Video: 2012 Nissan Altima

The 2012 Nissan Altima is at the end of its life cycle in its current form, but it still remains one of the most popular cars around, and after testing it, I can understand why families like it, because it offers an easy driving experience, is relatively efficient and also is reasonably reliable. The Altima's design has stayed relatively consistent over the past couple years. It's not the flashiest mid-size sedan out there, but I think overall it has a pretty cohesive look to it. With an EPA estimated 23 miles per gallon city, 32 on the highway, the Altima is pretty efficient, though some of the competition gets a little better fuel economy. Now you get those figures with the four-cylinder engine and the continuously variable automatic transmission, which is not exactly a common transmission in this class, though Nissan does a good job with the setup here, as it offers pretty good response and power in city driving. The Altima's interior quality has held up pretty well over the years, though its design is starting to look a little bland compared to newer competitors like the Kia Optima. The big change, though, for the 2012 model, though, is a new value package for the 2.5 S, which is the model we have, and that includes Bluetooth connectivity, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with stereo controls, and that's for $490. The Altima's cabin is big enough so that taller occupants can sit in the front and the back at the same time, I'm about 6'1, and it helps that there's these cutouts in the back of the front seats. But compared to newer models, like the redesigned 2012 Passat, which has a really huge backseat, this is a little more cramped. The Altima's 15.3-cubic-foot trunk is class-competitive, and there's a folding back seat if you need more room, but unlike a lot of other automakers that offer folding back seats where you release them by either pulling a little handle in the trunk or a latch in the cabin, Nissan has these straps that are pretty deep in the trunk, so you have to reach forward, release it and then walk around to the cabin to lower it. It's not the greatest set-up. In the family-sedan segment, substance typically trumps style. And that partly explains the Altima's success, because it's a very practical car. Now, the competition has gotten a lot better in the past couple years, but that doesn't take away from the fact that the Altima still does a lot of things very well. (car engine as car zooms past) (rock music) <v Announcer>For more car-related news, go to cars.com or our blog, KickingTires.net.