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Nissan Altima


Altima
Vehicle Model

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Wikipedia: Nissan Altima

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Reference Desk
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2007 Specifications
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A midsize car produced by Nissan. The first generation was technically known as the "Nissan Stanza Altima."

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.

TypeTitle
1995 Book1995 Nissan Stanza Altima Service Manual: Model U13 Series by Nissan North America, Inc.


Photographs

Nissan Altima Aftermarket Taillight Subject:  Nissan Altima Aftermarket Taillight
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Date:  2011
View photo of Nissan Altima Aftermarket Taillight
Dispatch Taxi Affiliation Nissan Altima Subject:  Dispatch Taxi Affiliation Nissan Altima
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Date:  2012
View photo of Dispatch Taxi Affiliation Nissan Altima
Flash Cab Nissan Altima Subject:  Flash Cab Nissan Altima
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Date:  2012
View photo of Flash Cab Nissan Altima - 4.6MB
Yellow Cab Nissan Altima Subject:  Yellow Cab Nissan Altima
Photographer:  Bill Crittenden
Date:  2012
View photo of Yellow Cab Nissan Altima - 3.8MB


2007 Specifications

SE
Vehicle Type4-door sedan
Body TypeUnibody
Body MaterialWelded steel stampings
DrivetrainFF
Engine TypeAluminum V6
Engine Displacement3.5L (213 cu. in./3498cc)
Engine Bore & Stroke95.5mm x 81.4mm
Engine Compression Ratio10.3:1
Valvetrain24-valve chain-driven DOHC, hydraulic lifters, variable valve timing
Fuel SystemPort Fuel Injection
Horsepower (SAE Net)270 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque (SAE Net)258 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
Engine RPM Limit6600 rpm
Transmission6-speed manual
First Gear Ratio3.15
First Gear MPH per 1000 RPM5.8
First Gear Maximum Speed39 mph @ 6600 rpm
Second Gear Ratio1.95
Second Gear MPH per 1000 RPM9.4
Second Gear Maximum Speed62 mph @ 6600 rpm
Third Gear Ratio1.39
Third Gear MPH per 1000 RPM13.2
Third Gear Maximum Speed87 mph @ 6600 rpm
Fourth Gear Ratio1.06
Fourth Gear MPH per 1000 RPM17.4
Fourth Gear Maximum Speed115 mph @ 6600 rpm
Fifth Gear Ratio0.81
Fifth Gear MPH per 1000 RPM22.7
Fifth Gear Maximum Speed146 mph @ 6400 rpm
Sixth Gear Ratio0.63
Sixth Gear MPH per 1000 RPM29.2
Sixth Gear Maximum Speed146 mph @ 5000 rpm
Final Drive Ratio4.13:1
Front SuspensionIndependent struts located by control arm, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent w/2 lateral links (per side), a diagonal links(per side), and a toe-control link (per side), anti-roll bar
Steering Ratio16.1:1
Steering Wheel Turns Lock-to-Lock (C/D test)2.8
Turning Circle (curb-to-curb)37.4'
BrakesHydraulic w/vacuum assist, ABS, panic assist
Front Brakes11.7" x 1" vented disc
Rear Brakes11.5" x .4" disc
Wheelbase109.3"
Length189.8"
Front Track61.0"
Rear Track61.0"
Width70.7"
Height57.9"
Ground Clearance5.4"
Front Headroom40.6"
Front Legroom42.2"
Front Shoulder Room55.7"
Front Seat Volume (SAE)55 cu. ft.
Rear Headroom36.8"
Rear Legroom39.5"
Rear Shoulder Room55.5"
Rear Seat Volume (SAE)47 cu. ft.
Trunk Volume (SAE)18 cu. ft.
Towing Capacity1000 lb.
Tire SizeP215/55R-17 93V
Spare TireFull size on matching wheel
Fuel Capacity20.0 gallons
Fuel Economy21 city/29 highway (EPA)
Maximum Speed146 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
C/D test at 69F, 72% humidity, 29.15" Hg, tire inflation 33psi

Article Index

DateArticleAuthor/Source
1 May 2002A52, Go Film and TBWA/Chiat/Day Spotlight Love Affair Between New Nissan Altima and "Ticketcam"A52
4 January 2007Next Generation Nissan Altima Shift_2.0 Advertising Campaign Launched on HBCUConnect.comHBCU Connect, LLC
19 April 2007Nissan Announces Pricing for 2008 Altima CoupeAnthony Fontanelle
2 April 2010Driven: 2010 Nissan Altima SedanMac Demere
4 December 2012Looking For An Altima For Sale? Be An Informed BuyerRina Rosewood
21 January 2013What Car Buyers Can Expect From The 2013 Nissan AltimaLisa Jane Foreman
21 February 2013Looking for a 2013 Nissan Altima Sedan or Coupe?Brian Dean
4 January 2014Used 2001 Nissan Altima Engine Acquired for Sale to Import Motors Buyers by Used Engine Company OnlineGotEngines.com
25 September 2015New 2016 Nissan Altima Detailed as Nissan's Best-seller Fully Refreshes Aaron Turpen, TorqueNews
16 November 2020Jack Ingram Nissan Welcomes the 2021 Nissan Altima to its ShowroomJack Ingram Nissan
17 January 2023Nissan North America, Inc., Receipt of Petition for Decision of Inconsequential Noncompliance
Nissan North America has determined that certain model year 2022 Nissan Altima motor vehicles do not fully comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, Tire Selection and Rims.
Federal Register Notice (text)
Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Byline: Otto G. Matheke III
Topic: Nissan Altima/td>


Documents

DateDocument Name & DetailsDocuments
classified date 1993Remote Air Bag Report
1993 Nissan Altima, 4-door sedan
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 9.2MB - 97 pages
classified date 1994On-Site Air Bag Investigation
1994 Nissan Altima, 4-door sedan
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 10.2MB - 191 pages
classified date 1995On-Site Air Bag Investigation
1995 Nissan Altima GXE, 4-door sedan
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 17.9MB - 257 pages
classified date 1996In-Depth Accident Investigation
1995 Nissan Altima 4-door
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 30.5MB - 87 pages
November 1997Redesigned Air Bag Report
Vehicle - 1998 Nissan Altima GXE
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 314KB - 9 pages
December 1997Depowered Air Bag Report
Vehicle - 1998 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 711KB - 11 pages
August 1998Remote, Redesigned Air Bag Special Study
1998 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 428KB - 9 pages
August 1998Remote, Redesigned Air Bag Special Study
1998 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 423KB - 9 pages
November 1998Remote, Redesigned Air Bag Special Study
1998 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 756KB - 11 pages
December 1999Remote 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 2000Special Crash Investigation Report
Case Vehicle: 1998 Nissan Altima GXE, 4-door sedan
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 73.4MB - 151 pages
December 2000Remote Redesigned Air Bag Deployment Investigation
SCI Technical Summary Report
Vehicle - 2000 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 264KB - 12 pages
classified date 2001Special Crash Investigation Report
Case Vehicle: 1999 Nissan Altima, 4-door sedan
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 7.1MB - 105 pages
April 2002Air Bag Related Eye Injury Investigation

Vehicle: 1994 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 311KB - 14 pages
April 2002On-scene Investigation / Vehicle to Vehicle

1997 Nissan Altima four-door
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 521KB - 19 pages
December 2002On-Site Advanced Occupant Protection System Investigation
Vehicle - 2003 Nissan Altima S
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 4,244KB - 27 pages
September 2004Child Safety Seat Investigation / Vehicle to Vehicle
2003 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 2,061KB - 24 pages
February 2005Calspan Remote Adult Air Bag Related Serious Injury Crash Investigation
Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 282KB - 11 pages
March 2005Calspan On-Site Certified Advanced 208-Compliant Vehicle Crash Investigation
Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 148KB - 13 pages
July 2005On-Site Side Impact Inflatable Occupant Protection Investigation
Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 770KB - 15 pages
August 2005SCI/NASS Combination 208-Compliant Vehicle Investigation
Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 1,417KB - 12 pages
December 2005On-Site Certified Advanced 208-Compliant Vehicle Investigation
Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 455KB - 15 pages
9 May 2006FMVSS No. 202a - Head Restraints: Indicant Test
2005 Nissan Altima, Passenger Car
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 3.0MB - 51 pages
21 June 2007Safety 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 2007Safety 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 2007Safety 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 2008Safety 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 2008Not-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 2008Vehicle 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 2008Safety 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 2009Safety 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 2009Safety 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 2009Safety 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 2009Safety 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 2010Safety Compliance Testing for FMVSS 126: Electronic Stability Control Systems
2010 Nissan Altima
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

PDF
- 4.7MB - 61 pages
2010OWNER NOTIFICATION
NHTSA Recall 10V401000

PDF
- 74KB - 1 page
3 September 2010NHTSA 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 2010From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc.
To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA Recall 10V401000

PDF
- 322KB - 3 pages
3 September 2010From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc.
To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA Recall 10V401000

PDF
- 1.1MB - 9 pages
10 September 2010Portable 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 2010Voluntary Safety Recall Campaign Garmin nüvi® 750 Portable GPS
Nissan North America, Inc.
NHTSA Recall 10V401000

PDF
- 260KB - 6 pages
26 January 2011From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc.
To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA Recall 10V401000

PDF
- 81KB - 3 pages
14 April 2011Safety 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 2011From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc.
To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA Recall 10V401000

PDF
- 87KB - 3 pages
2 August 2011From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc.
To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA Recall 10V401000

PDF
- 90KB - 3 pages
13 October 2011From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc.
To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA Recall 10V401000

PDF
- 41KB - 3 pages
24 January 2012From: John Gibbons, Nissan North America, Inc.
To: Jennifer Timian, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
NHTSA Recall 10V401000

PDF
- 41KB - 3 pages
30 April 2012From: 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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