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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Nissan Altima

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Nissan Altima

Overview

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2012 Nissan Altima Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.1

In the crowded mid-size family sedan segment, Nissan's 2012 Altima remains a viable alternative to the Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu and Volkswagen Passat. Although starting to show its age, the 2012 Altima Sedan still has much to offer. While it's not as sleek or modern as the Kia Optima or Hyundai Sonata, the Altima is still an attractive car with a very sporty side that makes it a favorite among enthusiast-oriented drivers who need four doors. With a choice of 4- or 6-cylinder engines, and even a hybrid model, the 2012 Altima Sedan covers a wide price bracket with features ranging from basic needs to cutting edge. Regrettably, Nissan has chosen to drop its manual transmission, even from the V6 cars, leaving a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as the only choice. The CVT is excellent for maximizing fuel economy and power, and it even features a program to make it feel as though it is shifting gears like a traditional transmission. But, if you want to know the joy of shifting for yourself, you'll have to look to the Honda Accord, Kia Optima or Mazda Mazda6 for that thrill.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan is a car with multiple personalities. In base form, it serves those seeking a low-cost source of secure transportation while still enjoying some nice standard features. Go big, and you can be driving a potent V6-powered sport sedan loaded with everything from a Bose audio system to voice-activated navigation.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If the "newest and the latest" are a big part of your car-buying criteria, the aging 2012 Nissan Altima probably won't excite you. The Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata offer fresher skin and cost less when comparably equipped. Others worth considering include the VW Passat, Dodge Charger and Toyota Camry.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.1
Driving Dynamics

6.8
Comfort & Convenience

6.8
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.6
Value

6.8
Safety

8.7

How It Ranks

#19

out of 30

MPG

#10

out of 30

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

Changes for 2012 are limited to a new Value Package that includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, auto on/off headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and HomeLink. Bluetooth is now standard on the 3.5 SR and available on the 2.5 S.

Driving the Altima

2012 Nissan Altima Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The key to the 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan's longevity is a rigid body structure that helps boost the car's sporty driving characteristics. Even the base cars with their smaller wheel...

and tire packages and 4-cylinder engines are fun to drive. The action gets more intense when you move the V6-powered 3.5 SR, which offers 270 horses under the hood, bigger wheels, and a performance suspension. Again, there are newer and better suspensions out there, but the Altima still offers a pleasant combination of comfortable ride and good handling that should satisfy all but the most hard-core drivers. The Altima Sedan's 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) deliver competent and consistent stops, and the standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) adds both driver-selectable stability and traction controls to deliver an extra measure of confidence.

Favorite Features

Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Xtronic is Nissan's third-generation CVT. This computer-controlled stepless shifter helps improve performance and economy and lessen emissions. In Sport mode, it even creates six "virtual" gears that closely approximate the response of a conventional manual gearbox.

Optional 2.5 SL Package
This fashionable extras' group gives buyers who want a more fuel-efficient 4-cylinder Altima 2.5 S virtually all of the main upscale trappings of a 3.5 SR, adding leather upholstery, power and heated front seats, rear air vents, HomeLink universal garage-door opener and numerous lesser luxury touches.

2012 Nissan Altima Details

2012 Nissan Altima Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan's cabin is a handsome design that has stood the test of time well. Nissan adds a generous helping of quality plastics and soft-touch surfaces, as well as numerous storage spots for drinks, cell phones and valuables. Controls are logically placed and easy to view, backlit with white or red lighting. The instrument cluster houses the tachometer, speedometer, fuel and temp gauges, again with white font and bright red needles. As for comfort, we found the Altima Sedan's seats a bit soft, needing more in the way of lateral and lower back support. Rear-seat accommodations are fine for two adults, but those needing maximum head or legroom will probably want to look elsewhere, perhaps at the Dodge Charger or Honda Accord. The Altima's 60/40 rear split-bench seat can be folded down, accessing the 15.3-cubic-foot trunk.

Exterior

Covered in traditional Nissan styling details, the 2012 Altima Sedan is trying to keep pace with a rapidly expanding field of newer, fresher competitors, but it's getting tougher every year. New wheel designs help the car look current, as do little touches such as the available rear spoiler and bright metallic paint. Upper-end trims include foglights, chrome trim around the deck lid and tailpipes, and integrated turn signals in the side mirrors.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Even the low-volume, 2012 Nissan Altima 2.5 base model includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, power locks, air conditioning and push-button start/stop. The 2.5 S, which accounts for the majority of all Altima sales, adds an audio system with CD player, Intelligent Key keyless entry and offers the luxury-oriented SL Package as an option. In addition to its V6 power the 3.5 SR appeals to driving enthusiasts with its sport-tuned suspension and performance tires. On the safety front, all Altimas feature front, front-side and side-curtain airbags.

Optional Equipment

An impressive array of upgrade packages is offered for all but the base 2.5. Even the 2.5 S can be outfitted with leather upholstery, a dual-zone climate-control system, power moonroof, voice-activated navigation system, premium Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio, rearview camera and lots more. The 3.5 SR offers a Premium Package that adds heated front seats, driver's-side power lumbar support, rearview monitor and Bose audio with nine speakers. The Technology Package adds Nissan's next-generation hard-drive navigation and audio unit complete with streaming Bluetooth, real-time traffic and weather updates and Zagat restaurant review guide.

Under the Hood

Conventional 2012 Altima Sedans offer the choice of an in-line-4 cylinder engine or a V6. Both engines are made from lightweight aluminum, have four valves per cylinder and use continuously-variable valve timing to improve response and efficiency across their entire operating ranges. The 2.5-liter four develops a solid 175 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque while the 3.5-liter V6 raises those figures to 270 and 258, respectively. Nissan's Xtronic CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) is the only transmission choice.

2.5-liter in-line 4
175 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
170 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm (California)
180 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
175 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm (California)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/32

3.5-liter V6
270 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27

Pricing Notes

Nissan intended the 2012 Altima Sedan to appeal to a broad spectrum of budgets. Its Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) ranges from just under $21,500 for a base 2.5 to around $26,500 for the luxury-oriented 3.5 SR. The best-selling 2.5 S model starts just over $23,000 and when fully loaded, tops out near $30,000. Those figures place the Altima Sedan line fairly close to its key rivals, the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The Altima is projected to perform well in the residual value department, a key consideration that makes it an even more attractive purchase to someone seeking a solid long-term return on an automotive investment.

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2012 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 860 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.2/10

Uncomfortable, Difficult to see for parking.

By Milli (NY) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,500

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "Very reliable."

Cons: "Everything else. No more Nissan's"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I purchased this car on an impulse. I had sworn that I wasn't going to by another Nissan. It is very small and I'm a small person ( 5'7") If the seat isn't down all the way, I hit my head getting in and out. It is difficult to see out and judge for parking. Power plugs and usb plugs very inconvenient. Difficult to put CD's in storage because the shift is in the way. Overall, the car is very noisy! i.e road noise and bumps, especially over expansion joints on a concrete highway. When driving in the rain, It's like you riding in a tin can."

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LOVE MY CAR

By Andrew (NJ) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Really fun and exciting to drive!"

Cons: "Trunk is very small."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I absolutely love my Altima Coupe. It is a fun to drive car that really has pep. Comfortable drive and really impressive pick up power. Great look inside that makes this look like a very high end car. Quite sensitive steering and pedals make this truly a responsive car. Space in the back is better than what you would expect in a coupe. Only thing I wish was better gas mileage but that is what comes with the car (I get about 22 combined mpg). I highly recommend this car."

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This car is a keeper

By andy (TX) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 11,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great price ,seats,brakes,hadling"

Cons: "cvt noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I bought a 2012 4cly last year with a discount of 6k. I had a love hate thing with this car. The cvt was the culprit' T he noise I was not use too. When you have radio or air on you don"t notice it even with windows down but if you drive with everything off you can really hear noise with simple accellerstion and with very hard accellation a loud whine.But I have finally got to a point I know how to drive this car.I like my leather seats and the power the 4 banger has and of course the quiet cabin on long trips.The noise is only on acceration."

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One of the nicest cars i've ever owned.

By kat (NJ) on Saturday, April 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,868

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Car is very roomy. Classy looking inside n out. Ride is smooth. For such a larger car then i had preiusly own (honda civic) i'm getting better gas mileage then i did with a smaller car. I believe i got a very good deal from the dealership. I of course went to kelly blue book to check out prices on this type of car first. The blue book stated car was worth about $18,000, i paid $17,540. I recomend shopping at the end of the month always when dealers are trying to up there quotas of moving cars off the lot."

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Decline in Quality

By Spirit (TX) on Friday, April 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 5/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Reasonably priced in comparison to similar models"

Cons: "Interior too small, cheap, engine loud,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I have owned 3 Altimas, latest being a 2004. The current style is very disappointing. The interior space is smaller, front seats are crowded into the shell making it impossible to get even small hands underneath them to retrieve items that have fallen through the cracks; vanity mirrors are smaller, door coin tray is smaller; consoles and armrest doors are of a cheap quality. Car doors fall open so wide that a person with average arm length has to step out of the car to pull it closed(there is nothing to grab onto to pull it forward)engine sounds like a tractor when shut off, and is very noisy from the outside. My car is currently at a dealership service center for a problem that they say has never been reported and for which they have no diagnostic "code". I have loved the Nissan Altima since my first purchase in 1995 and I look forward to it returning to the high quality vehicleit once was. For me, satisfaction is in the "small stuff"."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Very comfortable ride,

By Best one (MN) on Thursday, March 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I like the ride of this car. 4 cyl. When I punched down the gas pedal, grey smoke came out of the tailpipe. In the winter months, it collects snow in the wheelwells and rubs on the tires."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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