k and over $6k worth of repairs, this has been the worst car I have owned. Batteries exploding, cv joints going out at 47k miles, seats have already faded. The air conditioning smells and the dealer says its a "known issue". The key fobs dont open the keyless entry anymore. Piece of garbage!!!

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  Noisiest car ever - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Melvinio - February 6 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car when it only had 40k miles after a month of driving it the brakes made soo much noise while braking so I change the breaks and it was still making the noise change routers and it was still making it at the same time the transmission was making noises as well when I started to speed up it was the loudest and most noises car I ever owned never again buying a Nissan worst car to buy thats why they are as cheap as they are finally got my hands on a Accord the car I should of bought on the first place

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  Transmission issue - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Tarak - January 28 - 11:54 am

  I have seen lots of problems with my Nissan Altima and having another problem with Transmission now. It really sucks, dont buy Nissan ever.

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  NEVER BUY A NEW ALTIMA. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Debra Yeoman - January 19 - 3:52 am

  So disappointed. Saved to buy this car for my 16 year old daughters birthday. Shes now in tears because 6 months later its a piece of crap that wont run. The CVT transmission shutters and shakes and it dies at low speeds or when put into park. Of course it just went off warranty. Ive talked to others thats replaced them 2-3 times. Please Nissan , come on and admit your car is defective. How many people have to did first??????