1996 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews

Your Average Car

Written by: dude on 10/26/2006

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

I have a 96' gxe, and its fine to drive to close distances, but i don' trust it to go further distances after the fuel pump, distributor and A/C went out. Gas is ok not the best. I would go with the Toyota Camry though and pay a few hundred bucks more.

Favorite Features

The Engine is very strong, i have to had it to nissan and their engines, also the car wont lock electricly unless the key is out of the contact

Suggested Improvements

Horrible maneuvering ability, replace cup holders, make it more reliable, and lighten the steering a bit

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Has been a decent car

Written by: greg_m on 08/31/2005

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

My dad was the original owner of this car and sold it to me in 2003 w/about 135,000 miles on it. Its a pretty quick car for only being a 4 cyl., but the gas mileage isnt all that great either. When I was putting mostly highway miles on it traveling to work, I think I only averaged about 22 or 3 mpg. The engine still runs nice at 170k miles, but it has always had an oil leak. Ruined a distributor and an alternator. Got the seal fixed once, but now it leaks again.

Favorite Features

Very solid car. Still runs smooth at 170k miles.

Suggested Improvements

Oil leaks!! Other than that, the cup holders are the only thing I dont like. THey're in a weird spot, and when something leaks it gets everywhere.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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The little car with a surprise

Written by: weazer6511 on 06/18/2005

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

At first getting this car, I had very few expectations. An inline-4 and a car I had not heard of. Nearly a year later my view of the car has totally changed. It handles beautifully around fast corners and at high speeds is quite steady. The only drawback is that it is an automatic, but other than that I really enjoy the car. It is quite realiable and no problems. The car has 45K miles and looks to last me until 200K. I've put a new muffler and air intake and it's 2.4L engine pulls amazingly. It is a quick car and fun to drive

Favorite Features

It handles well, a little roll over in some fast turns, but very stable

Suggested Improvements

Keep it in shape

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Saved My Life!!

Written by: LilKim on 06/02/2005

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

Purchased my 96 Altima as college car in 2001 used w/115K.Could not have asked for a better ride! Comfy (for a 5'2 chick), SUPER reliable,and LOTS of fun to drive.Sunroof,woodgrain,& Alpine CD made it heaven. Easy on the insurance bill and as everyone knows miles don't hurt Nissans! I was at 162K and going strong except a finicky O2 sensor, but that's nothing that midgrade gas didnt magically fix :) Unfortunately someone decided to drive in my lane going the wrong way & hit me head on (we both were going 45) thats a 90MPH collision. Amazingly -NOT buckled and blessed beyond belief- I WALKED away from the wreck w/2 airbag burns. THANKS Nissan for making such a great car,just bought a Maxima, staying loyal!

Favorite Features

AIRBAGS, sunroof, sporty feel, RELIABILITY!!!! comfort! smooth ride. Display glowed white (NOT red or green thank god) Loved it. Kim loves Nissan! :)

Suggested Improvements

cupholders in front of CD - bad idea.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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takes a lickin and keeps on rolling

Written by: aaront on 04/20/2004

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

original owner from 1996 Has never needed to go bakc to dealership. Likes to eat front brakes and tires, but I drive fairly aggressiviely. Lost a few wheel covers which can add up unless you check out the junkyards. It is now my 3rd car and still runs well.

Favorite Features

reliability reliability reliability

Suggested Improvements

better front seats better cup holders for us coffee addicts better suspension

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Competent and reliable

Written by: oldsport on 03/07/2004

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

Reliable. Conservatively iconoclastic styling. Very competent handling. And did I say reliable? Ours is about to turn 100K, and all we've done is change the fluids, plugs, and timing belt at normal intervals.

Favorite Features

This is absolutely the best car I've ever driven in snow without AWD or traction control. With 4 Blizzaks or Dunlop Graspics, this car blasts through snow and ice with confidence. Credit goes to nice size, balance, good brakes, and a smooth power curve.

Suggested Improvements

I can never sit perfectly comfortably behind the wheel (GXE trim). The seats are tigh for big guys, the bottom cushion feels hollow where it should support the butt, and the wheel and driver's seat are slightly offset. It's my wife's car, though, and she's loved it.

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Very Dependable

Written by: Rioo on 01/11/2004

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

I leased this car for 3 years. I tested both auto and stick. Let me tell you they are very different. The 5 speed is much quiter and pull quicker. To be honest, it was a leased car so I didn't bother to change the oil or get it tuned up on schedule. I might have 4 oil and 1 set of sparkplugs changed in those 3 years... and it just runs and runs without even a single problem!

Favorite Features

Interior quality, strong engine in its class, very dependable.

Suggested Improvements

The 5 speed is rather notchy.

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BEST 'LIL CAR!

Written by: T-money on 11/21/2003

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

Fun to drive, easy to park, sooper dependable! one setback not as good fuel ecomomy as might think. bought at 20,000 miles now has 101,000 never lost a day due to breakdown, never got me stranded!!!

Favorite Features

quick little four-banger.

Suggested Improvements

I upgraded struts all around at 35,000 for more sporty ride, originals were a bit mushy for me, but my other two vehicles are jeeps so I'm used to a stiffer ride.

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Best Car Ever Owned

Written by: jhumbug on 10/08/2003

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

Purchased this car used in 1999 with 55,000 miles. Now have 138,000 miles on it. Have been waiting patiently for it to fall apart so I can justify getting a new car, but the blasted thing just keeps going, and going, and going. No major repairs in the four years I've had the car. It runs just as well as the day I bought it.

Favorite Features

Engine has great passing power on the highway for a 4 cyl. VERY reliable car.

Suggested Improvements

Body style is pretty drab, however, that's been taken care of as of the 2002 model. DONT PUT THE CUP HOLDERS IN FRONT OF THE RADIO!!!

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Long Term Review

Written by: Ramoman on 09/15/2003

Vehicle

1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan

Review

I bought this car brand-new at the end of 1995 and have managed to put on around 133,000 miles on it since then. I love the interior and high quality of materials that Nissan has used. I also love the engine. It can out-accelerate most other vehicles in its class. What I don't like is the costs for maintaining the vehicle. Twice, I've had to replace the O2 Sensor. That cost me somewhere around $350 each time. Also, I'm now having to replace the clutch because it makes really loud noises. This is going to set me back approximately $800 since the kit replaces the clutch and the AC compressors.

Favorite Features

Engine, interior design and quality. Comfortable front seats.

Suggested Improvements

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