The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan manufactured by Nissan. Many consider the Altima to be a continuation of the Nissan Bluebird that was first produced in 1957. The Altima is larger and has plenty of features, but is an affordable Nissan vehicle that easily competes with the
Honda Accord,
Toyota Camry, as well asn the
Mitsubishi Galant. The Altima is sold in the United States as well as in the Middle East and sells a related midsize sedan in many other markets that is known as the Nissan Teana, which is built in the same platfrom and looks a lot like the Altima. First built in 1993, the Altima was a replacement for the aging
Nissan Stanza. The Altima has had three generations and has been built in two locations, a plant in Tennessee and another plan in Mississippi.
The first generation of the Altima was introduced with the 1993 model and was simply a rebadged Nissan Bluebird. This first generation featured a drivers side airbag and automatic shoulder belts for the front seats. The first generation was powered by a KA24DE I4 dual overhead cam engine that could produce 150 horsepower.
The second generation of the Altima began in 1998 and would last until 2001 and still shared the Bluebirds doors but the front and rear fascias were replaced. This generation was powered by a KA24DE I4 dual overhead cam engine like the first generation but could produce up to 155 horsepower insteat of just 150 horsepower.
The third generation of the Altima would begin with the 2002 model and would last until 2006. This third generation was very well received by critics and consumer because of a new design, more power, and a much more stylized version. The third generation Altima comes with one of two engines, either a 2.5 liter straight four dual overhead cam engine or a more powerful 3.5 liter V7 dual overhead came engine producing 260 horsepower.
The fourth generation will start with the 2007 model and will release a Hybrid variant of the Altima. Nissan anticipates that they will build up to 40,000 units per year and will be equipped with continuously variable transmission. The Hybrid version will come in three body styles, which are the sedan, the coupe, and the convertible.
