Voted Canada's Car of the Year when it was launched in 2002, the third-generation Nissan Altima quickly racked up awards and accolades – not to mention leading Nissan Canada Inc. to two of the best sales years in its history.
The 2004 Altima adds outstanding value unmatched in the mid-size sedan segment with the introduction of a new 2.5 S Extra model into the 2004 lineup.
"The Altima 2.5 S Extra offers more comfort and convenience features, at a lower price, than any of our key competitors," says Ian Forsyth, Nissan Canada director of marketing.
One of four 2004 Altima models, the 2.5 S Extra offers all the features and benefits of the base Altima 2.5 S with the popular Convenience Package at a substantial saving.
As well as the 2.5 S and 2.5 S Extra, the 2004 lineup includes the luxury Altima 2.5 SL, which bundles three of Altima's most popular option packages to create the best equipped of Altima's three four-cylinder-powered models. As well as the three packages, the 2.5 SL includes all of the features found in the 3.5 SE Leather Package (see below) plus a power sliding glass sunroof with tilt.
The four-cylinder powerplant is a 175-horsepower 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve engine producing 180 ft-lbs of torque.
The top-of-the-line Altima 3.5 SE is powered by an impressive 245-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 engine that delivers a hefty 246 ft-lbs of torque. The 3.5-litre V6 is part of the VQ engine series, which has been recognized as one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World magazine for 10 consecutive years.
Both engines feature continuously variable valve timing, modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons and electronically controlled throttles.
Transmission choices include a five-speed manual (not available on 2.5 SL which includes Automatic Transmission Package) or a four-speed electronically controlled automatic (A/T Package).
The 2004 Altima features a front suspension design with extensive use of aluminum parts, which is 8-percent lighter than a comparable steel design. A cradle-type frame with an offset coil spring and lower transverse link layout provides better handling and riding performance, cutting 30 percent of lateral forces acting on the front suspension.
The rear multi-link independent suspension was adapted and improved from the Japanese-market Nissan Skyline supercar and is similar to Infiniti's flagship Q45 sedan. Rear shocks and springs are separated for reduced friction and the shock is in line with the centre of the rear wheels, providing better damping and less harshness.
The base Altima 2.5 S comes with P205/65R16 tires on 16-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers. Altima 2.5 S Extra and 2.5 SL ride on 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while the V6-powered 3.5 SE features standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and P215/55R17 tires.
Braking is provided by standard four-wheel disc brakes with an optional four-wheel, four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS-equipped Altimas feature two advanced braking systems - Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake force depending on load condition (passengers and cargo) and Brake Assist, which senses hard or panic pedal application and helps provide maximum braking capacity.
Altima's large cabin is designed to be among the best in class with cabin volume of 2,922 litres (103.2 cubic feet) and is renowned for it functionality, comfort and high-tech design.
Altima's gauge cluster features a multi-function trip computer, which includes an odometer, twin trip meters and a display for outside air temperature, driving time, average speed, fuel consumption and distance to empty.
Driver amenities also include a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable centre console armrest and gated automatic transmission shifter with a formed gearshift knob design. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and audio controls are grouped in a single unit, reducing complexity.
Additional features include a power port inside the centre console storage area for a mobile phone, large cup holders that can hold up to a one-litre bottle, roof-mounted map light and sunglass holder. Power windows and locks are standard and windows can be opened remotely via key fob for cabin venting.
Altima 2.5 S includes a standard 100-watt six-speaker AM/FM/CD. Standard on 2.5 SL and part of the 3.5 SE Leather Package is a Bose® premium audio system with eight speakers and AM/FM/in-dash six-disc CD changer with RDS (Radio Date System), speed-sensitive volume control and steering wheel audio controls.
Altima also features a large trunk with standard cargo net. The trunk measures 442 litres (15.6 cubic feet). A 16.6-Imperial gallon fuel tank provides Altima's long range.
For 2004, Altima adds a new exterior colour - Smoke - among a choice of eight total exterior colours selected to complement the sedan's body and personality.
- From a safety standpoint, Altima comes with standard dual-stage supplemental air bags that sense seatbelt use and collision severity and deploy accordingly. Optional are front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags for front- and rear-seat occupant head protection. Also standard are seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system.
Four-cylinder Altimas are available with several available option packages.
The Convenience Package features alloy wheels, eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel mounted controls, trip computer, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, speed-sensitive volume control, auto on/off headlights, auto up/down front passenger window and vehicle security system.
The Personal Security Package includes anti-lock braking (ABS) traction control (TCS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and side air bags.
An A/T Package includes a four-speed automatic transmission with gated shifter.
The 3.5 SE features several exciting equipment packages, including a Leather Package, which adds a Bose audio system, sunroof, heated leather-appointed seats, leather door trim panels, automatic temperature control, padded leather-trimmed armrests, HomeLink® Universal Tranceiver, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror and heated outside mirrors.
The power sliding glass sunroof with tilt is available in the 3.5 SE Sunroof Package, while the 3.5 SE A/T Package includes the four-speed automatic transmission with gated shifter, plus traction control (TCS) and H-rate tires.
Altima is assembled at Nissan's award-winning North America Smyrna and Decherd, Tenn., manufacturing facility using the Intelligent Body Assembly System (IBAS), which produces panel fit accuracy within +/- 1.0 mm.