2013 Nissan Altima Selected as a Top Vehicle for Commuters by AAA Auto Buying Experts

Earlier today, AAA announced the 2013 Nissan Altima has been honored as one of the 11 vehicles selected to the AAA "Top Vehicles for Commuters" list. Adding to its already impressive list of awards received this year, the Altima was one of five sedans chosen based on fuel efficiency, comfort and performance.

According to AAA, the redesigned Altima "Continues to be a top choice for commuting. It is comfortable for all passengers, performs well and offers several unique safety features."

Each year, AAA Auto Buying experts test drive and evaluate hundreds of vehicles to reveal the year's top vehicles. Compact vehicles, sedans, crossovers and minivans were all considered for this year's honor.

Al Castignetti, vice president, Nissan Division, said: "In the 20 years since its introduction to the market, we have sought to make the Nissan Altima one of the elite sedans of its class. This honor from AAA solidifies Altima's place as one of the top selling midsize sedans in the United States and a leading contender in the category."

Among the 2013 Altima's many attributes are a best-in-segment fuel economy of 38 mpg highway* (2.5-liter engine), new premium exterior styling with a strong presence and excellent aerodynamics, an upscale interior with premium materials, and an outstanding balance of ride comfort, stability and a fun-to-drive demeanor.

Building on Nissan's "Innovation that Excites" philosophy, the fifth-generation Altima also offers standard Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®. Also available are NissanConnectSM and NissanConnectSM Navigation with a suite of Bluetooth® phone connectivity features including hands-free text message integration, Pandora® playback, real-time Google® POI search and more; along with Easy Fill Tire Alert and next-generation Safety Shield Technologies; including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD) systems.

Dynamic performance is provided by a choice of a redesigned 182-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine or a proven 270-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, with both engines matched with standard Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission). Altima's next-generation CVT reflects Nissan's more than 20 years of engineering and development leadership with its smooth, fuel-efficient design. Altima's redesigned 4-wheel independent suspension features segment-first Active Understeer Control for refined feel and responsive handling.

The premium interior design looks and feels a class above, with new NASA-inspired "zero-gravity" front seats, available leather appointments, and a new standard Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display in the center of the instrument cluster that integrates key information – including available navigation, text messaging notification and audio data – right in front of the driver.