You have many options if you're looking for a reliable, affordable family sedan. One is the Nissan Altima, a roomy and fuel-efficient four-door known for its sporty nature and racy good looks. Over the generations, the Altima has grown larger and more powerful, offering a V6 engine in some years along with a coupe and a hybrid sedan. As for reliability, the Altima has a pretty good reputation, although some years with the 4-cylinder engine do suffer from excessive oil consumption issues as they grow older.
Nissan Altima Generations
Nissan Altima (6th Generation: 2019 - Current)
Key Improvements: If you can swing the cost of a newer Altima, it may be worth the extra cost. Compared to the fifth-generation car, the current model offers so much more in terms of style, safety, power, and interior design. However, it does have marginally lower stats for legroom and rear headroom. The standard 4-cylinder engine has no problems moving the car and has a combined 32 mpg fuel economy rating. On the high-end Platinum and SR trims, a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine puts more hustle under the hood, pumping out 248 horsepower while keeping fuel economy around 29 mpg combined. All-wheel drive is available for the first time, another reason to make this generation the Altima to get. On the safety front, new driver-assist systems include rear automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree monitor. Equipment levels vary over the numerous trims, offering such upscale goodies as a Bose audio system, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power moonroof, and a memory driver’s seat. You can also find a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (a wired version comes standard).
Model Updates: For 2020, the base S trim is available with the advanced Safety Shield 360 driver-assist suite, now standard on the SR. The 2021 Altima S gets more standard and optional safety equipment, while a revision to the trim lineup includes dropping the turbocharged engine from the Platinum. For 2023, the Safety Shield 360 suite is standard and includes rear automatic braking, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-departure warning.
Nissan Altima (5th Generation: 2013 - 2018)
Key Improvements: Compared to the model it replaces, the fifth-generation Altima is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Its appearance is similar, with some sharper lines and more chrome. Interior dimensions are roughly identical, but new NASA-inspired “Zero Gravity” front seats provide better support and comfort. The 4- and 6-cylinder engine choices carry over, but with a revised CVT transmission that elevates combined fuel economy by a few mpg. Equipment previously unavailable includes a four-position rearview camera that opens the door to blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and Moving Object Detection technology. Available Enhanced Automatic Headlights automatically activate when the wipers are turned on. Starting in 2016, the suite expanded to include adaptive cruise control, Predictive Forward Collison Warning (can see two cars ahead), a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Most of the previous generation’s standard and optional equipment makes its way to the fifth generation, including Bose audio, navigation, leather upholstery, heated front seats, remote start, and a power moonroof.
Model Updates: The 2016 Altima gets a major makeover, with revised interior and exterior styling, more driver-assist features, and a revised suspension. A sporty SR trim is added to the lineup this year. For 2018, the Altima lineup is simplified, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard, and the 3.5 SL gains adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Years to Avoid: The 2017 and 2018 models had some issues with the CVT, so much so that Nissan extended the warranty to 7 years/84,000 miles.
Nissan Altima (4th Generation: 2007 - 2012)
Slightly smaller than the third-generation Altima, the fourth generation sees improvements in build quality, ride, and handling. For the first time, a CVT automatic transmission is offered alongside a 6-speed manual. A two-door Altima Coupe arrives, offering the same equipment as the sedan. A short-lived hybrid version also appears only from 2007-2011. Notable features for these years include proximity keyless entry and push-button start, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, navigation, and dual-zone climate control.
Nissan Altima (3rd Generation: 2002 - 2006)
The third-generation Altima is larger than the previous generation, with notable rear-seat legroom and trunk space gains. A V6 engine is offered for the first time, along with manual and automatic transmission options. New features like a navigation radio are also available for the first time. The 2002 Nissan Altima was named “North American Car of the Year.”
Nissan Altima (2nd Generation: 1998 - 2001)
The second-generation Altima is a good car. If you can find one in good shape with low miles, it won’t cost much to own or maintain.
Nissan Altima (1st Generation: 1993 - 1997)
You probably won’t find many first-generation Altimas around, but if you do, you might be lucky enough to find one with unique options for the time, such as a head-up display, a power antenna, and automatic climate control. The original Altima was more of a compact car, while all of the following generations have midsize dimensions.
Nissan Altima Buying Tips
Do you need help choosing the right Nissan Altima trim level? Autotrader provides expert automotive advice to ensure you purchase the perfect vehicle.
Nissan Altima FAQs
How Long Does The Nissan Altima Last?
The average Nissan Altima listed for sale on Autotrader is 4.8 years old and has 57,095 miles. The oldest Nissan Altima for sale is 30 years old, and the highest mileage Altima has 375,681 miles on the odometer.