<Tr> <Th> Length </Th> <Td> 192.3 in (4,884 mm) (2005--06) 191.5 in (4,864 mm) (2001--04) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Width </Th> <Td> 70.4 in (1,788 mm) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Height </Th> <Td> 57.9 in (1,471 mm) </Td> </Tr> <P> The third - generation Altima (chassis model L31) debuted for the 2002 model year . It was the first mass - market product built on Nissan's new FF - L platform, which was unique to North America and had no equivalent model in Japan . The Asian Nissan Teana is similar but not quite identical, designed for Southeast Asian market requirements; all three model lines shared the same platform . The Altima grew enormously for this generation, as interior volume expanded to 118.8 cubic feet (3.36 m). The Altima's interior dimensions even surpassed that of the higher - end 2000 - 03 Maxima, so the 2004 Maxima was moved more upscale into the full - size bracket . Also biggest in class was the Altima's 20 US gal (76 L; 17 imp gal) fuel tank . Additionally, the Altima upgraded its rear suspension to a multi-link type and its brakes to 4 - wheel discs . This was the first generation to offer a V6 engine . </P>

When did nissan start using cvt in altima