2012 Nissan Altima Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$20,550 to $26,750

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(32 reviews)
2012 Nissan Altima Preview summaryImage

The 2012 Nissan Altima sedan returns with three trims on the menu: two with a 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder (the 2.5 and 2.5 S) and one with a 3.5-liter V6 (the 3.5 SR). Regardless of engine, all trims continue to use an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), with the V6 adding a sport mode with adaptive shift control. While both engines offered a smooth and comfortable ride last year, with even the I4 offering adequate power for highway passing, the CVT seemed more successful when in combination with the V6, adding smooth shifting and a higher fun quotient. The 2.5-liter engine generates 175 hp at 5,600 rpm and 180 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm and delivers fuel economy estimates of 23 mpg city/32 highway. However, the larger V6 falters in its fuel economy numbers with 20/27, although the trade-off is increased power, with 270 hp at 6,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While all trims provide an independent front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension with standard front and rear stabilizer bars, the 3.5 SR offers a sport-tuned version with stiffer springs and heftier front and rear stabilizer bars.

The front-wheel-drive midsize sedan offers little new in 2012 (the sixth year of its fourth-generation design). A new Value Package (with features such as Bluetooth for hands-free phone, auto on/off headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls, HomeLink universal remote and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass) is available for the 2.5 S. Last year’s Special Edition package has been carried over, also for the 2.5 S trim, adding 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, foglights and a rear spoiler, among other extras. One color change rounds out the list of “enhancements” for this year (Dark Slate replaces Metallic Slate in the exterior color palate).

The Altima Sedan continues to offer its standard safety features consistently across trims, including standard power-assisted vented disc brakes in the front and solid discs in the rear, combined with standard antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Nissan’s Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) includes dual-stage supplemental front airbags, as well as front seat-mounted side impact airbags and roof-mounted curtain side impact airbags covering the outboard occupants in the front and rear. All the 5-seat Altima sedan trims continue to provide standard vehicle dynamic control with traction control. The 2011 Altima sedan performed fairly well in the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s tests, with an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars. The sedan also scored 4 stars in front and rollover crash tests and a perfect 5 stars for the side-impact test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tested the 2011 Altima, which earned the highest score (Good) for front offset and side crash tests, but the second highest—Acceptable—rating for roof strength tests (a measure of the amount of protection provided in a rollover crash).

Inside the cabin, the 2.5 trim comes with a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat covered in velour cloth. The almost identical 2011 Altima sedan earned praise for the front seats’ comfort and visibility. The rear, however, has limited headroom for taller passengers, and, when the front seats are pushed back, rear legroom is noticeably cramped. The rear seats fold with a 60/40 split to expand the trunk’s standard 15.3 -cubic-foot cargo capacity. While the trunk’s low liftover makes loading large items easier, the trunk’s hinge shape may detract from the actual available storage space for bulky cargo. As with all trims, the 2.5 also comes with push-button ignition, power windows and door locks, and remote keyless entry. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel includes controls for cruise. Other features include speed-sensitive intermittent windshield wipers and a multi-functional trip computer. Although the 2.5 comes with 4 speakers and audio prewiring, there is no standard audio system for the entry-level trim.

The 2.5 S adds several features to the 2.5’s lineup, including the ability to upgrade through several options packages. An audio system with 6 speakers, auxiliary audio jack and AM/FM/CD are now standard fare, as is Nissan’s Intelligent Key system, which allows owners to lock or unlock the car or start the engine without taking the fob out of a pocket or purse. The 3.5 SR continues where the 2.5 S leaves off, with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, extendable sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wood-tone (rather than metallic) interior trim and steering-wheel-mounted controls for audio. This year also brings standard Bluetooth capability for hands-free phone use to the 3.5 SR, and this feature is included in the 2.5 S's available Convenience Package.

Trims can also be customized, either through standalone options (such as foglights or a rear decklid spoiler for the 2.5 S) or through various options packages. Packages for the 2.5 S and 3.5 SR can add features such as a power moonroof, upgraded audio (which includes a Bose 9-speaker system with a USB port, XM satellite radio, a 4.3-inch color display for rear-view monitoring, MP3/WMA CD-ROM compatibility and speed-sensitive auto volume), leather seats, HID xenon headlights, Bluetooth streaming audio and a Nissan hard-drive-based navigation system with a 6.5-inch color monitor and steering-wheel-mounted controls. Although numerous luxury and technology features can be added with the options packages, they can quickly increase the price, since many packages require the purchase of additional packages.

Last year’s Nissan Altima sedan tried to run with the big boys of the class: the Ford Fusion, Mazda6 and Toyota Camry. Unfortunately, while it's a midsize sedan definitely worth a look, the Altima’s interior space and performance did not quite measure up to those competitors. However, with only minimal changes for 2012, the Altima sedan should continue to offer a good middle-of-the-pack option for a family car. Even its I4 will provide enough power for daily driving, and most should find the sedan a comfortable ride. However, with a cramped rear seat for adults and options primarily available through expensive packages, buyers will want to take a look, but may end up buying elsewhere.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2012 Nissan Altima

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User rating:
by Conley S
Sep 11, 2023
The car was a good value. A few nicks and scratches, but nothing inconsistent with a 2012 model.Sep 11, 2023
by Anonymous
Aug 15, 2023
Great car easy to work on , dependable Aug 15, 2023
by Kyle H
Aug 14, 2023
I absolutely love the car. It was well kept with low mileage. Aug 14, 2023

2012 Nissan Altima Pricing

Original MSRP
$20,550 to $26,750
Price range
$6,099 to $6,505
Average price on CG
$6,111
YoY price change
$6,475 to $6,111

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .35 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: driver

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.12

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .35 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: dual level · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.12

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating with sliding extensions

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel covers: full · Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .35 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.17

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Xenon

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system w/voice activation · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 9.3GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 9

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brake width: 1.02 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: .35 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.12

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: rear · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 17 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 6

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (4)