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Wikipedia: Nissan Altima
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History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Nissan Altima page on 20 July 2016, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The Nissan Altima (Japanese: 日産・アルティマ) is a mid-size car which has been manufactured by Nissan since 1992. It is a continuation of the Nissan Bluebird line, which began in 1957. The Altima is one of the top selling Nissan models and primarily competes in the mainstream mid-size sedan class in the United States against its main rivals, the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It was the second best-selling car in the United States in 2011.
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 mid-size car sold in Central America and the Caribbean before 1992. In 1992, Nissan discontinued the Stanza, replacing it with the US-built Altima, while remaining a compact car. It also replaced the Nissan Bluebird as well as the Nissan Primera. The first Altima was produced on November 15, 1992, as a 1993 model. All Altimas were built in Smyrna, Tennessee, until June 2004, when Nissan's Canton, Mississippi plant also began producing the model to meet high demand.
First generation (U13, 1992–1997)
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 group (Blue Studio under Allan Flowers) in 1989. 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 (0–100 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.
Second generation (L30, 1998–2001)
The second generation (chassis model L30) was an American 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 glovebox and cup holders, a folding back seat (except on XE), and depowered airbags. The Japanese Domestic Markets Nissan Bluebird U14 has different front and rear ends.
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.
Third generation (L31, 2002–2006)
The third-generation Altima (chassis model L31) debuted 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 Southeast Asian market requirements; 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. 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 (180 kW) to 245 hp (183 kW), though torque stayed the same at 246 pound-feet (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 in 8.6 seconds.
The 2005 Nissan Altima has received a facelift, including a new front grille, all-red taillights, redesigned interior, and an optional DVD-based navigation system.
Fourth generation (L32A, D32 "Coupe" 2007–2012)
The fourth generation Nissan Altima (chassis model L32A) was announced at the 2006 New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006. It was 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 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 the QR25DE 2.5 L straight-4 produces 175 hp (130 kW). 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, for its time, 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 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 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.
Fifth generation (L33, 2013–present)
The 2013 model year Altima is based on the Nissan Ellure concept car, and a redesigned Altima came during the summer of 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,The Nissan specifications for the QR25DE 2.5-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-four engine has 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 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.
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 the 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.
Reference Desk
The Crittenden Automotive Library's "Reference Desk" is a collection of materials that cannot be shared due to copyright restrictions. Information from these resources, however, can be shared. Go to the Reference Desk page for more information.
| Type | Title |
|---|---|
1995  Book | 1995 Nissan Stanza Altima Service Manual: Model U13 Series by Nissan North America, Inc. |
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Subject: Nissan Altima Aftermarket Taillight
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Date: 2011 View photo of Nissan Altima Aftermarket Taillight |
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Subject: Dispatch Taxi Affiliation Nissan Altima
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Date: 2012 View photo of Dispatch Taxi Affiliation Nissan Altima |
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Subject: Flash Cab Nissan Altima
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Date: 2012 View photo of Flash Cab Nissan Altima - 4.6MB |
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Subject: Yellow Cab Nissan Altima
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Date: 2012 View photo of Yellow Cab Nissan Altima - 3.8MB |
| SE | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | 4-door sedan |
| Body Type | Unibody |
| Body Material | Welded steel stampings |
| Drivetrain | FF |
| Engine Type | Aluminum V6 |
| Engine Displacement | 3.5L (213 cu. in./3498cc) |
| Engine Bore & Stroke | 95.5mm x 81.4mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Valvetrain | 24-valve chain-driven DOHC, hydraulic lifters, variable valve timing |
| Fuel System | Port Fuel Injection |
| Horsepower (SAE Net) | 270 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque (SAE Net) | 258 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm |
| Engine RPM Limit | 6600 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| First Gear Ratio | 3.15 |
| First Gear MPH per 1000 RPM | 5.8 |
| First Gear Maximum Speed | 39 mph @ 6600 rpm |
| Second Gear Ratio | 1.95 |
| Second Gear MPH per 1000 RPM | 9.4 |
| Second Gear Maximum Speed | 62 mph @ 6600 rpm |
| Third Gear Ratio | 1.39 |
| Third Gear MPH per 1000 RPM | 13.2 |
| Third Gear Maximum Speed | 87 mph @ 6600 rpm |
| Fourth Gear Ratio | 1.06 |
| Fourth Gear MPH per 1000 RPM | 17.4 |
| Fourth Gear Maximum Speed | 115 mph @ 6600 rpm |
| Fifth Gear Ratio | 0.81 |
| Fifth Gear MPH per 1000 RPM | 22.7 |
| Fifth Gear Maximum Speed | 146 mph @ 6400 rpm |
| Sixth Gear Ratio | 0.63 |
| Sixth Gear MPH per 1000 RPM | 29.2 |
| Sixth Gear Maximum Speed | 146 mph @ 5000 rpm |
| Final Drive Ratio | 4.13:1 |
| Front Suspension | Independent struts located by control arm, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | Independent w/2 lateral links (per side), a diagonal links(per side), and a toe-control link (per side), anti-roll bar |
| Steering Ratio | 16.1:1 |
| Steering Wheel Turns Lock-to-Lock (C/D test) | 2.8 |
| Turning Circle (curb-to-curb) | 37.4' |
| Brakes | Hydraulic w/vacuum assist, ABS, panic assist |
| Front Brakes | 11.7" x 1" vented disc |
| Rear Brakes | 11.5" x .4" disc |
| Wheelbase | 109.3" |
| Length | 189.8" |
| Front Track | 61.0" |
| Rear Track | 61.0" |
| Width | 70.7" |
| Height | 57.9" |
| Ground Clearance | 5.4" |
| Front Headroom | 40.6" |
| Front Legroom | 42.2" |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7" |
| Front Seat Volume (SAE) | 55 cu. ft. |
| Rear Headroom | 36.8" |
| Rear Legroom | 39.5" |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5" |
| Rear Seat Volume (SAE) | 47 cu. ft. |
| Trunk Volume (SAE) | 18 cu. ft. |
| Towing Capacity | 1000 lb. |
| Tire Size | P215/55R-17 93V |
| Spare Tire | Full size on matching wheel |
| Fuel Capacity | 20.0 gallons |
| Fuel Economy | 21 city/29 highway (EPA) |
| Maximum Speed | 146 mph (governor limited) |
| 1/4 Mile (C/D test) | 14.6 seconds @ 99 mph |
| Skidpad (300' diameter) (C/D test) | .81g |
| Braking (70-0 mph) (C/D test) | 180' |
| Curb Weight (C/D test) | 3357 lb. |
| Weight Distribution (C/D test) | 60.9% front/39.1% rear |
| Date | Document Name & Details | Documents |
|---|---|---|
| classified date 1993 | Remote Air Bag Report 1993 Nissan Altima, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |  PDF - 9.2MB - 97 pages |
| classified date 1994 | On-Site Air Bag Investigation 1994 Nissan Altima, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 10.2MB - 191 pages |
| classified date 1995 | On-Site Air Bag Investigation 1995 Nissan Altima GXE, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 17.9MB - 257 pages |
| classified date 1996 | In-Depth Accident Investigation 1995 Nissan Altima 4-door National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 30.5MB - 87 pages |
| November 1997 | Redesigned Air Bag Report Vehicle - 1998 Nissan Altima GXE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 314KB - 9 pages |
| December 1997 | Depowered Air Bag Report Vehicle - 1998 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 711KB - 11 pages |
| August 1998 | Remote, Redesigned Air Bag Special Study 1998 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 428KB - 9 pages |
| August 1998 | Remote, Redesigned Air Bag Special Study 1998 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 423KB - 9 pages |
| November 1998 | Remote, Redesigned Air Bag Special Study 1998 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 756KB - 11 pages |
| December 1999 | Remote Air Bag Related Child Passenger Fatality Investigation SCI Technical Summary Report Subject Vehicle - 1994 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 120KB - 11 pages |
| classified date 2000 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 1998 Nissan Altima GXE, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 73.4MB - 151 pages |
| December 2000 | Remote Redesigned Air Bag Deployment Investigation SCI Technical Summary Report Vehicle - 2000 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 264KB - 12 pages |
| classified date 2001 | Special Crash Investigation Report Case Vehicle: 1999 Nissan Altima, 4-door sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 7.1MB - 105 pages |
| April 2002 | Air Bag Related Eye Injury Investigation Vehicle: 1994 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 311KB - 14 pages |
| April 2002 | On-scene Investigation / Vehicle to Vehicle 1997 Nissan Altima four-door National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 521KB - 19 pages |
| December 2002 | On-Site Advanced Occupant Protection System Investigation Vehicle - 2003 Nissan Altima S National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 4,244KB - 27 pages |
| September 2004 | Child Safety Seat Investigation / Vehicle to Vehicle 2003 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 2,061KB - 24 pages |
| February 2005 | Calspan Remote Adult Air Bag Related Serious Injury Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 282KB - 11 pages |
| March 2005 | Calspan On-Site Certified Advanced 208-Compliant Vehicle Crash Investigation Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 148KB - 13 pages |
| July 2005 | On-Site Side Impact Inflatable Occupant Protection Investigation Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 770KB - 15 pages |
| August 2005 | SCI/NASS Combination 208-Compliant Vehicle Investigation Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,417KB - 12 pages |
| December 2005 | On-Site Certified Advanced 208-Compliant Vehicle Investigation Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 455KB - 15 pages |
| 9 May 2006 | FMVSS No. 202a - Head Restraints: Indicant Test 2005 Nissan Altima, Passenger Car National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 3.0MB - 51 pages |
| 21 June 2007 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 301: Fuel System Integrity - Rear Impact 2007 Nissan Altima 4 - Door National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1.5MB - 38 pages |
| 21 June 2007 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 305: Electric Powered Vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and Electrical Shock Protection 2007 Nissan Altima 4 - door National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 965KB - 30 pages |
| 13 August 2007 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 201: Occupant Protection in Interior Impact, Upper Interior Head Impact Protection 2007 Nissan Altima, 4-Door Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 4.1MB - 163 pages |
| 24 January 2008 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 135: Passenger Car Brake Systems 2008 Nissan Altima 2.5S, 4-door Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 8.2MB - 73 pages |
| July 2008 | Not-in-Traffic Surveillance Calspan On-Site Back Over Incident Investigation Vehicle: 2004 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1,471KB - 21 pages |
| 7 November 2008 | Vehicle Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 208, Occupant Crash Protection; FMVSS 212, Windshield Mounting; FMVSS 219, Windshield Intrustion (Partial); FMVSS 301, Fuel System Integrity 2008 Nissan Altima Passenger Car National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 37.4MB - 346 pages |
| 30 December 2008 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 225: "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems" 2008 Nissan Altima Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 3.2MB - 83 pages |
| 30 June 2009 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS No. 103: Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems 2009 Nissan Altima, Passenger Car National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 1.8MB - 32 pages |
| 30 June 2009 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 104: Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems 2009 Nissan Altima, Passenger Car National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 10.6MB - 30 pages |
| 20 July 2009 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS No. 114: Theft Protection 2009 Nissan Altima, Passenger Car National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 6.0MB - 27 pages |
| 1 September 2009 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 225: Child Restraint Anchorage Systems (Lower and Tether Anchorages) 2009 Nissan Altima, Passenger Car National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 33.9MB - 103 pages |
| 24 March 2010 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 126: Electronic Stability Control Systems 2010 Nissan Altima National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 4.7MB - 61 pages |
| 2010 | OWNER NOTIFICATION NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 74KB - 1 page |
| 3 September 2010 | NHTSA Recall 10V401000 2008-2010 Nissan Altima, 2008-2010 Nissan Frontier, 2008-2010 Nissan Pathfinder, 2008-2010 Nissan Rogue, 2008-2010 Nissan Sentra, 2008-2010 Nissan Versa, 2008-2010 Nissan Xterra Equipment:Electrical:Navigational System(Global Positioning System) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | Recall Page - 1 page |
| 3 September 2010 | From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc. To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 322KB - 3 pages |
| 3 September 2010 | From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc. To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 1.1MB - 9 pages |
| 10 September 2010 | Portable Automotive GPS Products/Overheats From: Richard Willard, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration To: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc. NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 26KB - 3 pages |
| 17 September 2010 | Voluntary Safety Recall Campaign Garmin nüvi® 750 Portable GPS Nissan North America, Inc. NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 260KB - 6 pages |
| 26 January 2011 | From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc. To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 81KB - 3 pages |
| 14 April 2011 | Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 214: Dynamic Side Impact Protection (Rigid Pole) 2011 Nissan Altima S 4-Dr Sedan National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | PDF - 4.7MB - 116 pages |
| 29 April 2011 | From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc. To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 87KB - 3 pages |
| 2 August 2011 | From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc. To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 90KB - 3 pages |
| 13 October 2011 | From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc. To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 41KB - 3 pages |
| 24 January 2012 | From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc. To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 41KB - 3 pages |
| 30 April 2012 | From: Don Neff, Nissan North America, Inc. To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA Recall 10V401000 | PDF - 50KB - 3 pages |
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