History

• The first-generation Nissan Altima was introduced for the 1993 model year as a replacement to the Stanza. In 1998, the second-generation Altima was unveiled, and it shared many of the same underpinnings as the first generation. The Altima was part of the plan by Nissan to split the mid-size sedan segment of their lineup into two vehicles. Along with the Maxima, Nissans larger mid-size sedan, the Altima competed against the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Taurus.
  
  

Trim Levels

• In 1998, the Nissan Altima was available in four trim levels, including the XE, GXE, SE and GLE. All models were powered by a 16-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft (DOHC), 2.4-liter, inline-four-cylinder (I-4) engine. The engine produced 150 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 167 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. All models except the GLE had the engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. An optional four-speed automatic was available on all models and was standard on the GLE.
  
  

Features

• The 1998 Nissan Altima GLE came with standard bucket seats, keyless entry, 15-inch wheels, power driver's seat, power steering, tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, power windows, power exterior mirrors, tinted glass, cruise control and leather seats. Options included four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), power moonroof, alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.
  
  

Size

• The 1998 Nissan Altima could seat up to five people. Front passengers had 39.4 inches of headroom, 55.7 inches of shoulder room, 42 inches of leg room and 52.5 inches of hip room. The exterior of the Altima was 183.5 inches long, 69.1 inches wide and 55.9 inches high. Curb weight, which was dependent on the transmission and model, varied between 2,859 lbs. and 3,012 lbs.
  
  

Expert Insight

• During a review of the 1998 Nissan Altima, Automotive.com said, "The stern isn't quite as droopy, the taillights have been reshaped to enhance trunk access and visibility, and the front end has been modestly restyled." When talking about Nissan's approach to using two mid-size sedans to compete against the competition, Jeff Bartlett of Motor Trend said, "In theory, this interesting approach permits the Altima and Maxima to more accurately target their prospective customer base, rather than spread a single model across a wide $10,000 range as the other automakers do."