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Nissan Altima

Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	1993–present
Predecessor	Nissan Stanza
Class	Compact (1993–2001; 2008-present for coupes only) Mid-size (2002–present)
Layout	FF layout
Related	Nissan Teana

The Nissan Altima ( /ˈɔːltɨmə/; Japanese: 日産・アルティマ) is a mid-size automobile manufactured by Nissan, and is arguably a continuation of the Nissan Bluebird line, which began in 1957. It has historically been larger, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Nissan Sentra but less so than the Nissan Maxima. The Altima is available in North America as well as other markets. Nissan sells a related mid-size sedan called the Nissan Teana, built on the same FF-L platform used by the 2002–2006 Nissan Altima.

The name "Altima" originally referred to a trim line of the Nissan Laurel mid-size car sold in Central America and the Caribbean before 1992. In 1993, Nissan discontinued its much-criticized Stanza, replacing it with the US-made Altima, while remaining a compact car. The very first Altima rolled off the assembly line on June 15, 1992, as a 1993 model. All Altimas had been built in Smyrna, Tennessee, until June 2004, when Nissan's Canton, Mississippi, plant began producing additional Altimas to meet high demand.

First generation (U13, 1993–1997)[link]

First generation

Also called	Nissan Stanza Altima Nissan Bluebird
Production	1993–1997
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee, United States
Body style	4-door sedan
Engine	2.4 L (146-cubic-inch) KA24DE I4 150 hp (112 kW)
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	103.1 in (2,619 mm)
Length	180.5 in (4,585 mm)
Width	67.1 in (1,704 mm)
Height	55.9 in (1,420 mm)
Related	Nissan Bluebird

1993–1994 Altima GXE

Like the Stanza before it, the original Altima was based on the Nissan Bluebird SSS (chassis model U13), though its original styling hailed from Nissan's California design studio. Initially, the car's official name was "Stanza Altima," which appears on the early owners manuals. 1993 models can be seen with a sticker reading "Stanza" in small lettering to the left of the ALTIMA emblem on the trunk lid.

All Altima models used Nissan's 150 hp (112 kW) KA24DE straight-4 DOHC engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (Acceleration performance: 9.4 seconds 0-60 mph (100 km/h) with automatic and 8.4 with manual). (By contrast, the Japanese Bluebird SSS could be had with Nissan's SR20DET engine and all-wheel-drive.) Suspension was composed of struts with stabilizer bars at both ends and was noted for providing sporty, satisfying handling (plus a firm ride and moderate road noise); all wheels were 15-inches. Being one of the bigger compact cars, the Altima could seat four adults fairly comfortably, though its body was too narrow for five. Trim lines consisted of the stripped XE, mid-line GXE, sporty SE, and luxury GLE. Some options included a gold emblem package, molded mud guards, and a pin stripe. All models had small cup holders under the radio and a small glovebox which were improved in the 1998 redesign.

The base XE (rare) had manual windows. The mid-line GXE had power windows, a power retracting antenna, pass thru rear armrest, digital clock in dash, and color matched plastic speaker grilles for the rear 6-inch speakers. The XE and GXE models only had the fixed intermittent wiper switch.

In addition to the GXE features, the SE had a stiffer suspension, fog lights, 3 leg mount rear spoiler (1993 models with a clear LED brake light), side skirts (no upper side moldings), and sport seats (plus a standard sunroof in 1994–1995). It also had 4-wheel disc brakes, which came on the other trim lines when antilock brakes were ordered.

The GLE's enhancements included a digital head-up display (1993 and 1994 only), which displayed speed in mph or km/h, turn signals, and various warning lights on a unique mirrored patch made into the windshield. The 1989 to 1994 Maxima and 240SX had similar technology but only showed speed. Other features included a coin holder built into the fuse panel cover (1993 and 1994 only), adjustable lumbar support on the front seats, automatic digital climate control, keyless entry with alarm (optional), floor mats, color matched side mirrors, cornering lights, sunroof, and a higher-powered six-speaker cassette/CD stereo which included 6X9 rear speakers with black metal "active speaker" grilles, metal color matched "active speaker" grilles for the front door speakers (1993 and 1994 only), and a pair of A pillar tweeters all powered by 2 factory amps mounted underneath the rear deck. For 1997 it gave up all of the above in exchange for standard leather (previously optional). All SE and GLE models had alloy wheels and variable intermittent wipers.

• 

  94 Altima HUD Windshield

• 

  Head Up Display at Night

1993 Altimas came with a rosewood colored dash trim and only had a driver's side airbag coupled with automatic shoulder belts(the center console was slimmer to accommodate the lap belts). The 1994 Altima gained a darker burl wood dash trim, a flush mount passenger airbag and regular seatbelts. 1993 and 1994 models came with chrome inner door handles standard with an auto door lock/unlock feature on the passenger side. In 1995, the inner door handles were changed to color matched plastic, and a plug replaced where the passenger auto door lock/unlock feature was. 1993 and 1994 models also had a slim 1 ¹⁄₂ armrest lid, however, if an optional leather armrest was selected, it brought the height up to about 4.5 inches (110 mm). In 1995, all the armrest lids were thicker and about 4.5 inches (110 mm) tall. 1995 also brought a new venetian blind-like grille, new taillights (red and clear), and a new 2 leg mount spoiler with a red LED brake light for the SE. Some other changes included the removal of the rear speaker grilles for a flat rear deck, a cheaper cloth interior, a raised mount passenger airbag, a plastic cover replacing the rear ashtray, and the digital in dash clock was now optional. 1996 brought new wheel covers for base models. In 1997 the GXE gained a new "Limited Edition" package including alloy wheels, keyless entry, alarm, floor mats, and a Limited Edition sticker on each side near the front wheels. The majority of final-year Altima models were dubbed "1997.5" models, signifying the added crash protection necessary to meet 1997 side-impact standards.

Second generation (L30, 1998–2001)[link]

Second generation

Also called	Yulon Nissan Bluebird Dongfeng Fengshen EQ7200
Production	1998–2001
Model years	1998 – 2001
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee, United States Wuhan, Hubei, China
Body style	4-door sedan
Engine	2.4 L (146-cubic-inch) KA24DE I4 (150-155 Hp)
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	103.1 in (2,619 mm)
Length	185.8 in (4,719 mm) (2000–01) 183.5 in (4,661 mm) (1998–99)
Width	69.1 in (1,755 mm)
Height	55.9 in (1,420 mm)

The second generation (chassis model L30) was an American market-only version, again styled by Nissan's California design center. A new interior brought a revised glovebox and cup holders, a folding back seat (except on XE), and depowered airbags.

While total volume remained identical at 108 cubic feet (3.1 m³), most felt it was distributed better and resulted in a slightly roomier-feeling cabin. On the downside, many were let down by the new model's plainer styling and cheapened interior; some also felt the gas pedal was now too lightly sprung.

Trim lines were the stripped XE, volume-selling GXE, sporty SE, and luxury-trimmed GLE. The SE can be distinguished by its body-color grille, fog lights, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and white-faced gauges. In this generation of Altima, all GLEs had leather seats standard.

2000–2001 Nissan Altima SE

For 1999 the uplevel cassette/CD stereo got a new faceplate, GXE and SE models gained variable intermittent wipers, and GLEs gained standard alloy wheels.

The majority of changes came for the 2000 model year. The engine increased in power from 150 to 155 hp (116 kW) with 4 way sparks, while it also improved the 0-60 mph time from 8.7 to 8.4 seconds. Gearing and final drive ratios were shortened on both transmissions, stabilizer bars were thickened, and the steering was firmed up. SE and GLE models also upgraded to 16-inch wheels with lower-profile tires, new Monroe struts with "acceleration-sensitive strut valving", and a front strut tower brace for sportier handling (all optional on GXE). The Altima grew slightly longer and got a deeper front grille, one-piece headlamps with turn signals, all-red taillights, and plastic trim on the decklid. Inside were new front seats with a driver's height adjuster, cup holders for the rear seat (automatic transmission models only), revised seat cloth, a new instrument panel with digital odometers, a new rear window antenna, and the keyless entry fob now included a trunk release. Side airbags were newly standard on GLE and available on GXE and SE. For 2001, the Altima GXE again gained a Limited Edition package: power driver's seat, keyless entry with alarm, and floor mats.

Third generation (L31, 2002–2006)[link]

Third generation

Production	2002–2006
Model years	2002 – 2006
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee, United States Kanda, Fukuoka, Japan
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	Nissan FF-L platform
Engine	2.5 L (152-cubic-inch) QR25DE I4 175 hp (130 kW) 3.5 L (214-cubic-inch) VQ35DE V6 (240-250 Hp) 3.5 L (214-cubic-inch) VQ35DE V6 (260 Hp) SE-R
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual SE-R 4-speed automatic 5-speed manumatic 3.5 SE & 3.5 SL only
Wheelbase	110.2 in (2,799 mm)
Length	192.3 in (4,884 mm) (2005–06) 191.5 in (4,864 mm) (2002–04)
Width	70.4 in (1,788 mm)
Height	57.9 in (1,471 mm)
Related	Nissan Maxima Nissan Murano Nissan Quest Nissan Teana

The third-generation Altima (chassis model L31) debuted for the 2002 model year.^[1] It was the first mass-market product built on Nissan's new FF-L platform, which was unique to North America and had no equivalent model in Japan. The Asian Nissan Teana is similar but not quite identical, slotting between the Altima and Maxima in size; all three model lines shared the same platform. The Altima grew enormously for this generation, as interior volume expanded to 118.8 cubic feet (3.36 m³). The Altima's interior dimensions even surpassed that of the higher-end 2000-03 Maxima, so the 2004 Maxima was moved more upscale into the full-size bracket. Also biggest in class was the Altima's 20 US gal (76 L; 17 imp gal) fuel tank.^{[citation needed]} Additionally, the Altima upgraded its rear suspension to a multi-link type and its brakes to 4-wheel discs.

2003–2004 models received two tone dash colour, and the 3.5 SE received an upgrade in horsepower, from 240 hp (180 kW) to 245 hp (183 kW), though torque stayed the same at 246 pound-feet (334 N·m).^[2][3] 2002–2004 models with manual gearbox were the lightest of the V6 (4DR) cars. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine launched the sedan from 0-60 mph in just 8.6 seconds, more than competitive to those in its class.^{[clarification needed]}

2005–2006 Altima 2.5S

2005–2006 Altima SE-R

For 2005–2006 the Altima received a facelift, including a new front grille, all-red taillights, redesigned interior, and an optional DVD-based navigation system. The V6 was now rated at 250 hp (186 kW) with torque rated at 249 pound-feet (338 N·m), and proven 0-60 mph time in just 5.9 secondsTemplate:Http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/112 0302 sport sedan comparison/2003 nissan altima.html utilizing the Xtronic (or also known as Manumatic) 5-speed transmission. Also new was the SE-R model with a 260 hp (194 kW) and 251 lb·ft (340 N·m) of torque version of the V6, a 6-speed manual transmission (automatic still optional), upgraded brakes, 18-inch wheels, a suspension even stiffer than that of the 3.5 SE's, and a high-flow exhaust.^[4] Topspeed.com tested the SE-R resulting in 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

Reception[link]

The third-generation Altima was well-received by the press, with many critics praising the new style and extra space, being one of the most powerful and best-handling family sedans available. As the Altima offered the performance and space of the upper-market Maxima in a less expensive car,^[5] this significantly reduced Maxima sales but made Nissan competitive in the mid-size segment for the first time.^[6] While previous iterations received decent reviews, the third-generation Altima was the first to enjoy considerable success, and it was credited with a turnaround of Nissan's operations.^[7][8]

Most of the criticism centered on the interior, which was cited for using hard and brittle plastics. Some also found the steering too light and or abrupt, and the turning circle too wide due to its elongated wheelbase.

Fourth generation (L32, U32 (Coupe) 2007–2012)[link]

Fourth generation

Production	2007–2012
Model years	2007 – 2012
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee, United States Canton, Mississippi, United States Aguascalientes, Mexico Kanda, Fukuoka, Japan
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door coupe
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Nissan D platform
Engine	2.5 L (152-cubic-inch) QR25DE I4 175 hp (130 kW) 2.5 / 2.5 S 3.5 L (214-cubic-inch) VQ35DE V6 270 hp (201 kW) SR[9]
Transmission	6-speed manual CVT (Ratios: 2.371–0.439)
Wheelbase	109.3 in (2,776 mm) (sedan) 105.3 in (2,675 mm) (coupe)
Length	189.8 in (4,821 mm) (2007–09 sedan) 190.7 in (4,844 mm) (2010- sedan) 182.5 in (4,636 mm) (2008–09 coupe 180.9 in (4,595 mm) (2010– coupe)
Width	70.7 in (1,796 mm) (sedan & coupe) 69.6 in (1,768 mm) (hybrid)
Height	57.9 in (1,471 mm) (sedan) 58.0 in (1,473 mm) (2010– four-cylinder sedans) 55.3 in (1,405 mm) (2008–09 coupe) 55.9 in (1,420 mm) (2010- coupe) 58.1 in (1,476 mm) (2007–09 hybrid) 58.3 in (1,481 mm) (2010– hybrid)
Curb weight	1442 kg (3179 ibs) 2.5 Sedan 1447 kg (3191 lbs) 2.5 S Sedan 1492 kg (3289 lbs) 3.5 SE[10]
Related	Nissan Maxima (A35) Nissan Teana (J32) Nissan Murano (Z51) Nissan Quest (E52) Renault Laguna III Renault Latitude Renault Samsung SM5 (L43)

The fourth generation Nissan Altima (chassis model L32) was announced at the 2006 New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It is the first vehicle to use the smaller Nissan D platform, with a new front and upgraded rear suspension. The wheelbase is 1-inch (25 mm) shorter than the third generation Altima, but interior space is mostly unchanged. The Maxima and Murano also used this new platform starting with the 2009 models.

The 2007 Nissan Altima used revised versions of the engines from the third generation model. The VQ35DE 3.5 L V6 engine produces 270 hp (201 kW), and the QR25DE 2.5 L straight-4 produces 175 hp (130 kW).^[11] A 6-speed manual is standard, and a continuously variable transmission replaced the traditional automatic as the optional transmission.

The 2007 Altima sports some more recent innovations in the market, including, but not limited to, standard "push-button start" (Called "Intelligent Key"), Bluetooth capability for cell phones, and a parking camera. The dashboard has larger buttons for easy readability and a total of nine cup holders, three hidden under the center console, two in the rear armrest, and one 20-ounce cup holder in each door. Several hidden compartments have been added as well as doubling the glove compartment space to 0.46 cubic feet (13 L). For 2008, all Altima models received ABS with electronic brake-force distribution.^[12]

Consumerguide.com tested the inline four-cylinder Altima 2.5S w/ CVT to go from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds; the 6-cylinder 3.5 SE model w/ CVT performed 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds according to the Long Term Road Test by Car and Driver.

There has been speculation^[who?] that the Altima will soon replace the Primera as Nissan's European competitor in the large family car market that is dominated by models such as the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 407. Nissan has yet to confirm whether this will happen. The Primera is still made at the Sunderland plant in England, although UK sales ceased in late 2006 and an NMUK spokesman warned that its direct successor might not be sold in the UK due to the old model's fall in popularity during the final year or two of its life.^[13]

Facelift[link]

2010 Nissan Altima 3.5SR sedan

For the 2010 model year, the Nissan Altima was facelifted with a new front fascia, hood, and headlights, as well as new wheels and interior materials.^[14] Electronic stability control, previously only offered as part of an option package on V6 models and unavailable with 4-cylinder engines, is now standard on all Altima trims.^[15]

Coupe[link]

2008–2009 Nissan Altima coupe

The coupe version of the Nissan Altima (codename L32) was officially revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, making the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe Nissan's first-ever two-door Altima. It has a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima Sedan.^[16] It was released on May 25, 2007 as a 2008 model.

The 2008 Altima Coupe is available with two engines: the same updated VQ35DE in the sedan, a 270 hp (201 kW) 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 or the QR25DE, a 175 hp (130 kW) 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder.

Changes to the 2009 Nissan Altima Coupe include; the 6-speed manual transmission being refined for improved operational feel; new 16-inch wheel cover design; new standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheel design for Altima Coupe 3.5 SE model, along with standard 235/45 R18 Michelin tires; new high-gloss grille finish (previously medium gloss) and new auto speed-sensing door locks.

Facelift[link]

2010 Nissan Altima 2.5SL coupe

Like the sedan, the Altima Coupe received a facelift for 2010 which includes a redesigned front-end, hood, and grille, new projector beam headlights, and the Altima Coupe 2.5 S model now comes standard with 17" x 7.5" 5-split spoke aluminum alloy wheels, along with P215/55TR17 all-season tires instead of the 16" steel wheels provided in the former. The SE model has now been renamed to SR and now comes standard with 18" x 8.0" 5-split-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels and there was a revision to the fabric and trim pieces in the interior. The 2010 models now come with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control as standard equipment, which was previously a $600 stand-alone option. A new premium Bose audio system with a 4.3-inch color display and Nissan's next generation navigation system with a 6.5-inch color display with an internal hard drive providing 9.3GB of music storage and USB connectivity was also included with the refresh.^[17] Azure Blue has been replaced by Navy Blue and there are two additional colors: Crimson Black and Ocean Gray.

Hybrid[link]

Nissan Altima Hybrid

The Altima Hybrid is Nissan's first hybrid car. When first introduced in 2007 and continuing through the 2011 model year, the Altima's hybrid-drive system is licensed from Toyota's hybrid technology. The hybrid model is available only in 10 states in the U.S. that follow California's strict energy laws (California, Oregon, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island or Vermont). The company has asserted that subsequent hybrid models will be based on hybrid technology developed in-house.^[18] Up to 40,000 per year will be built at Nissan's Smyrna plant.^[19] The Altima Hybrid is also available in Canada. The Nissan Altima Hybrid is also used as a regular taxi vehicle and as a police cruiser with the New York City Police Department.^[20]

The Hybrid Altima features a 2.5 L QR25DE engine producing 158 hp (118 kW) and 162 pound-feet (220 N·m) torque, and CVT. The electric motor/generator puts out an additional 40 Horsepower putting out max power of 198 hp (148 kW), and 199 pound-feet (270 N·m).^[21] Autobytel clocked the Hybrid to go from 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds, making it one of the 7 fastest hybrid vehicles.

Its fuel efficiency is 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg_-imp; 35 mpg_-US) city and 7.1 L/100 km (40 mpg_-imp; 33 mpg_-US) highway, based on revised EPA measures for fuel economy ratings.^[21]

Models[link]

The Altima comes in several versions:

2.5 Base (Sedan Only): Includes 2.5L, 175 Horsepower I4 Engine, 6-Speed Manual Transmission, Audio System Pre-Wiring w/ 4 Speakers, Intelligent Key System w/ Push-Button Start, 16 Inch Steel Wheels w/ Full Wheel Covers

2.5 S: Includes X-Tronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), A/M-F/M Stereo w/ Single-Disc CD/MP3 Player, Aux Input Jack w/ 6 Speakers / Steering wheel-mounted audio controls / Automatic on/off headlights, Leather-wrapped steering wheel.

2.5 S Special Edition (Sedan only): Includes X-Tronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), A/M-F/M Stereo w/ Single-Disc CD/MP3 Player, Aux Input Jack w/ 6 Speakers, 16" Aluminum-alloy wheels, Fog Lights, Rear Spoiler,

3.5 SR: Includes 3.5L, 270 Horsepower V6 Engine, A/M-F/M Stereo w/ XM Satellite Radio, Six-Disc CD/MP3 Changer, iPod/USB Input Jacks, Aux Input Jack, w/ Hands-Free Bluetooth Telephone, Voice Recognition System, Nine Premium Bose Speakers w/ Subwoofer, Eighteen-Inch Alloy Wheels^[22]

Hybrid (Sedan Only): Includes 2.5L Gas/Electric Hybrid I4 Engine, A/M-F/M Stereo w/ XM Satellite Radio, Single-Disc CD/MP3 Player, Aux Input Jack w/ 6 Speakers, Sixteen-Inch Alloy Wheels

Fifth generation (L33, 2013-)[link]

Fifth generation (L33)

Production	2012-
Model years	2013-
Assembly	Smyrna, Tennessee, USA Canton, Mississippi, USA Aguascalientes, Mexico
Body style	4-door sedan
Engine	2.5 L (152-cubic-inch) QR25DE I4 182 hp (136 kW) 2.5 / 2.5 S / 2.5 SV / 2.5 SL 3.5 L (214-cubic-inch) VQ35DE V6 270 hp (201 kW) 3.5 S / 3.5 SV / 3.5 SL[23]
Transmission	CVT
Wheelbase	109.3 in (2,776 mm)
Length	191.3 in (4,859 mm)
Width	72.0 in (1,829 mm)
Height	57.9 in (1,471 mm)
Related	Nissan Maxima Nissan Murano Nissan Teana Nissan Pathfinder

A redesigned Altima is coming at the end of summer 2012 for the 2013 model year. Like the Camry and Accord, it will continue to offer a base 4-cylinder engine with a 3.5L V6 as the range topper, despite early rumors of Nissan dropping the V6 in favor of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder like the Malibu, Sonata and Optima. The Nissan specifications for the QR25DE 2.5-liter 16-valve DOHC inline 4-cylinder is projected to be 182 hp (136 kW) and 180 pound-feet (244 N·m). While the VQ35DE 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 remains 270 hp (201 kW) and 258 pound-feet (350 N·m). Nissan estimates the 2.5-liter fuel economy to be 27 city/38 hwy and the 3.5-liter V6 at 22 city/30 hwy thanks to its refined CVT. Despite the larger size of the Altima compared to the previous model, the Altima weighs 80 pounds less. Altima remains to be the lightest midsize sedan in its class due to its use of high strength and ultra high strength steel. The front end shares the same new corporate grille as the 2012 Versa with more angular headlights than the Versa's rounded ones. The rear end takes styling cues from the current Maxima. Nissan offers the Altima in 7 different trims; 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 S, 3.5 SV, and 3.5 SL. Expect the new Altima to come with coupe and hybrid models later down the road. This will also be the car that Kelly Racing will enter four of into the 2013 International V8 Supercars Championship. It will be the first Nissan to race in the championship since 1992.

Awards and recognition[link]

• 2002 North American Car of the Year.
• 2010 Altima Received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Highest Front- Impact Crash Safety Rating(five stars).

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Nissan Altima

• Official website