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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 33

MPG

#8

out of 33

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 865 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

Most comefortable car I have ever owned

By Jessy (FL) on Thursday, July 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,604

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Comfort, drivability"

Cons: "passanger seat is manual"

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

"Just came home after a road trip of about 3,400 miles. I never tired nor did my back hurt from all the hours of driving. The 4 cylinder engine has enough pep to get out of its own way while entering highways and more to spare. Back seat is comfortable for our adult friends. Back seat also accepts child car seats easily. I have been very pleased with this car and would not hesitate to recommend it."

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Unhappy with paint job.

By Jack on Monday, July 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "High price,enjoy driving."

Cons: "7cup holders different sizes."

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

"When I picked up the it was overcast and unable to see scratches over the entire body, also the owners Manuel has false information, except for the aforementioned I am very satisfied with the car and the service of the dealer."

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5 years old and still runs like a top

By rudy (CO) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 44,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Reliable-MPG-CVT"

Cons: "None worth saying"

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

"I picked up an old friend for lunch last week and when he got into my car, he asked if it was new. I had not seen this guy for over six months, but he had been in my car several time in the past 5 years. The point is, that this car looks and rides like new. I do take very good care of it, but I am very impressed with this car. Not one problem major or minor for the almost five years I have owned it. For the price, just a good solid middle of the road four door family sedan. I plan on getting a 2014, maybe. the competition is tougher now. The Fusion and Mazda 6 are nice rides. I won't buy an Accord or Camry, I am not that old yet."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Mostly satisfied

By Altima 2.5 S Reviewer on Wednesday, June 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Ride, Acceleration for a 4 CYL., cabin room."

Cons: "Cold engine noise, CVT hesitation."

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

"This vehicle is of good value for the money. I bought it used with 34K on the odometer and it has ran well since then. My overall MPG is 31 and I believe my highwway MPG to be around the mid 30's. However, the engine/CVT combo took some getting used to. The engine does sound like a diesel when cold and it will tick until warmed up under acceleration. I did a lot of research on that issue and the noise is due to engine design and solid lifters. I ran Pennzoil Platinum and Mobil 1 filter for 4K and had a near perfect used oil analysis which indicated much less than average wear for the vehicle. So I guess I somewhat confirmed that the noises are not detrimental. I also had the CVT hesitation TSB performed for free from a local dealer. That was nice but it still hesitates and drops in RPM at approximately 30 MPH but I guess occurs less frequently. This is my first Nissan and overall things are fine. The ride is quiet and comfortable and the cabin is roomy. There are just some things to get used to with a new manufacturer."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Overall very good vehicle at great value

By Sam (PA) on Saturday, June 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 77,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great all-around sport sedan"

Cons: "master cylinder/braking fair"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I am very happy to own this vehicle. It does many things very well and has many great attributes with only a couple weaknesses. The car is a good family car with plenty of room and comfort; yet it is also definitely sporty with the strong 3.5 L V-6 engine. Other sporty features include sleek body, fog lights, manual shift gate, VDC stability control, and dual exhaust. The car is fun to drive aggressively or on normal roadways. This car also has excellent technology features even though it is now 5 years old. It has rear-backup camera, satellite radio, navigation, auto-diming rearview mirror, automatic climate control, push-button start, intelligent key, bluetooth, and many voice activated commands. Considering it is a V-6, I find it to get good though not super, gas mileage. I have averaged 24 mpg in mixed driving. 28 mpg on the highway is realistic, as this car does have the CVT transmission. The car looks good, is comfortable, has great technology that works well, and is generally fun to drive. An additional strong point is that the Altima is a popular model in general and this trim line in particular is in higher demand, so the residual values have held up very well for this vehicle. I note 2 weaknesses in this vehicle; it could be more firmly planted and the steering is a bit sensitive, also the dealer did not seem at all surprised when I needed the master cylinder replaced at only 30k miles. It was still under warranty fortunately, but I think Nissan had to issue a recall for this deficiency. In general for most people, this car does many things very well and would fit most people's needs very well."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Strong 2.5 Motor, Strong Value

By HAIL (KS) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Very Strong and quiet Engine, Very Fuel Efficient"

Cons: "Wish it was leather for its high class"

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

"+ Sporty 2.5 Engine + Quieter then its rival competitors on Road and when Idle + Great Gas Millage 28 City / 34.5 HWY (70MPH) + Comfortable and Roomy interior and Large Truck + Larger Fuel Tank then other sedans + Very Quick Acceleration and Option to Switch to Sport manual Shifting + Very Dependable Car + You cant go wrong with Altima/Accord/Camry they are all Japanese built only difference in your preference + This car is like Cash in your pocket, you can sell it anytime you like"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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