Ratings by actual Altima owners have also been very good. Consumer Reviews over at Edmunds.com, for example, gives the Altima a 9 out of 10. Cars.com also gives it its "Best Bet" designation as a used car choice.
For the more serious driving enthusiasts, the Altima SE-R is particularly appealing due to its additional power, firmer suspension and 6-speed manual transmission.
Recent year-to-year Altima changes:
2003 Nissan Altima: Following a significant redesign in 2002, the 2003 model received only minor trim and equipment changes. The 2.5 SL sedan became automatic-only, imitation-wood interior trim was introduced, as were heated seats and mirrors.
In addition, titanium-color interior accents were added to other models, the Sport Package for the 3.5 SE added a sunroof and rear spoiler, and a new Sport Plus Package added a premium audio system and xenon headlights.
The SE's Leather Package also added premium sound, a sunroof and heated seats, and a new SE Leather Sport Package added xenon lights and a rear spoiler.
2004 Nissan Altima: Unchanged.
2005 Nissan Altima: The sporty Altima SE-R model was introduced. The SE-R was equipped with an athletic 260 horsepower V6 engine and would soon become very popular.
All models received an updated interior trim and navigation was added as an optional feature.
2006 Nissan Altima: No significant changes.
2007 Nissan Altima: Got a freshened styling and new standard safety features. The sedan was was made an inch shorter in wheelbase and an overall 2 inches shorter.
Front side airbags and curtain airbags became standard across all trims. Traction control also was made standard on 3.5 models and an antiskid system became an exclusive 3.5 model option. The navigation system was upgraded with a rearview camera and a wireless cell phone link became available as a new option.
Nissan introduced the Altima Hybrid, to be sold only in California and seven specific northeastern states. The Hybrid featured a four-cylinder engine with a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and an electric motor, the combination of which produced a total of 198 horsepower.
2008 Nissan Altima: Antilock brakes (ABS) became standard across all Altima models. Splash guards and a Diversity Antenna were also added as standard features while XM satellite radio became available as an option.
The Nissan Altima Coupe, smaller in dimensions and still sportier in nature, was introduced. It was offered with the same powertrain choices as the sedan.
No matter which Altima may interest you, we can make two suggestions to help you save money when buying one:
ONE: We're always on the lookout for the nicest used Altimas for sale at the Dealer-Only auctions we attend, whether the S, SL 2.5, SL 3.5, SE, Hybrid or high performance Altima SE-R.. And we can purchase one specifically for you, per your personal specifications.
You see, we can purchase any make or model at big discounts to retail ... and pass these savings directly to you. Here's where to discover more about our unique, money-saving, and very simple Auction Car Buying Service.
TWO: You can go to Open-To-The-Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area to buy a wholesale Altima first-hand. While this will likely take more time and effort on your part, there truly are excellent buys for those who shop these events.
Here's an article with additional information on locating these auctions and the key issues in using them to your advantage: Find A Nissan Altima At A Public Car Auction In Your Area.
Also ...
If you're interested in a "Brand New" Nissan Altima: People swear by the proven method detailed in this article for getting the absolute best negotiated prices on 'NEW' cars, especially given the current bad economy.
