The Nissan Altima ( /ˈɔːltɨmə/; Japanese: 日産・アルティマ) is a mid-size automobile manufactured by Nissan, and is arguably a continuation of the Nissan Bluebird line, which began in 1957. It has historically been larger, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Nissan Sentra but less so than the Nissan Maxima. The Altima is available for North and South American markets only (all other sold models were or are exported). Nissan sells a related mid-size sedan called the Nissan Teana, built on the same FF-L platform used by the 2002–2006 Nissan Altima.
The name "Altima" originally referred to a trim line of the Nissan Laurel mid-size car sold in Central America and the Caribbean before 1992. In 1993, Nissan discontinued its much-criticized Stanza, replacing it with the US-made Altima, while remaining a compact car. The very first Altima rolled off the assembly line on June 15, 1992, as a 1993 model. All Altimas had been built in Smyrna, Tennessee, until June 2004, when Nissan's Canton, Mississippi, plant began producing additional Altimas to meet high demand.
Competing in the mainstream mid-size sedan class in North America, the Altima managed to be the second best-selling car in the United States in 2011.
Read more about Nissan Altima: First Generation (U13, 1993–1997), Second Generation (L30, 1998–2001), Third Generation (L31, 2002–2006), Fourth Generation (L32, U32 (Coupe) 2007–2012), Fifth Generation (L33, 2013+), Awards and Recognition