Nissan Altima

Name: 2012 Nissan Altima
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 26 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Altima has good fuel economy and standard stability control. The first thing a driver will notice is the responsive engine and seamless transmission. Once under way, the composed ride and quiet cabin make another lasting impression. Although it's not a sports sedan, the Altima is responsive and pleasant to drive. Controls are easy to reach, simple to use and the interior is neatly finished.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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Nissan Altima

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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2012 Midsized cars Ratings

2012 Nissan Altima

$4,325 - $5,300

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Malibu

$4,150 - $5,150

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chrysler 200

$3,475 - $4,900

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Avenger

$4,000 - $4,550

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Fusion

$4,750 - $5,700

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Accord

$7,125 - $7,775

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Genesis

$5,725 - $6,550

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Sonata

$4,425 - $5,650

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

$4,425 - $5,650

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Kia Optima

$4,675 - $5,450

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2012 Mazda 6

$5,075 - $5,825

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Mitsubishi Galant

$3,800 - $4,350

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Subaru Legacy

$5,000 - $7,525

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Suzuki Kizashi

$3,400 - $4,500

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Camry

$6,550 - $8,000

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$6,550 - $8,000

EPA MPG 39 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen CC

$4,275 - $5,175

EPA MPG NA

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2012 Volkswagen Passat

$3,850 - $5,100

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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Features & Specs

coupe

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2.5-liter 4 (175 hp)
3.5-liter V6 (270 hp)

CVT
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The sixth-generation Altima offers all-wheel drive and a turbo engine. It is a rather unremarkable midsized sedan. That said, it's a competitive car that gets the job done. It delivers on room, fuel economy, and user friendliness. However, the driving experience is bland, lacking in handling agility, and the seemingly pliant ride isn't adept at absorbing all types of bumps. The standard 2.5-liter engine provides decent acceleration, and the car gets a commendable 31 mpg overall. With that engine, buyers can opt for all-wheel drive, but not with the uplevel, more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine. The car is relatively quiet. The cabin is roomy, if a bit too low for easy access. Controls are very easy to use, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are compatible. To its credit, standard safety systems include automatic emergency braking. For 2021, pedestrian detection with automatic emergency braking is standard. For the 2025 model year, the turbo engine is dropped, and a new Special Edition package becomes available on the SV trim. 2026 brings a simplified lineup, with the base S and top SL trims discontinued, leaving shoppers with the choice between SV and SR trims, as well as FWD and AWD.

2013-2018

2013 Redesign Year

This version of the Altima was considerably less lustrous than its forebears. In a segment brimming with better cars, the 2013 Altima is a lackluster choice, ranking below virtually all of its competitors with a humdrum driving experience. If you do buy one, we suggest going with the 2.5SV to get a power driver's seat and blind spot monitoring. Advanced safety equipment, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, is only available on the 2.5SL and 3.5SL trims; in both cases as part of a Technology package. Said succinctly, we'd skip this version of the Altima. There are many better choices within the crowded midsized sedan field.

2007-2012

2007 Redesign Year

The well-rounded 2007 redesign was even better, with an improved ride, especially with the powerful -- yet economical -- four-cylinder engine. The sportier 3.5 SE handles more sharply, but rides stiffly. Interior fit and finish are improved over the previous model, but the rear seat is less roomy. All Altimas have pushbutton keyless start. The 2010 freshening brought the previously optional stability control as a standard feature. Antilock brakes and brake assist are also standard equipment for this generation. A hybrid version was offered as well, but was dropped after 2011; its powertrain returned 32 mpg.

2002-2006

2002 Redesign Year

The third-generation Altima was much roomier than its predecessors. It was also quick, fairly comfortable, and generally competitive. Among its attributes are generous accommodations, a punchy and refined powertrain, nimble and secure handling, as well as a pleasant ride and a quiet cabin. Rear-seat passengers get large-car legroom and can easily stretch, or cross their legs. Though the roomy interior is stylish, fit and finish could be better, as some of the interior plastics look and feel cheap. Be apprised, IIHS side-crash-test results were poor without the optional curtain airbags. Anti-lock brakes were optional as well. For this reason, you'll want to look for a car equipped with the ABS/airbag Package.

1998-2001

1998 Redesign Year

The Altima aimed to compete with the four-cylinder Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but never stacked up to them. Handling was less than nimble and the ride was busy. The noisy engine delivered strong acceleration. The front seats were too low and rear seating was fairly cramped. The rear seatback didn't fold down. The Altima was redesigned for 1998, evolving the same basic formula. It was slightly freshened for 2000. It remained a not very rewarding family sedan.