Nissan Altima
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| Manufacturer | Nissan |
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| Production | 1993–present |
| Predecessor | Nissan Stanza |
| Class | Compact (1993-2001) Mid-Size (2002-present) |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related | Nissan Teana |
The Altima (pronounced /ɔːltɨmə/) is a mid-size car (originally a compact car) manufactured by Japanese automaker 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 the Middle East. In 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 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.
The Altima's competitors are the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Mazda6 in most international markets.
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[edit] First generation (1993–1997)
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| Also called | Nissan Stanza Altima Nissan Bluebird |
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| Production | 1993–1997 |
| Assembly | Smyrna, Tennessee, United States |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Engine(s) | 2.4 L KA24DE I4 150 hp (112 kW) |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
| Length | 180.5 in (4585 mm) |
| Width | 67.1 in (1704 mm) |
| Height | 55.9 in (1420 mm) |
| Related | Nissan Bluebird |
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 I4 DOHC engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, which provided the fastest performance among all 4-cylinder competitors[citation needed] (10.4 seconds to 60 mph (100 km/h) with automatic,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 skinny for five. Trim lines consisted of the stripper 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 cupholders 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 normal 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 1½ 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.
[edit] Second generation (1998–2001)
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| Production | 1998–2001 |
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| Assembly | Smyrna, Tennessee, United States |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Engine(s) | 2.4 L KA24DE I4 |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 103.1 in (2619 mm) |
| Length | 185.8 in (4719 mm) (2000-01) 183.5 in (4661 mm) (1998-99) |
| Width | 69.1 in (1755 mm) |
| Height | 55.9 in (1420 mm) |
The second generation (codenamed L30) was an American market-only version, again styled by Nissan's California design center. A new interior brought a revised glovebox and cupholders, a folding back seat (except on XE), and depowered airbags. While total volume remained identical at 108 cubic feet, 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 stripper 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.
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, and it improved the 0-60 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, cupholders 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.
[edit] Third generation (2002–2006)
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| Production | 2002–2006 |
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| Assembly | Smyrna, Tennessee, United States Canton, Mississippi, United States |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Platform | Nissan FF-L platform |
| Engine(s) | 2.5 L QR25DE I4 175 hp (130 kW) 3.5 L VQ35DE V6 240 hp (179 kW) |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in (2799 mm) |
| Length | 192.3 in (4884 mm) (2005-06) 191.5 in (4864 mm) (2002-04) |
| Width | 70.4 in (1788 mm) |
| Height | 57.9 in (1471 mm) |
| Related | Nissan Maxima Nissan Murano Nissan Quest Nissan Teana |
The third-generation Altima (codenamed L31) debuted for model year 2002. 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 lines would be sharing the same platform.) The Altima grew enormously for this generation, as interior volume expanded to 118.6 cubic feet. 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-gallon fuel tank. The new Altima also upgraded its rear suspension to a multilink type and its brakes to 4-wheel discs.
2003–2004 received two tone dash colour, as well as 245 hp (183 kW) and 249 lb·ft (338 N·m) of torque. Acceleration with the 5-speed manual was under 6 seconds at 5.9 with half a tank.[citation needed] 2002–2004 models with manual gearbox were the lightest of the V6 (4DR) cars.
In 2005 the Altima received a new front end, all-red taillights, redesigned interior, and an optional DVD-based navigation system. The V6 was now rated at 250 hp (186 kW), and its optional automatic was now a 5-speed. Also new was the SE-R model with a 260 hp (194 kW) 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.[1]
[edit] Reception
The third-generation Altima was well-received by the press, with many critics praising the new style and extra space. It was one of the most powerful and best-handling family sedans available, making the nameplate competitive in the midsize segment for the first time.[2]
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 wide due to the elongated wheelbase.
Additionally, numerous complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration related to the excessive oil and coolant consumption of 2002 Altimas with the 2.5 liter engine. This is often related to an inferior material used in the head gasket often resulting in massive failure of the head gasket resulting in both danger to the operator and major repair costs of between $2000 and $3000. Nissan maintains that this is not a recall issue and at some point, "the owner must take responsibility for the vehicle" even if damage was caused by design or material defects.[3][4]
Third generation Altimas have been affected by a recall related to the intake manifold and the Power Valves, also known as the Butterfly Valve. The Technical Service Bulletin — Campaign Number P5202 — does not mention all affected vehicles for production years with the same intake manifold design. This has left some owners affected by the problem with no recourse or remedy for what in some cases has amounted to catastrophic engine failure.
The Power Valve is a series of four plates in the QR25DE 4-cylinder engine, one per cylinder. The plates open and close simultaneously to allow more air into the combustion chamber for increased power. Each plate is held in place by two screws. The screws have been known to come loose as well as the plates and are then ingested into the engine via the intake ports. Nissan's remedy has been to remove the intake manifold, and if the screws are present, remove them and apply loctite upon reinstalling the screws. Nissan has in some cases elected to replace entire engines, however on a selective basis.
[edit] Fourth generation (2007–present)
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| Production | 2007–present |
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| Assembly | Smyrna, Tennessee, United States Canton, Mississippi, United States |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan 2-door coupe |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | Nissan D platform |
| Engine(s) | 2.5 L QR25DE I4 177 hp (132 kW) 3.5 L VQ35DE V6 270 hp (201 kW) |
| Transmission(s) | 6-speed manual CVT (Ratios: 2.371-0.439) |
| Wheelbase | 109.3 in (2776 mm) (sedan) 105.3 in (2675 mm) (coupe) |
| Length | 189.8 in (4821 mm) (sedan) 182.5 in (4636 mm) (coupe) |
| Width | 70.7 in (1796 mm) (sedan & coupe) 69.6 in (1768 mm) (hybrid) |
| Height | 57.9 in (1471 mm) (sedan) 55.3 in (1405 mm) (coupe) 58.1 in (1476 mm) (hybrid) |
The fourth generation Altima 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 use this new platform starting with the 2009 models.
The 2007 Altima uses revised versions of the engines from the third generation model. The VQ35DE 3.5 L V6 engine produces 270 hp, and the QR25DE 2.5 L straight-4 produces 177 hp (132 kW).[5] A 6-speed manual is standard, and a continuously variable transmission replaces the traditional automatic as the optional transmission. The Altima is the first product based on the new Nissan D platform, co-developed with Renault. The Altima SE-R, introduced in 2005 as a third generation Altima, did not appear at the launch of the fourth generation. The new 2007 Altima is promoted by the television commercial slogan, "Yup, it's that good!"
The 2007 Altima sports some more recent innovations in the market, including, but not limited to, standard "push-button start" (Called "Renault Card"), Bluetooth capability for cell phones and a parking camera. The dashboard has larger buttons for easy readability and a total of nine cupholders, three hidden under the center console, two in the rear armrest, and one 20-ounce cup holders 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, even the base model Altima 2.5S has special high-end standard features typical of more expensive luxury cars (Alcantara armrests, 6 speaker sound system, Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), Variable Induction System, Nissan Direct Ignition System, Iridium-tipped spark plugs, Dual exhaust with chrome-tipped finishers, UV-reducing solar glass, Intelligent Key with push-button ignition (pressing buttons on door handles will not lock if car detects key inside the car, keyless button on the trunk too), Vehicle speed-sensitive variable intermittent windshield wipers, Map lights and rear reading lights, and optional Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with manual mode. Car and Driver tested the inline four cylinder Altima 2.5S w/ CVT to go from 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec; the 6 cylinder model w/ CVT goes 0-60 mph in 6.6 sec according to Edmunds Insideline.
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.[6]
[edit] Coupe
The Altima Coupe was released on May 25, 2007 as a 2008 model.
First officially revealed at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2008 Altima Coupe is Nissan's first-ever two-door Altima. It has a shorter wheelbase, shorter overall length and lower height than the Altima Sedan.
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. The 4-cylinder version of the coupe has a base price in the United States of $20,490, while the 3.5-liter V6 will have a base price of $24,890.
Changes to the 2009 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 235/45R18 Michelin tires; New high-gloss grille finish (previously medium gloss) and New auto speed-sensing door locks. The 4-cylinder version of the coupe has a base price in the United States of $21,750, while the 3.5-liter V6 will have a base price of $26,390. These prices do not include the $720 destination and handling fee.
[edit] Hybrid
Nissan entered an agreement with rival Toyota to use some of its hybrid technology in the new Altima for the 2007 model year. The Altima Hybrid Electric is Nissan's first hybrid car. The company has asserted that subsequent hybrid models will be based on hybrid technology developed in-house. Up to 40,000 per year will be built at Nissan's Smyrna plant. Sales of the hybrid model are limited to California, New England, New York, and New Jersey, with other states possible in subsequent years. The Altima hybrid is also available in Canada. In New York City, the Nissan Altima hybrid is also used as a regular taxi vehicle and as a police cruiser (an example is shown to the left).
The Hybrid Altima features a 2.5 L QR25DE engine, CVT and electric motor/generator.
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. In 2008 the Altima Hybrid was rated at the same.[7]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ 2005 Altima SE-R from nissannews.com
- ^ "Nissan Altima Review". Edmunds.com. http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/altima/review.html. Retrieved on 2009-05-05.
- ^ Toljagic, Mark. "Best and worst used cars of the year - Winter Driving Guide - Sympatico / MSN Autos". En.autos.sympatico.msn.ca. http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/winterdriving/article.aspx?cp-documentid=16347522. Retrieved on 2009-05-05.
- ^ http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/results.cfm
- ^ 2007 Altima Specifications from Nissan
- ^ "Nissan Altima Coupe - Car Picture Photo Gallery from 4Car". Channel4.com. http://www.channel4.com/4car/gl/gallery/spy+shot/6339/4. Retrieved on 2009-05-05.
- ^ 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan and Hybrid Specifications - Nissan USA
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Nissan Altima |
- Official Nissan Altima Website
- Nissan Altima Service Bulletins and Recalls
- Nissan Altima Hybrid
- Nissan Altima Hybrid Test Drive
- 2008 Nissan Altima
- Altima Coupe Information - Altima Coupe Information
- 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe Review
- Road test: Quicker payback with the Altima hybrid
- Allcargudes
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| Subcompact | 210 | Sentra | Sentra | Sentra | Sentra | Versa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | 310 | Sentra | Sentra | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 510 | Stanza | Stanza | Stanza | Altima | Altima | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | 810 | Maxima | Maxima | Altima | Altima | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maxima | Maxima | Maxima | Maxima | Maxima | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport compact | Pulsar NX | Pulsar NX | NX | 200SX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 200SX | 200SX | 240SX | 240SX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | 280ZX | 300ZX | 300ZX | 350Z | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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