The 1996 Nissan Altima is a midsize 4-door sedan positioned as an affordable, practical alternative to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry of its era. It’s part of the first-generation Altima (1993–1997), offering straightforward mechanicals, good interior space for the class, and easy day-to-day drivability. This model is ideal for commuters and budget-minded owners who want a simple sedan that’s generally easy to service. Today, it appeals most to shoppers looking for a low-cost used car with a reputation for solid basics—provided it’s been maintained.

- First-generation Altima packaging: roomy cabin and trunk for a midsize sedan, with a comfortable ride tuned for everyday use. - Engine: 2.4L inline-4 (KA24DE) with dual overhead cams, known for durability when maintained; paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic depending on trim. - Fuel economy: typically mid-20s mpg combined when in good tune, with manuals often returning slightly better mileage than automatics. - Simple, service-friendly design: many repairs (tune-ups, belts/hoses, brakes, suspension wear items) are straightforward and widely understood by independent shops. - Safety and convenience equipment varies by trim: common features include dual airbags and available power accessories; some cars were equipped with ABS depending on configuration.

Shoppers researching 1996 Nissan Altima problems and 1996 Nissan Altima reliability should expect an older sedan that can be dependable, but only if it has strong maintenance history. The most commonly reported issues tend to be age- and mileage-related rather than unusual design flaws. 1) Oil leaks and oil consumption (often 120,000+ miles)