Nissan · 1992–present

Nissan Altima

The Nissan Altima is a mid-size car manufactured by Nissan since 1992. It is an offshoot of the Nissan Bluebird line, which began in 1955. The Altima has historically been larger, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Nissan Sentra but less so than the Nissan Maxima. The first through fourth-generation cars were manufactured exclusively in the United States and officially sold in North and South America, along with the Middle East and Australia. For other markets, Nissan sold a related mid-size sedan called the Nissan Teana which was between the Altima and Maxima in terms of size. In 2013, the Teana became a rebadged version of the fifth-generation Altima. The name "Altima" was originally applied to a top trim line of the Nissan Leopard for the Japanese market in 1986, and then to the Nissan Laurel Altima mid-size car sold in Central America and the Caribbean before 1992. In 1992, Nissan discontinued the Stanza which was a Nissan Bluebird clone, replacing it with the US-built Altima, while remaining a compact car. The first Altima was produced in June 1992, as a 1993 model. All Altima models for the North American market were built in Smyrna, Tennessee, until June 2004, when Nissan's Canton, Mississippi plant also began producing the model to meet high demand.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Nissan Violet|Nissan Primera

All Nissan Altima data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

First generation (U13; 1992)

Like the Stanza before it, the original Altima was the export version of the Nissan Bluebird SSS (chassis model U13), though its original styling hailed from Nissan's California design group (Blue Studio under Allan Flowers) in 1989. Initially, the car's official name was "Stanza Altima", which appears on the early owner's manuals. 1993 models can be seen with a sticker reading "Stanza" in small lettering to the right of the ALTIMA emblem on the trunk lid. All Altima models used Nissan's 150 hp (112 kW) KA24DE straight-four DOHC engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (acceleration performance: 9.4 seconds 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) with automatic and 8.2 with manual). (By contrast, the Japanese top trim package Bluebird SSS could be had with Nissan's SR20DET engine and ATTESA all-wheel-drive.) The 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 pinstripe. 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, a digital clock in the dash (which became optional on 1995 models), 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

Second generation (L30; 1997)

The second generation (chassis model L30) was an American/Canadian market-only version, again styled by Nissan's California design center under Doug Wilson through 1994 (design freeze in 1995). A new interior (by Diane Allen) brought a revised glove box and cup holders, a folding back seat (except on XE), and depowered airbags. The Japanese domestic market Bluebird U14 has different front and rear ends, and slightly narrower width dimensions to comply with the Japanese government dimension regulations. 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. In 1998 for the 1999 model year, 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 in 1999 for the 2000 model year. The engine increased in power from 150 to 160 horsepower 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 op

Third generation (L31; 2001)

The third-generation Altima (chassis model L31) debuted in 2001 for the 2002 model year. 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, designed for Asian market requirements; all three model lines shared the same platform. The Altima grew significantly 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, the biggest in class was the Altima's 20 US gal (76 L; 17 imp gal) fuel tank. Additionally, the Altima upgraded its rear suspension to a multi-link type and its brakes to 4-wheel discs. This was the first generation to offer a V6 engine. 2003–2004 models received two-tone dash color, and the 3.5 SE received an upgrade in horsepower, from 240 hp (179 kW) to 245 hp (183 kW), though torque stayed the same at 246 lb⋅ft (334 N⋅m). 2002–2004 models with manual gearbox were the lightest of the V6 (4DR) cars. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine accelerated the sedan from 0–60 mph (95 km/h) in 8.6 seconds. The 2005 Nissan Altima received a facelift, including a new front grille, all-red tail lights, redesigned interior, and an optional DVD-based navigation system. The V6 was now rated at 250 hp (186 kW) with torque rated at 249 lb⋅ft (338 N⋅m), and a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 6.2 seconds utilizing the 5-speed automatic 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 e

Fourth generation (L32; 2006)

The fourth generation Nissan Altima (chassis model L32A) was announced at the 2006 New York International Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It was the first Nissan sold in America 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 was mostly unchanged. The Maxima and Murano also used this new platform starting with the 2009 models. As with the previous generation, it shares much of its mechanicals and platform with the Nissan Teana which is built for different market conditions in Asia. The fourth-generation 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 258 lb⋅ft (350 N⋅m) of torque, and the QR25DE 2.5 L straight-four engine produces 175 hp (130 kW) and 180 lb⋅ft (244 N⋅m) of torque. A 6-speed manual is standard, and a continuously variable transmission replaced the traditional automatic as the optional transmission. This generation Altima came packaged with new technology such as a standard Smart Key (referred to as the "Nissan Intelligent Key"), along with available Bluetooth capability for cell phones, and a parking camera. The dashboard was designed with larger buttons for easy readability and a total of eight cup holders, two in front of the center console, two in the rear armrest, and one 20-ounce cup holder in each door. Several hidden compartments were 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. In 2008, a new base model named the 2.5 became available as a more affordable version by offering less equipment. Facelift. In 2009 for the 2010

Fifth generation (L33; 2012)

A redesigned Altima debuted at the 2012 New York International Auto Show for the 2013 model year and went on sale in the summer of 2012. The exterior design took cues from the Ellure Concept previewed in 2010. It continued to offer a base 4-cylinder engine with a 3.5-liter V6 as the range-topper. Specifications for the QR25DE 2.5-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-four engine are 182 hp (136 kW) and 180 lb⋅ft (244 N⋅m), while the VQ35DE 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 remains 270 hp (201 kW) and 258 lb⋅ft (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 that has been lightened by 8 lbs. Most of the major mechanical components of this generation Altima are carried over. Much of the exterior styling seems to draw familiar traits from the Nissan Maxima. For the first time, a manual transmission is not available. Despite the larger size of the Altima compared to the previous model, the new Altima weighs about 120 pounds less. The Altima continues to be the lightest midsize sedan in its class; this is mostly due to its efficient use of high-strength steel and aluminum in areas such as the trunk, hood, and roof. The front end shares the same new corporate grille as the 2012 Versa with more angular headlights than Versa's rounded ones. It draws many styling influences from "coke bottle styling", an appearance that was popular during the 1960s and 1970s, a return to an appearance Nissan used during that time. In the US, Nissan offers the L33 Altima in five different trims; 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, and 3.5 SL. 3.5 S and 3.5 SV were available at launch, but discontinued for the 2015 model year. Alongside the L33 Altima sedan, the previous-generation L32 Altima coupe will continue on sale. The coupe

Sixth generation (L34; 2018)

The sixth-generation Altima debuted at the 2018 New York International Auto Show in March for the North American market, and in December 2018 for the Chinese market. Its design was previously previewed by the Nissan Vmotion 2.0 Concept, which was first showcased at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in January. The sixth-generation Altima is available with a 188 hp (191 PS; 140 kW) 2.5-liter naturally aspirated direct-injected four-cylinder engine, 182 hp (136 kW) with available all-wheel drive, or a 248 hp (251 PS; 185 kW) 2.0-liter variable compression turbocharged four-cylinder engine (available for SR and Platinum models) that replaces the V6 powertrain in the previous generation. It is the world's first production-ready variable compression turbo engine. All engines are mated to a continuous variable transmission. The sixth generation Altima is equipped with Pro-Pilot Assist, Nissan Intelligent Around View Monitor, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection System and Intelligent Lane Intervention. The car arrived at dealerships in the US in October 2018 and in Mexican Nissan dealerships in May 2019. In the US, the Altima is offered in five trim levels: S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base engine is available with all-wheel drive, the first for an Altima. An Edition One Special Edition model was offered exclusively to buyers who chose to pre-order their all-new Altima. It began production in Nissan's Smyrna plant on August 24, 2018, and in Canton, Mississippi, on September 27, 2018. In China, the L34 generation was originally launched as the Altima in December 2018 while retaining the original Chinese name of the Teana, Tianlai (Chinese: 天籁; pinyin: tiān lài; lit. 'heavenly music') when advertising. 2022 refresh. The refreshed Altima was

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Nissan Altima

Manufacturer

Nissan

aka

Nissan Stanza Altima (1992–1993), Nissan Bluebird (1992–1997), Nissan Teana (2012–2020, 2025–present)

Production

1992–present

Class

Compact car (1993–1997; 2007–2013 for coupes only), Mid-size car (1998–present)

Predecessor

Nissan Bluebird, Nissan Stanza

Model years

1993–present

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q636791CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_AltimaCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1376048105 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2023_Nissan_Altima_SR.pngCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: LukaCali · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Manufacturer website (link only) — https://en.nissan-dubai.com/vehicles/new/altima.htmlLink only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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