2012 Nissan Altima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
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.
User reviews for 2012 Nissan Altima
Write a reviewWhat users have asked
Spark Plug Gap
I recently bought original spark plugs (NGK) for my 2012 altima and they were supposed to be gapped at the factory at 0.044. However, when I installed them I noticed that the car was rough idling and the engine was noisier than normal. I decided to check the gap and they were actually gapped at 0.041-42. I corrected the gap to 0.044 and the engine is running better. I then decided to run a little experiment and set the gap at 0.050 and the engine is even quieter. My question: would increasing the gap even more (like to 0.055) have any detrimental effects on the car (ignition system, coils, etc.)? Thanks.
Car completely losing power while driving
While driving I lose all power. No warning lights, no check engine. Outside lights go off as well. Sometimes it turns itself back on quickly, others I have to restart the car. Was happening when slowing/coming to stop but now happening frequently and while driving. Replaced a sensor on the battery wire as that's the only code it threw, still doing it and now showing no codes. Car has been in the shop three times and Nissan cannot find the problem.
2012 nissan altima cvt problems?
I'm considering buying one of these vehicles. I've taken it on 2 test drives and it drives great. Its the 4 door sedan model with a cvt transmission and It has 165k miles. My question is, how many owners have really had transmission troubles with this car? Ive red mixed reviews so far.
Will a 2.5 L 2012 Altima (S) engine fit in a 2010 Sentra SR sedan?
Is it possible to swap a 2.5 L engine from 2012 Altima to a 2010 Sentra with a blown 2.0 L The 2010 Sentra SR has a blown 2.0 L and needs a new CVT transmission and I have a 2012 Altima S with a good engine and CVT; can the Altima 2.4 L and CVT be swapped into the 2010 Sentra SR? Do the computers need swapping or reprogramming? Is any, or all of this possible?
Top Comparisons
2012 Nissan Altima Pricing
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

