2017 Nissan Altima — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
Sedan

2017 Nissan Altima

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $22,467–$25,964
Fuel Economy 25 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $2,100/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Nissan Altima

Engine3.5L 6-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S7)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular
City / Hwy MPG22 / 32 MPG
Combined MPG26 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$2,600
CO₂ Emissions347 g/mi
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$22,467–$25,964

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Nissan Altima

The 2017 Nissan Altima is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 6.9/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Performance at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.5/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 8.0/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $22,467–$25,964, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Altima sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. At 7.1/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: The 2017 Nissan Altima sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and reliability and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2017 Nissan Altima ranks #1118 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 15% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $22,467 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 19%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →

Which Altima Year Should You Buy?

Across the Altima model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 7.4/10$29,293 Read review →
2025 7.4/10$29,293 Read review →
2024 7.3/10$28,440 Read review →
2023 7.3/10$27,586 Read review →
2022 7.3/10$26,733 Read review →
2021 7.1/10$25,880 Read review →
2020 7.1/10$25,027 Read review →
2019 7.0/10$24,174 Read review →
2018 7.0/10$23,320 Read review →
2017 (this review) 6.9/10$22,467
2016 7.0/10$21,614 Read review →
2015 6.8/10$20,761 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Nissan Altima

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Broad dealer network supports easy servicing and parts availability

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

NHTSA Recalls — 2017 Nissan Altima (3 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Structure / Emergency / Escape/egress/exit
19/12/2018 · 18V915000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles, previously remedied under recall number 17V-040. The door latch-lock cable may not have been routed properly in the rear door when the remedy was applied. As a result,…
Latches/locks/linkages / Doors / Latch
18/01/2017 · 17V040000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Altima vehicles. The rear door latch/lock cable on the vehicles may have been improperly routed. As a result, lowering a rear window may inadvertently cause that door to unlatch and open.
Latches/locks/linkages / Hood / Latch
28/05/2020 · 20V315000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2018 Nissan Altima vehicles. If the primary hood latch is inadvertently released, there is an increased likelihood that the secondary hood latch may corrode over time.

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Common Questions — 2017 Nissan Altima

Is the 2017 Nissan Altima reliable?

We rate the 2017 Nissan Altima's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2017 Nissan Altima have?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2017 Nissan Altima worth buying?

It scores 6.9/10 overall, ranking #1118 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 15% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2017 Nissan Altima cost?

The 2017 Nissan Altima starts at $22,467 and ranges up to $25,964 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Nissan Altima

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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