[car fanatics]

Nissan
Photo credit: Nissan
June 7, 2012
By: CF staff

U.S. EPA officially certifies Altima fuel economy as highest in the mid-size sedan segment; Altima production began yesterday in Mississippi

The all-new 2013 Nissan Altima, the first of five all-new models Nissan will introduce in the next 15 months, is on the way to dealers as of yesterday, the same day Nissan began production at its second U.S. assembly plant in Canton, Miss. By the end of this year, both plants will operate three shifts each to maximize production of the country's second best-selling car.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also just certified the 2013 Nissan Altima as the most fuel-efficient gasoline mid-size car in America, with ratings of 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined. The 4-cylinder Altima, with a standard 18-gallon fuel tank, is capable of going up to 684 miles on a single tank of fuel - one of the best of any gasoline-only automobiles in America.

"This is a huge day for the Nissan brand as we ramp up production and begin shipping the new, fuel-efficient Altimas to our dealers," said Bill Krueger, vice chairman, Nissan Americas. "The new Altima is a game-changer for the mid-size market and our dealers can't wait to share it with our customers."

The release of the new Altima comes in advance of the vehicle's official on-sale date of late June, allowing Nissan dealers the opportunity to conduct test drives with potential customers. Nissan has experienced unprecedented interest in the new model with 1.5 million individuals visiting a pre-order website created to deliver information about the new car and gauge interest in early orders. More than 30,000 customers have expressed an interest in the car through the pre-order website, which also offers those placing an order a complimentary three-year scheduled maintenance program valued at $700 (see details on nissanusa.com).

The offer remains available on the site, http://www.nissanusa.com/all-new-altima through June. Prices for the 2013 Nissan Altima start at $21,500 USD.

[The 'Burg]

We received our first Altima today. It's a 2.5 SV, Pearl White with Beige cloth. Kinda boring color combo but it appeals to many potential buyers. I was very impressed by the performance of the 4-cyl, especially if it manages to hit 38 MPG highway as they are touting. The front seats are simply the best in class, superb thrones regardless of whether they are upholstered in cloth or leather.

Now I'm waiting for the new Fusion so we can do a head-to-head comparo. That's definitely the match-up for 2013.

[LovemyPathfinder]

Please keep us updated!

[kamikazeKID]

Only legit threat to the Camry. 38mpg? We'll see.

[Dequindre]

Even though the car is bland, it's kind of growing on me.

[Gixser995]

I think it looks great. Looks better in more natural pics.