1996
Nissan Altima

Starts at:
$15,649
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New 1996 Nissan Altima
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Not rated
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn XE Manual
    Starts at
    $15,649
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn XE Auto
    Starts at
    $16,479
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GXE Manual
    Starts at
    $16,999
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GXE Auto
    Starts at
    $17,829
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn SE Manual
    Starts at
    $19,299
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn SE Auto
    Starts at
    $20,129
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn GLE Auto
    Starts at
    $20,999
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
6 years / less than 80,000 miles
Basic
N / A
Dealer certification
167-point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

90% of drivers recommend this car
3.8 / 5
Based on 10 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.0
Interior 3.7
Performance 4.0
Value 4.2
Exterior 3.4
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

  • By Jake logan from Buried wa
    Owns this car
    December 4, 2017

    Could do better

    Is broken down on me 2 times but is been going for 21 years we got in a in a small crash but still holding up
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Bodie from Redlands, CA
    Owns this car
    September 24, 2017

    Cheap and Reliable!

    I received this car as a gift from my mother in law around three years ago. She bought it from a junkyard for $1000 and it ran and got me to work every day. It had it?s problems but they are super simple and inexpensive to fix. I?ve done almost all repairs myself and I?ve never spent more than $300 which was for brand new tires. All I do now is keep up on basic maintenance and it runs like a champ. I drive it everyday speeding, taking corners fast, and braking harder than I should. No matter what I do and how I drive it keeps on going, this car never gives up. Extremely reliable, small yet comfortable, good on gas, and cheap to maintain. I highly recommend this car to anyone I love it. I would choose it over any new car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Mgwms83. from Calumet City, Illinois
    Owns this car
    September 6, 2017

    Work/Personal car

    Will get you A to B and is reliable to go anywhere needed to do so in the time of need no matter the weather is, it'll help you make it through.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By KT2112 from Dallas, TX
    Owns this car
    November 8, 2011

    Most reliable car EVER!

    Great car! They Never want to die, only maintanance mine has ever need was cv axles( torn boot) and that was when it had 215,000 miles. it was only 100 bucks to replace both axles my self(very very easy) mine has been flooded over roof(still no rust) and hit by school bus, and still keeps on going. i redline it daily on highway with no problems. Very fun to drive and Cheap to keep up. ALWAYS change oil and filter every 3,000 miles and you wont ever have any problems. Also No Timing belt to replace (has timing chain that doesnt break) (saves hundreds maybe even thousands in long run) I HIGHLY Recommend these cars! try to get a 94-97 since their engines were assembled in japan.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By One Lucky Ignorant Car Shopper from St. Paul, MN
    Owns this car
    October 19, 2011

    "Good Bet" Stamp of Approval

    I concur with Consumer Report's stamp of approval. No repairs above $200 in 3 years I've owned it until 155k miles. First things to go were from natural wear and tear: antenna won't extend all the way (~75% reception), windshield wiper motor died, muffler rusted out, rust around rear wheel wells. Just replaced distributor (1st spendy repair). Mpg at 23 mpg before distributor replaced--not sure now. Overall, paid for herself just being able to use her with minimal maintenance. Good acceleration for a 4 cyl. Taken on two road trips. Slightly cramped backseat. Shifts between gears a little roughly when taken above 3-3.5 rpm's to do so. I feel lucky to have found a car that hasn't needed much of any extra maintenance until only recently. Worth it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By nissan altima from CAPITOL HEIGHT, MD
    Owns this car
    December 24, 2008

    BAD CAR WITH ENGINE PROBLEM

    The nissan altima I bought from this seller was not good. I could not use it at the third day of purchase it has crown shaft problem. fellow buyers beware of this sellers cars. Besides this he does not have a good customer and seller relationhip. When I told him about the car he refuses refunding my money or finding a lasting solution to the problem.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Tomcat
    Owns this car
    October 31, 2008

    200,000 miles, and still kickin!

    I bought this car with 180,000 miles, hail-damage, slightly un-aligned steering, and some minor neglected routine maintenance for 2,150 dollars. I must say that once I got the brakes and exhaust fixed up, this car was in amazing shape. The interior looks luxurious, and the car does not know when to die. If you want a car that will keep on keepin' on, get the affordable 96 Nissan. Just make sure to keep the tires rotated and the oil changed when it needs to, and you'll have no problems at all. A recommend to any needy person who needs to buy a cheap car, but get good results.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Funseeker from Orlando, FL
    Owns this car
    June 24, 2008

    Best Car I've ever had!

    I bought my '96 Altima in Oct '95 thinking I'd drive it for about five years. I had it for 12 years before buying another car in Dec '07 but I'm still driving my Altima! The handling, reliability and gas mileage have made me rethink selling it and I'm saving the car for my son, who is about to turn 15. I never imagined I'd have a car that long but also never imagined the price of gas would rise to over $4/gal. I've driven many other cars in the past 28+ years of driving and this one has not let me down. I love Nissan, the 4th generation Altima was my first choice for a new car (still like it) but I bought an Infiniti and still use the Altima for daily driving.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By altimaowner from McMinnville, TN
    Owns this car
    April 8, 2007

    good, reilable car

    a good car---but not for those interested in a lot of features and conveinences. very reliable, decent gas mileage, and decent power.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By John from CT
    Owns this car
    June 24, 2006

    Nissan Altima Car Review

    Great condition, well recommended I love this vehicle i always wanted on but couldn't afford it now i can. This vehicle has a excellent style. The accessories on this vehicle are great, you can't beat a CD Player with a radio, dual airbags,
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1996 Nissan Altima?

The 1996 Nissan Altima is available in 4 trim levels:

  • GLE (1 style)
  • GXE (2 styles)
  • SE (2 styles)
  • XE (2 styles)

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1996 Nissan Altima?

The 1996 Nissan Altima compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1996 Nissan Altima reliable?

The 1996 Nissan Altima has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1996 Nissan Altima owners.

Is the 1996 Nissan Altima a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1996 Nissan Altima. 90.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

3.8 / 5
Based on 10 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.0
  • Interior: 3.7
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.2
  • Exterior: 3.4
  • Reliability: 4.2

Nissan Altima history

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