1996 Nissan Altima Review
Fuel Economy
21 - 24 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Couldn't ask for more!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan
Review
Our Altima now has 241,000 KMS on it - about 145,000 miles - and it is as solid as the day we bought it. Yes we have the little oil leak problem, but hands down this is the best, toughest most reliable car we have ever owned! We recently bought a new vehicle, but we would not part with our Altima, as I think at 12 years old it still has years of life in it!
Favorite Features
Quiet smooth ride and reliability.
Suggested Improvements
Definitely the cup holder in front of the CD/radio.
Good hand-me-down Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan
Review
My dad purchased this car new in March 1996 and this car has been in my family since. I got the car as a junior in high school from my dad in 2001, and now at 23 I still have the car. While I am looking to replace it, I have been pretty happy with it since I got it 6 1/2 years ago. I have had very few mechanical problems with it. It seems to run strong every day. It doesn't have too many miles for its age. It's been a nice 1st car for me, but I am ready to move on.
Favorite Features
A/C always runs very cold. Heat is good, too.
Suggested Improvements
Cup holders are in the way of the radio and gas mileage is decent but could be better.
Nice commuter
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GXE Sedan
Review
Bought this car cheap with a blown engine (overheated) at 143k. Replaced with a 53k engine and barely ran until I replaced distributor, knock and O2 sensor, and alternator (I suggest replacing parts with new Nissan parts, otherwise, you'll be replacing them again soon). Now, if I don't look at the odometer (155k), I think that the car is only several years old. The engine and transmission (auto) were designed for each other and provide good power at both high and low RPM ranges. One major flaw on these cars are the timing chain guides, which start making loud ticking noises after about 40k, and the only solution is to remove them. Nissan got rid of these in their later models. Good car!
Favorite Features
Sporty suspension, powerful engine, tight steering. Get 30-33 mpg on the highway if staying in 65-70 mph range.
Suggested Improvements
Cup holders in front of radio are bad idea. Make the rear seat fold down. The exterior design of the car is boring, wouldn't have bought if wasn't cheap. Decent spoiler in the back to clear the back glass of water. Replace distributor after about 110k or if starting to stall for no reason.
Happy driver
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr SE Sedan
Review
Bought this car with 140,000 mile on it. I have put over 20,000 on it in the last 3 months. It runs great and performs without any problems. Gets 35 mpg on the highway and even with the tall miles it uses no oil and has no leaks. Everything works! This has been a great second car for work. Wish I had bought one new in 96.
Favorite Features
5 speed trans is nice to bang gears with.
Suggested Improvements
Better wipers and better cup holders.
Been there for me for over 10 years
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Nissan Altima 4 Dr GLE Sedan
Review
Like an old friend, my trusty Altima has been with me through a lot of my young adulthood. When I first got her, I remember being very happy with the swift acceleration. Over the years, I have have had a few problems, but not unusual based on the number of miles these problems occurred at.
Favorite Features
Easy and affordable to maintain, roomy, reliable, No major breakdowns, feels safe and comfortable, responsive, good pickup, rounded shape seems aerodynamic and helps reduce noise.
Suggested Improvements
Turning circle could be shorter, reduce probability of electrical problems.
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