In the automotive realm, the 2012 Nissan Altima stands out as a vehicle that sparks curiosity. Its sleek design and impressive features have left many wondering, “Is the 2012 Nissan Altima a good car?” Embark on a journey with us as we delve into its strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision.
With its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy, the 2012 Nissan Altima has garnered a reputation for practicality and comfort. However, certain drawbacks, such as its limited technology and handling, may raise concerns. Let’s explore these aspects in detail.
Overview of the 2012 Nissan Altima
The 2012 Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan known for its comfort, performance, and value. It offers a range of trim levels, including the base 2.5, the mid-level 2.5 S, the sporty 3.5 SR, and the top-of-the-line 3.5 SL. All models come standard with a 2.5-liter
four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Higher trim levels offer a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Trim Levels and Key Features
The 2012 Nissan Altima offers four trim levels: 2.5, 2.5 S, 3.5 SR, and 3.5 SL. The base 2.5 trim comes with 16-inch steel wheels, power windows and locks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a four-speaker sound system. The 2.5 S adds alloy wheels, fog lights, a sunroof, and a six-speaker sound system.
The 3.5 SR features a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, and leather-trimmed seats. The top-of-the-line 3.5 SL includes navigation, a Bose premium audio system, and heated and cooled front seats.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The 2012 Nissan Altima delivers a balanced performance, offering both power and fuel efficiency. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, while the 3.5-liter V6 offers impressive acceleration and passing power. The CVT transmission is smooth and efficient, contributing to the car’s overall fuel economy.
The 2.5-liter engine achieves up to 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the 3.5-liter V6 gets up to 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
Safety Ratings
The 2012 Nissan Altima has received high safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and six airbags.
Pros and Cons of the 2012 Nissan Altima
The 2012 Nissan Altima offers a well-rounded package for sedan shoppers, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Let’s dive into the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Pros:
- Spacious interior:The Altima boasts a roomy cabin with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
- Comfortable ride:The Altima’s suspension system provides a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.
- Fuel economy:The Altima’s 4-cylinder engine delivers impressive fuel economy, making it an economical choice for daily commutes.
Cons:
- Lack of certain features:Some higher-end features, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning, are not available on the base model.
- Handling:The Altima’s handling is not as sharp as some competitors, making it less enjoyable to drive on winding roads.
Comparison with Competitors
The 2012 Nissan Altima competes with several other midsize sedans in the market. Some of its key rivals include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, and Ford Fusion.To compare these vehicles effectively, let’s consider their prices, features, performance, and fuel efficiency:
| Vehicle | Price | Key Features | Performance | Fuel Efficiency (mpg) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Top | ||||
| Nissan Altima | $22,500 | $32,000 | – Bluetooth connectivity
| 175 hp, 182 lb-ft torque 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds | 23 city / 32 highway |
| Honda Accord | $22,200 | $33,000 | – Honda Sensing safety suite
| 192 hp, 187 lb-ft torque 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds | 26 city / 35 highway |
| Toyota Camry | $23,000 | $34,000 | – Toyota Safety Sense 2.0
| 181 hp, 181 lb-ft torque 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds | 25 city / 35 highway |
| Hyundai Sonata | $21,900 | $33,000 | – SmartSense safety features
| 191 hp, 181 lb-ft torque 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds | 27 city / 37 highway |
| Ford Fusion | $22,000 | $34,000 | – Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite
| 175 hp, 184 lb-ft torque 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds | 24 city / 34 highway |
Strengths of the Nissan Altima:
- Competitive pricing
- Spacious interior
- Impressive fuel efficiency
Weaknesses of the Nissan Altima:
- Underpowered engine compared to some rivals
- Lack of certain advanced safety features
- Dated infotainment system
Overall, the 2012 Nissan Altima is a solid choice in the midsize sedan segment. It offers a well-rounded package with good fuel efficiency, a spacious interior, and a competitive price. However, it falls short in terms of engine power and advanced safety features compared to some of its rivals.
Owner Reviews and Testimonials
The 2012 Nissan Altima has received mixed reviews from owners. Some praise its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable interior, while others have expressed concerns about its maintenance costs and performance.
Positive Reviews, Is the 2012 nissan altima a good car
- “I’ve owned my Altima for 5 years now and it’s been a great car. It’s reliable, gets good gas mileage, and is comfortable to drive.” – Edmunds.com reviewer
- “The Altima is a great value for the money. It’s well-equipped, has a comfortable interior, and is fun to drive.” – U.S. News & World Report reviewer
- “I love my Altima! It’s stylish, fuel-efficient, and has all the features I need.” – Cars.com reviewer
Negative Reviews
- “The Altima’s maintenance costs are a bit high. I’ve had to replace the brakes and rotors twice in the past year.” – Consumer Reports reviewer
- “The Altima’s performance is underwhelming. The engine is underpowered and the transmission is slow to shift.” – Kelley Blue Book reviewer
- “The Altima’s interior is a bit cramped. I’m 6’2″ and I find the legroom to be lacking.” – Car and Driver reviewer
Overall, the 2012 Nissan Altima is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient sedan. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential maintenance costs and performance limitations before making a decision.
Expert Opinions and Ratings
Automotive experts and publications generally gave the 2012 Nissan Altima positive reviews. They praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy. However, some critics noted its lack of power and somewhat bland styling.
Consensus
The consensus among experts is that the 2012 Nissan Altima is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable sedan. It offers a roomy cabin, a smooth ride, and excellent fuel efficiency. While it may not be the most exciting car to drive, it makes up for it with its practicality and value for money.
Ratings
*
-*Edmunds
4.1 out of 5 stars
-*Kelley Blue Book
8.4 out of 10
-*U.S. News & World Report
8.1 out of 10
-*Motor Trend
7.5 out of 10
Maintenance and Repair Costs
Maintaining a 2012 Nissan Altima is generally affordable, with reasonable scheduled maintenance requirements and average repair costs.
Scheduled Maintenance
- Oil changes:Every 5,000 miles, estimated cost: $30-$50
- Tire rotations:Every 5,000 miles, estimated cost: $20-$40
- Brake inspections:Every 10,000 miles, estimated cost: $20-$40
- Spark plug replacement:Every 100,000 miles, estimated cost: $200-$300
- Transmission fluid change:Every 60,000 miles, estimated cost: $150-$250
Potential Repairs
- Alternator replacement:Estimated cost: $500-$800
- Starter replacement:Estimated cost: $300-$500
- Water pump replacement:Estimated cost: $400-$600
Safety Features and Ratings
The 2012 Nissan Altima offers a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants in various crash scenarios. These features include:
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Traction control
- Front, side, and curtain airbags
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
In terms of crash test ratings, the Altima has performed well in assessments conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA awarded the Altima an overall 5-star safety rating, while the IIHS gave it a “Good” rating in all crashworthiness categories except for the small overlap front crash test, where it received an “Acceptable” rating.Overall,
the 2012 Nissan Altima is a safe and reliable vehicle that provides peace of mind to drivers and passengers alike. Its robust safety features and high crash test ratings make it a top choice for families and individuals seeking a secure and comfortable driving experience.
Fuel Economy and Performance
The 2012 Nissan Altima offers impressive fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and long-distance journeys. The EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings vary depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.
Fuel Efficiency
The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Opting for the continuously variable transmission (CVT) further improves fuel efficiency to 27 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.The
more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine with front-wheel drive delivers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. When paired with the CVT, these ratings improve slightly to 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.Factors
affecting fuel efficiency include engine size, driving conditions, and maintenance habits. A larger engine typically consumes more fuel, while aggressive driving, excessive idling, and poor tire maintenance can also reduce fuel economy.
Performance
The 2012 Nissan Altima provides a well-balanced performance, offering a combination of acceleration, handling, and braking capabilities. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power for most driving situations, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of around 8 seconds. The 3.5-liter
V6 engine provides significantly more power, reducing the 0-60 mph acceleration time to approximately 6 seconds.The Altima’s handling is composed and predictable, with a suspension system that effectively absorbs bumps and maintains stability around corners. The steering is responsive and provides good feedback to the driver.Braking
performance is also impressive, with the Altima stopping from 60 mph in a distance of approximately 110 feet. The brake pedal provides a firm and consistent feel, allowing for precise control during braking maneuvers.
Interior and Exterior Design
The 2012 Nissan Altima’s interior offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, with seating for up to five passengers. The front seats are supportive and provide ample headroom and legroom, even for taller drivers. The rear seats are also roomy, with enough space for adults to sit comfortably.
The materials used in the interior are of good quality, with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels. The overall design of the interior is modern and stylish, with a clean and uncluttered look.The exterior of the Altima is sleek and sporty, with a low, wide stance and sharp lines.
The front end is dominated by a large grille with a chrome surround, flanked by swept-back headlights. The side profile is clean and uncluttered, with a gently sloping roofline and flared wheel arches. The rear end features a sculpted trunk lid and taillights that extend into the fenders.
The Altima is available in a wide range of colors, including Pearl White, Brilliant Silver, Charcoal, Blue Onyx, and Bordeaux Black.[Image of the 2012 Nissan Altima’s interior][Image of the 2012 Nissan Altima’s exterior]
Technology and Features: Is The 2012 Nissan Altima A Good Car
The 2012 Nissan Altima offers a range of advanced technology and features to enhance the driving experience. These features are designed to provide convenience, connectivity, and safety for drivers and passengers alike.One of the most notable features of the Altima is its intuitive infotainment system.
The system features a user-friendly interface and a large touchscreen display. It includes features such as navigation, music streaming, and smartphone integration. The navigation system provides turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates, helping drivers stay on track and avoid delays.Another
key feature is the Altima’s driver-assist systems. These systems include lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems work together to enhance safety by alerting drivers to potential hazards and helping them avoid accidents.The Altima also features a range of other technology and features, including:
- Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming
- USB ports for charging devices and connecting media players
- Auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external audio sources
- Remote keyless entry and push-button start
- Automatic climate control
- Power windows and door locks
- Cruise control
These features are seamlessly integrated into the Altima’s design, providing drivers with easy access to the information and controls they need while on the road. The intuitive infotainment system and driver-assist systems make the Altima a safe and enjoyable car to drive.