Used 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Review & Ratings

The Nissan Altima Sedan is a mid-size vehicle from the company that was believed to be a direct descendent of the Bluebird line of vehicles that began in 1957. The Altima falls somewhere between the Sentra and the Maxima in terms of size, power and comfort. The sedan was one of the first that was manufactured entirely in the United States and was designed to replace the defunct Nissan Stanza. The first sedan from the first generation made its way off the assembly line in 1992 and was released as a 1993 model. At that time it was called the Stanza Altima and offered a sporty handling not often found in family sedans.

By the second generation, the Nissan Altima sedan was marketed only in America and though it had remained the same size it felt much more spacious inside that its predecessor. The interior volume was sincerely expanded by the release of the third generation 2002 and the family vehicle was acknowledged for having the largest fuel tank in its class. The V6 version continued to see engine upgrades and by 2006 it had achieved 250 hp and a wide assortment of available options. The Altima had become one of the most popular cars on the market in its class and this timeframe was when the boom of demand for the sedan continued to climb.

The fourth generation of Nissan Altima Sedan was unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show with a smaller Nissan D platform and slightly smaller wheelbase. That did not change the room inside and the Altima remained as comfortable as always for driver and passengers. The choice of two engines gave buyers the chance to increase the power if they chose to. A brief stint into the green movement made the Altima Hybrid the first hybrid vehicle produced by Nissan Motors. The car was discontinued for 2012 after having been available in only a handful of states.

The Nissan Altima Sedan has been on the market for almost two decades and in that time has gained a reputation as a solid vehicle. While it easily passes for the family sedan that adults know they need, it will also bring in the performance enthusiasts that long for superior handling and power. It has one of the most athletic handling abilities of any family sedan and the interior is nice as well.

With a stylish design and plenty of space for passengers, the Nissan Altima Sedan has a lot to offer the family person that also wants a fun daily driver. The CVT offered is excellent and the sedan provides more excitement than the traditional family sedan. That being said, it is often overshadowed by the competition because it lacks the power that buyers expect. The competition tends to offer more even though the Altima provides a soft and comfortable ride from point A to point B. It is a great choice for daily driving and is made with a higher quality material than many family sedans. However, when options are added to the base trim, the cost can get pricey and that lends itself to being able to find a better value in another vehicle.