A Brief Look at the Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is a mid-size car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Nissan. It was introduced in 1992 as a replacement for the Nissan Stanza.Altima has since gone through eight generations of production, with each generation bringing significant changes in both design and technology. Today, it has become one of the most popular sedans on the road in the United States, as well as in other countries around the world.
First Generation (1992-1997)
The first-generation Altima was introduced in 1992 and was manufactured at Nissan’s Smyrna manufacturing facility in Tennessee. It was available in four-door sedan and four-door wagon configurations. It was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 150 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque. The first generation Altima featured a very angular and aerodynamic design.
In 1993, Nissan introduced a sports version of the Altima called the SE-R. The SE-R was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 190 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The SE-R was only available with a five-speed manual transmission. The SE-R also came with a stiffer suspension package and larger brakes.
Second Generation (1998-2001)
The second-generation Altima was introduced in 1998. The new Altima was larger and featured a more rounded and curvaceous design. The new Altima was powered by the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 150 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque, but it was now paired with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
In 1999, a second sports version of the Altima was introduced called the SE. The SE was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque. The SE was available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The SE also featured a stiffer suspension package and larger brakes.
Third Generation (2002-2006)
The third-generation Altima was introduced in 2002. The new Altima was significantly larger than the second generation and featured a more refined and upscale design. The third-generation Altima was available with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 175 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 240 horsepower and 246 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
In 2005, a sports version of the Altima called the SE-R was reintroduced. The SE-R was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 260 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. The SE-R was only available with a six-speed manual transmission. The SE-R also featured a stiffer suspension package, larger brakes, and unique exterior styling.
Fourth Generation (2007-2012)
The fourth-generation Altima was introduced in 2007. The new Altima featured a more aggressive and sporty design. The fourth-generation Altima was available with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 175 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
In 2008, a hybrid version of the Altima was introduced. The hybrid version was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, as well as an electric motor that produced 40 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version was only available with a CVT.
Fifth Generation (2013-2018)
The fifth-generation Altima was introduced in 2013. The new Altima featured a more refined and upscale design. The fifth-generation Altima was available with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 182 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 270 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with either a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission.
In 2016, a new version of the Altima called the SR was introduced. The SR featured unique exterior styling and a stiffer suspension package.
Sixth Generation (2019-present)
The sixth-generation Altima was introduced in 2019. The new Altima featured a completely redesigned exterior and a more modern and upscale interior. It was available with two engine options: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT.
In 2019, Nissan also introduced an all-wheel drive (AWD) version of the Altima. The AWD version was powered by the same two engine options as the front-wheel drive version.
RunBidSell Insights
The Nissan Altima has come a long way since it was first introduced in 1992. With eight generations of production, the Altima has evolved and improved in every way imaginable. From its initial angular design to its more modern and upscale looks, the Altima has maintained its relevance and popularity through the years. With new technology and engine options, the Altima remains a top contender in the mid-size sedan market.