Nissan Altima
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| {{Infobox Automobile | name=Nissan Altima | manufacturer=Nissan Motors | production=1993–present | class=Mid-size | body_style=4-door sedan | height=1.47 m (57.9 in) | curb_weight=1450 kg (3,200 lb) | length=4.86 m (191.5 in) | width=1.79 m (70.4 in) | predecessor=Nissan Stanza | related=Nissan Maxima Nissan Murano Nissan Quest Nissan Teana | similar=Honda Accord Toyota Camry Mazda Mazda6 Mitsubishi Galant }} |
| {{Infobox Automobile generation | name=First generation | image=Image:Altima '93.jpg | production=1993–1997 | engine=KA24DE I4 DOHC (150 hp)
}} | ||||||||
| {{Infobox Automobile generation | name=Second generation | image=Image:Altima 2000.jpg | production=1998–2001 | engine=KA24DE I4 DOHC (155 hp)
}} | ||||||||
| {{Infobox Automobile generation | name=Third generation | image=Image:2002 Nissan Altima 2.5S exterior drivers side view.jpg | production=2002–2006 | engine=QR25DE, 2.5 L straight-4 DOHC (175 hp) VQ35DE, 3.5 L V6 DOHC (250 hp) VQ35DE, 3.5 L V6 DOHC (260 hp) }} | ||||||||
| {{Infobox Automobile generation | name=Fourth generation | production=2007– | platform=Nissan D platform | engine=Straight-4 3.5 L V6 | transmission=CVT 6-speed manual }} |
The Altima is a mid-size car currently being manufactured by the Japanese automaker Nissan, and is arguably a continuation of the "bloodline" that began with the Nissan Bluebird in 1957. It is larger, has more features, and is more expensive than the Nissan Sentra compact car; but is cheaper, less luxuriously appointed, and offers less powerful engines than the Nissan Maxima sports sedan. It competes with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Mazda Mazda6.
In addition to North America, the Altima is available in the Middle East. In other markets, Nissan sells a related midsize sedan called the Nissan Teana built on the same FF-L platform.
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History
In 1993, Nissan discontinued its much-criticized Stanza compact car, replacing it with the US-made Altima. The very first Altima rolled off the assembly line on June 15, 1992 as a 1993 model. Until June 2004, all Altimas had been built in Smyrna, Tennessee. However, in June 2004, Nissan's Canton, Mississippi, plant began producing additional Altimas to meet high demand.
The Altima has had three design generations: 1993-1997, 1998-2001, and 2002+.
First generation: 1993-1997
The original 1993 Altima was a rebadged Japanese-market Nissan Bluebird (U13 series). The official name of the car was the Nissan "Stanza Altima", and the trunk lid had a sticker reading "Stanza" in stylized lettering.
The 1993 Altima had a single airbag on the driver's side, and used automatic shoulder belts for the front seats.
It came with the KA24DE I4 DOHC engine capable of developing 150 hp.
Second generation: 1998-2001
The second generation (U14) shared the Japanese Bluebird's doors but not the front and rear fascias.
It came with the same KA24DE I4 DOHC engine as the first generation Altima. However, the engine was upgraded to produce 155 hp starting in 1999.
Third generation: 2002-2006
The third generation Altima, codenamed L31, first sold in 2002, has been well received by the press because of its design, power, and style. It was the first mass-market product built on Nissan's larger sedan platform. It is unique to North America and has no equivalent model in Japan, where smaller vehicles tend to be favored by buyers. The Japanese Nissan Teana is similar, but not identical and slots between the Altima and Maxima in size.
It comes with either a QR25DE engine - 2.5 L straight-4 DOHC engine with a power of 175 hp (130 kW) or a more powerful VQ35DE engine (the one used in the Infiniti G35, Infiniti FX35, Infiniti M35, Nissan Maxima and Nissan 350Z) - 3.5 L V6 DOHC engine with a power of 250 hp (186 kW). 2005 saw the addition of a sporty SE-R model making 260 hp (194 kW). The Altima SE-R became the first sports model for the lineup sporting 18" Forged Aluminum wheels, along with upgraded brake system, suspension, performance exhaust, lower body sculpting and more.
The Altima won the North American Car of the Year award for 2002.
Fourth Generation: 2007+
The fourth-generation Altima was announced at the 2006 New York Auto Show on April 12th, 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 shorter than the third-generation Altima, but interior space is said to be unchanged. The Maxima and Murano will continue on the larger FF-L platform.
The 2007 Altima will be the first to use Nissan's new 3.5 L V6 engine, and will also offer a continuously variable transmission. A 6-speed manual will be standard. The 2007 Altima will sport some more recent innovations in the market including, but not limited to, "Push-button start", Bluetooth capability for cell phones and a parking camera.
Nissan has entered an agreement with rival Toyota to use some of its hybrid technology to create a 2007 Altima Hybrid model. Up to 40,000 per year will by built at Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee plant.