The first generation Nissan Altima entered the spotlight in 1993 as a replacement for the Stanza. The Altima had more room for the passengers in the back to stretch their legs and rest their heads. The Altima was made as a compact that came in entry-level, GXE, SE, and GLE models. All models were powered by a twin-cam 2.4 Liter, 4-cylinder engine. All models, except The GLE version were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. The GLE was equipped with a four speed automatic transmission. An airbag on the driver's side was available in all models. In 1991, the only addition was an airbag on the passenger's side. The next year, the taillights and tire covers were redesigned. No changes were made to the Altima in 1996 and 1997 pending the release of its second generation.

The second generation Nissan Altima made its debut in 1998. It was slightly larger than its predecessor was but it had the same wheelbase. It was available in four models; the XE, the GXE, the SE, and the GLE. The SE was equipped with a suspension that was firmer and tires that were wider. The GLE version was equipped with leather seats and a driver's seat that was powered. A 2.4-Liter, 4-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower powered all Altima models. All models were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission; though a four speed automatic transmission was optional. In 1999, a few changes were made to the Altima; the SE and GXE models were now equipped with variable intermittent wipers and the GLE version was equipped with alloy wheels. In 2000, the GLE model had airbags in the front-passenger's side. The engine's horsepower ratings were increased by five.

The third generation Nissan Altima came on the scene in 2002. The new Altima's wheelbase had grown by seven inches, and its length by 5.7 inches. It was now available in four models; the entry-level, the 2.5 S, the 2.5 SL and the 3.5 SE. The first three models were powered by a 2.5-Liter, 4-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower. The SE version was powered by a 3.5 Liter V6 engine with 240 horsepower. Sixteen-inch tires came with the first three models, whereas the 3.5 SE had 17-inch tires. All models were equipped with a telescoping steering wheel, a rear seat that was split and that could be folded, and power windows and door locks. The 2.5 S versions were also equipped with air conditioning, cruise control, powered mirrors, and a CD player. The 2.5 SL versions was equipped with a power driver's seat with eight settings, radio controls located on the steering wheel, a stereo system manufactured by Bose with a CD player located in the Dashboard that could store six CDs. In 2003, the 2.5 SL version was now equipped with only an automatic transmission. In 2005, a new SE-R model joined the lineup that was powered by a V6 engine with 260 horsepower.