History of the Nissan Altima Through 6 Generations
We recently shared news with you about the 2019 Nissan Altima and all the exciting changes that will come in the new model year. Sometimes, when a vehicle is refreshed and reborn, it’s nice to take a step back and a look back at where the vehicle has come from.
After all, the Altima is now entering its 6th generation. It was first introduced in the 1993 model year, with the first model rolling off the assembly line on June 11, 1992 in Tennessee. So, let’s take a walk back in time to look at the history of the Nissan Altima through all 6 of its generations.
1st Generation Nissan Altima
The first iteration of the Altima appeared in the 1993 model year and continued on until 1997. It was meant to be a successor of the Stanza, and in fact, it actually came with both the Stanza and Altima badging initially.
At the time, the Altima’s engine delivered 150 horsepower, which was quite a powerful output for the time. Even today, 150 horsepower is real solid for any sedan. Plus, although the technology hasn’t been wide spread until just recently, the Altima in 1993 and 1994 was available with a head-up display.
2nd Generation Nissan Altima
The 2nd generation of the Altima ran just from 1998 – 2001. Since this was at a time when airbags were just beginning to be used across the board and become included in all vehicles, it was a big deal when side airbags became available for the vehicle. Also available were standard leather seats on all GLE models.
This 2nd generation model was unique for the American market, and in fact, it was designed at a center in California. During this 2nd generation, a cassette player still existed, though it also played CDs.
3rd Generation Nissan Altima
The 3rd iteration of the Altima ran from 2002 – 2006. Many feel that the early 2000s weren’t the most exciting time for the automotive industry, and this may be true. But, the Altima seems to have been the exception, as it offered a V6 engine, had two-tone dashboard colors and an optional navigation system.
4th Generation Nissan Altima
The 4th generation was an exciting time for the Altima as well, as the first coupe variant was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2006. This is a time where technology really took off, with the Altima offering features like hands-free Bluetooth pairing, a backup camera, and intelligent key technology.
And, speaking of technology, this generation saw Nissan’s first hybrid vehicle in the form of the Altima Hybrid. It was only available in 10 states at the time, but it paved the way for a future of green mobility.
5th Generation Nissan Altima
The 5th generation is the one you are most familiar with, as it ran from 2013 – 2018. Of course, you can still get a 5th generation Altima as we write this, so we won’t go into a ton of details here.
One big addition for this generation, however, were the zero-gravity seats inspired by NASA, designed to make the driving experience less taxing for drivers. The Altima also increased in size during this time but remained light weight, meaning that the 182 horsepower engine it came with (and available 270-horsepower V6) can launch the vehicle much easier.
6th Generation Nissan Altima
Of course, this brings us to the 6th generation of the Nissan Altima. Since we’ve already described the many changes experienced by the model for 2019, go ahead and click the link below to learn all about it. If you have questions ahead of its release date, be sure to contact us at Charlie Clark Nissan El Paso and we would be happy to help.
Find out all you need to know about the 2019 Nissan Altima
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