In any case, the Altima V-6 offers a very spontaneous throttle response and plenty of power. A little torque pulls at the front wheels under hard acceleration, but that's not bothersome. I drove the Altima onto a freeway and the traffic in the lane didn't have much to deal with due to the heavy traffic in the adjacent lanes, so I found myself in one of those situations where I had to either brake hard and honk my horn while waiting for the Clear or shoot traffic. Of course, I opted to arm it, and the Altima's V6 engine responded without hesitation, accelerating the car from 55 to 80 mph with ease and sounding pretty good doing it.Nissan, which opted for continuously variable transmissions years ago, has made great strides with its CVT technology. I didn't remember the Altima had a CVT until the second day I drove it.
With this all-new 2013 Altima, Nissan avoids the path taken by some of its competitors, such as:Hyundai-SonateAndFord Fusionto only offer four-cylinder engines. The Altima's peppy V6 engine whets Americans' appetite for instant, smooth acceleration. Of course, this also increases the price of the car, so this $29,000 example was not fully loaded and had a rather dull tan interior. However, the seats are very comfortable, the ergonomics are uncomplicated and the view in all directions is quite good. I also liked the folding rear seat back, which allowed me to easily carry a two-meter ladder into the trunk.
As much as I like this V6, I'd probably go with the four-cylinder engine and spend the extra money upgrading the interior with more features.
Joe DeMatteo,co-editor
TheNissan AltimaThe 3.5 SV is 191.5 inches long with a 109.3-inch wheelbase and uses a 3.5-liter VQ-Series V6 engine that sends its power to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission. Those dimensions and powertrain should look familiar: they're almost identical to those of the Altima's more expensive sibling, the Maxima.
I spent my weekend with the Altima 3.5 SV and kept thinking about how similar it was to the Maxima I rode late last year. Both are impressively quick, both have huge metal paddle shifters that bring the continuously variable transmission to life, and both are interesting to look at, although neither is particularly pretty.
However, with the recent updates to the Altima, it's time for the Maxima to take a backseat. The Altima 3.5 SL (with navigation, leather seats, and a host of high-tech safety features) retails for $31,950, $1,250 less than the least expensive Maxima (which comes with cloth seats, no navigation, and a standard audio system). Our 3.5 SV costs $4680 less than a comparable Maxima.
The Maxima's interior might look nicer than the Altima's, and its engine makes 20 hp and 10 lb-ft more than the Altima's, but none of the extras are worth anywhere near $5,000, and drivers won't feel the power deficit at all notice. expensive car. My advice: save the spare change and get the Altima.
Ben Timmins,Associate Web Editor
The fact that Nissan is offering a mid-size sedan with a V6 for the 2013 model year is surprising. Headlines everywhere are proclaiming the death of displacement as automakers usher in an era of forced introduction. Nissan didn't even equip the Altima with direct injection in this new design. What happens;
Because the 3.5-liter V6 has remained largely unchanged compared to the old Altima, Nissan didn't spend much on the V6 powertrain. Developing a turbocharged four-cylinder to match the V-6's performance would be too expensive for Nissan to offer the improved engine in a $26,140 car. And the V-6's fuel economy isn't too bad -- its 22/31 mpg ratings match the EPA ratings of the five-cylinder Passat while producing 100 more horsepower.
True, most buyers will opt for a four-cylinder Altima, which has highway performance of 38 mpg. After driving the 2.5-liter and V-6 models back-to-back on the winding roads of rural Tennessee, I was much more impressed with the smoothness of the V-6 engine. The four-cylinder can be a bit noisy and lingers at the top end of the rev range when you're in a hurry, while the V6 offers ample low-end torque and rarely needs to rev up at high revs for long. Menses. There's definitely a bigger market for cheaper, more efficient four-cylinder cars, but it's impressive that Nissan is giving people the option of a V6.
With a new onePassageMerger,Honda Accord, AndChevrolet MalibuThe mid-size sedan segment is just around the corner and is likely to be in great demand this year. Of these new additions, only the Accord will offer a V6 engine to rival the Altima 3.5.
Phil Floraday,Senior Web Editor
NeuNissan AltimaIt feels a lot more substantial than some of its competitors. In its quiet, elegant seclusion, it almost feels like a luxury car. Although one would ever mistake this interior for a luxury car.
What impressed me most was the Altima's supple suspension that turns the slushy Michigan sidewalk into slick Florida streets. While the set-up is on the soft side, the Altima is no slouch in the corners. And as long as you're not in a hurry, the powerful V6 and continuously variable transmission make a great team. The 3.5-liter six is smoother and more responsive than the competition's supercharged fours, while the CVT soothes the slow-motion chaos of a stop-and-go. The result is a car that drives like it's more expensive than it isVolkswagen passat,Hyundaisonata andToyota Camry. We'll see if he can keep that honor as he faces new competitionFord Fusion, TheHondaagreement andChevroletMalibu.
However, Nissan's mid-size sedan is certainly not flawless. The Altima uses an electric hydraulic pump for the power steering. It's more efficient than traditional power steering, but not as efficient and not as adjustable as electric power steering, which is becoming the industry standard. The problem is that Nissan's calibration is poor. Just likeInfiniti JX35On the Altima, which also has the 3.5-liter engine and electro-hydraulic power assistance, it suffers from light steering, which is compromised by occasional power-assist fluctuations mid-corner. To my snobbish tastes, that's unacceptable, and I imagine even apathetic commuters will notice.
I also expected to be impressed with the Altima's rear camera. The unique camera not only helps you deviate from your lane, but can also warn of cars in your blind spot and detect when you deviate from your lane. Nissan's approach eliminates the additional cameras and sensors that other automakers use for these systems, which in turn lowers the cost of these advanced safety technologies. That's why I was disappointed to find that our test car had a rear-view camera that couldn't detect blind spots or lane changes. They're part of a $1,090 technology package, a great value that adds the safety features mentioned above, plus navigation and a 7-inch touchscreen. But the price of $29,230 and this car's lackluster interior made me wonder where all the money went.
Eric Tingwall,co-editor
I saw it first2013 Nissan Altimaat a preview in Farmington Hills in March. As I walked into the conference room, I wondered why Nissan was showing a previous generation Altima. It wasn't until I took a closer look that I realized it was actually the brand new car. The lesson from this is that the new car is not a huge improvement over the old one. Think of it as an evolution, not a revolution.
It's not little. The 2013 Altima looks just as good, drives just as well and is well equipped as the best-selling 2012 model. The design isn't as bold asHyundai-Sonate, the engines are not as innovative as those of the Ford Fusion, but the Altima is still far more interesting than the new oneToyotaCamry and redesigned soonHonda Accord. My only gripe is that operating the instrument cluster's LCD screen was a bit difficult due to the small buttons on the steering wheel.
As several others have noted, the optional V6 engine makes this Altima an absolute rocket. I don't understand why anyone would use so much power in a front wheel drive family sedan. Considering the Altima's four-cylinder engine puts out a whopping 182 horsepower, opting for the V6 seems like a good way to save money and fuel.
Jake Holmes,Associate Web Editor
2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SV
MSRP (Medical Target):28.560 $
PRICE AS TESTED:29.230 $
MOTOR:
3.5L DOHC V-6
Power: 270 hp at 6000 rpm
Torque: 251 lb-ft at 4400 rpm
CONTAMINATE:
Continuous variable automatic
I DRIVE:
front wheel
RIMS AND TIRES:
18 inch alloy wheels
235/45VR-18 Dunlop SP Sport 7000 tires
FUEL CONSUMPTION (city/highway/combined):
22/31/25 mpg
KNOWN WEIGHT:
3323 pounds
CAPABILITIES:
Doors/Passengers: 4/5
Newest: 15.4 cu.ft
Legroom (front/rear): 45.0/36.1 inches
Ground Clearance (Front/Rear): 39.1/37.1 inches
Towing: N/A
EXTERIOR/INTERIOR COLOUR:
Cayennerot/Beige
STANDARD FEATURES:
Keyless entry and ignition
Electric sunroof
fog lights
Hands-free SMS assistant
Bluetooth
backup camera
OPTIONS FOR THIS VEHICLE:
Rear Spoiler - $395
Fenders - $145
Floor mats – 130 NOK
BASIC OPTIONS NOT FOR THIS VEHICLE:
Navigation Pack - $590
Outdoor Ground Lighting - $260
Lighted Plates - $235
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS:
The Altima sedan is all new for 2013. The test drive we took part in was a pre-production model. And no, there was no self-cleaning rear camera. Only available for the SL model equipped with the technology package.
COMPARE WITH:
Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata,Toyota Camry
FAQs
What is the recall on Nissan Altima 2013 ECM? ›
Nissan has discovered that your Altima may be equipped with an improperly calibrated Engine Control Module (ECM) that may incorrectly detect engine valve closure as engine knock. Due to this issue you may experience some minor drivability symptoms and a slight decrease in fuel economy under certain driving conditions.
How many miles will a 2013 Nissan Altima last? ›Here is the short answer to how long the Nissan Altima lasts: Nissan Altimas can last as long as 250,000 to 300,000 miles if the consumer makes an effort to take proper care of them. That means the car can deliver approximately fifteen to twenty years of reliable performance.
What's the book value on a 2013 Altima? ›2013 Nissan Altima Value - $3,494-$12,212 | Edmunds.
How do I know if my ECM module is bad? ›One of the symptoms indicating that your ECM is not working properly is engine stalling or misfiring. Sometimes, this sign doesn't show that there's something wrong with the engine but that there's a malfunction in the engine control unit. The chances are that the engine stalling won't be consistent.
How do you tell if your ECM is broken? ›- Your 'Check Engine' Light Is On. Your car's check engine light is a sort of catch-all that many people ignore. ...
- Your Car Won't Start. ...
- Your Engine Stutters or Misfires. ...
- Sudden Drop in Fuel Economy. ...
- Sudden Loss of Acceleration. ...
- Your Engine Shuts Off for No Reason. ...
- Rough or Irregular Shifting.
Data from owners shows that Altimas can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, amounting to about 15-20 years, with average driver mileage in mind. It's not uncommon for this model to work well beyond 300,000 miles, but this requires due diligence on the driver's side.
What year Altima is best? ›Model years 2011 and 2012 are perhaps the best. Reliability is top-notch, and registered complaints are minimal. Nissan Altima's worst model years include 2002, 2003, 2009, and 2013-2015. From engine and powertrain failures to faulty electricals, these models are best avoided.
What years did Nissan Altima have transmission problems? ›The previous Nissan Altima generation (2007 to 2012) is also prone to poor CVT operation and failure. Because of these issues, Nissan extended the Altima's powertrain warranty (2007 to 2010 models only) to cover CVT problems for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles.
What does a hard reset of the ECU do? ›What happens when you reset an ECU? By resetting the Engine Control Module, you can return your car to its factory settings. This will erase any error codes or radio stations that were stored in the car's memory. Furthermore, it also affects the car's performance for a while, until it adapts to your driving style.
What happens if I disconnect my ECU? ›If your ECU controls the anti-theft system, disconnecting the battery may lock you out of your car. Like desktop computers and most other electronics, disconnecting the battery cable for a short period will not fully reset your ECU due to the residual power remaining in the circuits.
Is the 2013 Nissan Altima a good car? ›
The 2013 Nissan Altima is a decent used midsize car . It boasts athletic handling, great fuel economy, and a roomy interior. It also rates very well for crash safety.
Does 2013 Nissan Altima SV have electric power steering? ›The Nissan Altima uses a power-steering system that consists of a hydraulic rack driven by an electric motor.
What kind of oil does a 2013 Nissan Altima take? ›The Nissan Altima recommends that you use 5W30 synthetic oil.
What are the signs of bad brain box? ›- Check Engine Light stays on after resetting.
- Car was jump started on reverse polarity.
- Engine turning off for no reason.
- Water Damage or Fire Damage on the ECU.
- Apparent loss of spark.
- Apparent loss of injection pulse or fuel pump.
- Intermittent starting problems.
- Overheating ECU.
The good news? The answer to the question “Is it hard to replace an ECM?” is NO! The parts themselves aren't inexpensive (as long as you're buying them from us!), plus high quality aftermarket and OEM ECMs can be easily installed yourself.
What are symptoms of a bad ECU? ›- Engine Lags or Surges. Because the ECU controls your engine's timing and fuel usage, you might notice engine performance issues such as lagging or surging in the module is going bad. ...
- Engine Misfires and Stalls. ...
- Your Car Won't Start. ...
- Check Engine Light Alert.
The most common source of ECM failure is in one of the wiring harnesses. If the wires to the transmission or fuel injectors become corroded, they can lose conductivity, leading to a failure. Fortunately, these issues can usually be resolved by replacing the corroded wires.
What is the resale value of a Nissan Altima? ›2021 Nissan Altima Value - $19,052-$31,315 | Edmunds.
Can you modify a Nissan Altima? ›Whether you're looking to optimize your engine performance or enhance your vehicle's aesthetic, there are many Nissan Altima mods and accessories on the market to choose from.
What is high mileage on a Nissan? ›What Is Considered "High-Mileage" On A Nissan? You probably have many miles on your Nissan's engine if your car is over 7 or 8 years old; probably around 75,000 miles is when we would recommend a high-mileage oil change for you.
Which is better Altima SV or SR? ›
The 2021 Nissan Altima is a mid-size passenger sedan loaded with convenience features. The SV trim is a step above the base model in terms of standard equipment, and the mid-level SR is more of a sport-themed trim and can be purchased with a more powerful turbocharged engine.
What is Nissan Altima SV package? ›The package goes beyond what many competitors offer and includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, and rear emergency braking with rear cross-traffic detection.
What was the last year of a V6 Altima? ›For the 2013 model year (Generation 5), the 3.5 SR trim level was dropped completely for the coupe, meaning that for this particular model year, only the sedan was available with a 3.5 L V6, and 2013 is the last model year for the Altima Coupe, while the sedan gets redesigned for the 2013 model year and continues ...
What is the transmission problem on a 2013 Nissan Altima? ›The problem: Affected Nissan Altima vehicles may exhibit a whining or grinding noise while driving at highway speeds; the noise level may increase with vehicle speed. This condition may be due to a faulty bearing inside the constantly variable transmission, or a faulty CVT itself.
How much does a transmission cost for a 2013 Nissan Altima? ›2013 Nissan Altima Transmission Cost
The cost of a new 2013 Nissan Altima transmission could be over $3,500 depending on the automobile, however, transmission services such as fluid changes and a transmission fluid flush are considerably less expensive, in some cases costing less than $150.
Stalling when the vehicle is put in gear simply occurs if the engine cannot accommodate the load. Among the potential causes of that are faults in engine controls. A mechanic can test the throttle position sensor and idle control valve as well as the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor.
How many miles does it take to reset a ECM? ›Here's something you probably don't know: after clearing the car's computer you will need to drive for about 50 to 100 miles. As you drive your car the computer will monitor all the sensors and register the results.
Should I reset my car computer? ›Resetting your ECU is a popular myth. In reality, resetting your engine control unit (ECU) after modifying your engine isn't necessary. However, resetting your ECU can help you fix a faulty check engine light or restore your car to factory setting.
How many miles does it take to reset an ECU? ›In general, you will need to drive between 50-100 miles after you clear your car's computer. Hopefully, this will get rid of the check engine light once and for all. If it doesn't, there may be a more critical factor causing this item to turn on.
Which terminal to connect first? ›“Positive first, then negative. When disconnecting the cables from the old battery, disconnect the negative first, then the positive. Connect the new battery in the reverse order, positive then negative.”
Can I bypass my ECU? ›
Depending on the application and the controller hardware, there are several ways to perform bypassing. One way is to use bypass hooks or service calls to jump from the controller to the real-time system. Another method is to change values in the memory (RAM) to overwrite specific outputs of the functions.
Do I need to reset computer after replacing battery? ›Why you need to reset the computer: Your car's computer—the ECU—reads data from your vehicle while it's in operation, and a battery replacement disrupts this process. It needs a chance to clear error codes after a new battery is connected.
What is the recall on a 2013 Nissan Altima? ›Summary: Nissan is recalling certain model year 2013 Altima, LEAF, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti JX35 vehicles. Sensors within the passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) may have been manufactured out of specification. This may cause the system to malfunction and permanently suppress the passenger airbag.
How long does 2013 Altima last? ›Based on their experience so far, most owners are expecting their Altima to make it to 250,000 miles. So, as a rough estimate, we can say that your Altima should last at least 10 years or 200,000 miles. That means you can add roughly 20,000 miles per year.
How long can a 2013 Nissan Altima go without an oil change? ›Synthetic oil usually should be changed every 7,500 - 10,000 miles. Nissan recommends getting your 2013 Nissan Altima oil & filter changed every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil.
Does 2013 Nissan Altima need synthetic oil? ›According to the 2013 Altima Owner's Manual, you can use either conventional or synthetic oil in the Altima. Just be sure to use the correct viscosity and only oil that meets Nissan's quality (certification) requirements.
How many quarts of oil does a 2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SV take? ›Engine Oil
Capacity: 5.1 quarts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (with filter).
An electronic control module (ECM) software error may prevent the combustion engine from starting, causing a loss of drive power. The vehicle may lose drive power as the high voltage battery is depleted, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy. Dealers will update the ECM software, free of charge.
What problems can a faulty ECM cause? ›A faulty ECM can send poor data to your vehicle's transmission control module (TCM). As a result, the vehicle cannot properly shift gears or apply power, causing the shift to feel awkward, delayed, or even jarring. When this occurs, the engine may sporadically become more active or stall out.
What is the Nissan engine control module recall? ›Recall Summary
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Rogue Hybrid vehicles. Contact with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) bracket may damage the engine harness, causing a blown fuse.
Is ECM easy to fix? ›
Mechanically speaking, replacing your ECM is relatively simple. However, it's an expensive part, and it needs to be paired with the correct vehicle in order to function correctly. As a result, the first step is to ensure that your ECM is in fact the problem.
What are the reasons for ECM wearing out? ›- What Damaged the Engine Control Module? Besides old age and regular wear and tear there are other ways an ECM breaks. ...
- Corrosion. Given enough time, high temperatures make the key parts of an ECM to catch fire or melt. ...
- Battery Power Surges to The ECM. ...
- Water Damage.
One way to see if the data is making its way to the ECM is to look at the data PIDs using your scan tool. We can get an idea of the accuracy of the information by changing the engine's state and seeing if the data PID changes in response, or by comparing the data to another sensor to see if the two are in alignment.
What happens when engine control module goes bad? ›A bad ECM may lead to a vehicle that won't or is difficult to start. If the ECM fails completely, it will leave the vehicle without engine management control, and will not start or run as a result. The engine may still crank, but it will not be able to start without the vital inputs from the computer.
What is the code for ECM failure? ›The P2610 code indicates that there's a malfunction within the engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM).
What happens when a control module goes out? ›Your Car Won't Start
The engine control module does what its name suggests: It controls the engine. If the ECM has died completely, you won't be able to start your car. Your engine could cut while you're driving, as well, if the ECU malfunctions.