Nissan Altima Generations: Through the Years

Compare differences and look at the evolution of one of Nissan’s best-selling vehicles as we explore each of the six Nissan Altima generations.

The Altima: One of Nissan’s Reliable Best-Sellers

The mid-sized Nissan Altima was Nissan’s best-selling vehicle before the Nissan Rogue came along. It’s actually one of the most popular cars in several U.S. states. This mainstay of the Nissan lineup was originally a trim of the Nissan Laurel, a vehicle sold in Central America and the Caribbean in the early 1990s. Nissan gave the Altima a chance to succeed on its own starting in 1992 with the 1993 model year. Despite a cheaper MSRP than most, the Altima has maintained a reputation as being a reliable and durable option in the mid-size sedan segment.

Through the years, the 4-door Nissan Altima has grown in body size. Exterior styling has continuously been updated through several refreshes and facelifts. With each of the six Nissan Altima generations, the vehicle has been given more and more standard features while still remaining affordable. Take a look at some of the most prominent changes as we highlight each generation of this vehicle’s history.

First Generation Nissan Altima (1993-1997)

1994 Nissan Altima – usa.nissannews.com | Shop Nissan Altima on Carsforsale.com

The very first Nissan Altima was manufactured in Smyrna, Tennessee in June 1992.
It was released as a 1993 model with three trim levels: the XE, GXE, SE, and GLE.
The 1993 Nissan Altima XE trim had manual windows and the GXE had power windows.
1993 models have the word “Stanza” on it because “Stanza Altima” was the original name of the vehicle.

All Altima models used a 150 horsepower straight-4 DOHC engine that was mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
1993 and 1994 Nissan Altima models were actually available with a basic head-up display, a feature that gained real popularity almost 25 years later.
The 1995 model year introduced a new grill, new taillights, and a spoiler.
In 1997, the GXE was available with a Limited-Edition package that included alloy wheels, keyless entry, and an alarm.

Second Generation Nissan Altima (1998-2001)

The 1998 Nissan Altima kicked off the second generation with a more responsive feel and higher quality interior materials.
Although the second-generation Altima was designed in California, it was, again, manufactured in Tennessee.
Nissan kept the same four Altima trims for the second generation: the XE, GXE, SE, and GLE.
A 1999 Nisan Altima GXE had a MSRP of $17,190.
The 1999 editions added standard alloy wheels on the GLE model, a power antenna on GXE models, and two new color options: Blue Dusk and Titanium Frost.

2000 models increased to 155 horsepower, the body grew slightly longer, and they were given a deeper front grille.
Side airbags for 2000 models became standard in the GLE trim.
The GXE was given a power driver’s seat and keyless entry with an alarm.
2001 models were offered in nine different colors
The 2001 Nissan Altima also received a new 8-way cloth power seat and a new AM/FM stereo with a 6-disc CD changer in the dash.

Third Generation Nissan Altima (2002-2006)

Starting with the 2002 models, the Altima was built on Nissan’s new FF-L platform, with up to 18-inch wheels.
The Altima was the first mass-market product built on the platform, which was unique to North America.
The 2002 Nissan Altima added a 3.5L V6 option alongside the standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.
Starting with the 2002 model, interior volume was expanded from 108 cu. ft. to 118.8 cu. ft..

The exterior of the 2002 Nissan Altima was sharp and serious.
50 automobile news writers from the U.S. and Canada named the 2002 Altima the “North American Car of the Year.”
Altima sales reached more than 200,000 units in 2002.
2003 models reached 245 horsepower, making 246 lb.-ft. of torque.
The engine in these vehicles was able to reach 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds.

All Altima models built in Smyrna until June 2004, when Nissan started using the Canton, Mississippi as well, helping to meet the high demand.
The 2005 Altima received another facelift with all-red taillights, a new front grille, and a redesigned interior that included an optional DVD navigation system.
V6 engines in lower trims now reached 250 horsepower with 249 lb.-ft. of torque.
The new SE-R trim achieved 260 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fourth Generation Nissan Altima (2007-2012)

Announced at the New York Auto Show on April 12, 2006, the fourth generation Nissan Altima was the first to use a smaller Nissan D platform.
The front end was new, and the rear suspension was upgraded.
The interior was mostly unchanged, but the 2007 Nissan Altima had a wheelbase that was 1″ shorter than the previous generation.
A revised 3.5L V6 made 270 horsepower while the 2.5 L straight-4 produced 175 horsepower.

2008 Nissan Altima coupe - netcarshow.com

A continuously variable transmission replaced the automatic as an optional transmission while a 6-speed manual became standard.
Starting with the 2007 Nissan Altima, a push-button start, Bluetooth, and a parking camera were made available.
The Altima Sedan Hybrid was introduced in 2007 as well.
In the 2007 Altima Hybrid, an advanced electric drive motor was mated to the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.

All 2008 Nissan Altima models were given ABS with electronic brake-force distribution.
A new Altima Coupe, designed to offer a sportier look and performance, was sold for the 2008 model year.
With a new front fascia, hood, and headlights, the 2010 Nissan Altima received another facelift.
It also received new wheels and interior materials.

Fifth Generation Nissan Altima (2013-2017)

Production of the fifth generation Nissan Altima started in Smyrna, Tennessee on May 16, 2012.
By then, more than 4.4 million Altimas were produced.
The MSRP on a 2013 Nissan Altima was $21,500.
The 2.5L engine reached 38 mpg on the highway, one of the best in its segment.
Trim levels on a 2013 Altima included: the 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SL, and 3.5 SV.
The Altima Coupe was discontinued as of the fifth generation.
Higher trim levels included heated seats, an infotainment screen, and a leather interior.

Nissan’s zero-gravity seats in the 2013 Altima received mixed reviews.
A 2016 refresh reworked the exterior of the vehicle, focusing on the headlights and taillights.
A re-tuned transmission, suspension, and steering were also part of the 2016 Nissan Altima update.
2016 was the first time that driver assists like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control were made available.
2017 models marked the 25th anniversary of the Nissan Altima first rolling off the assembly line.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became available in 2018 versions of the Nissan Altima.

Sixth Generation Nissan Altima (2019-Present)

Nissan debuted the fully redesigned 2019 Altima at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
This version was slightly longer, lower, and wider than previous generations.
For the first time ever, the 2019 Nissan Altima introduced the option of All-Wheel Drive.
Our 2019 Nissan Altima review takes a look at AWD and several other updates to that model.

2019 Nissan Altima Turbo - netcarshow.com

Every 2019 Altima came standard with an 8” touchscreen display, satellite radio, remote start, and a driver condition monitor.
A new 2.0L turbo-four engine making 248 horsepower replaced the V6 from previous generations.
In our full review of the 2020 Nissan Altima, we mentioned how Nissan was keeping up with the competition by changing interior colors and standardizing previously optional safety features.
Starting with the 2021 Nissan Altima models, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were no longer standard on the base trim, but they made safety features like forward collision warning and automated emergency braking standard.

2022 Nissan Altima – usa.nissannews.com | Shop Nissan Altima on Carsforsale.com

With a base trim MSRP of $24,350, the 2021 Nissan Altima made between 182 and 236 horsepower between two engine options.
For a trim-by-trim analysis, click over to our 2021 Nissan Altima review.
The 2023 Nissan Altima is rumored to be undergoing a mid-cycle refresh, including a front fascia design change.
As we await more information on those updates, you can consider whether new or used is the way to go by reading our in-depth post, ‘New vs. Used: Nissan Altima.’