Car Design Jurek: Nissan Altima second generation (codenamed L30)

Nissan Altima second generation (codenamed L30)

The second generation (codenamed L30) was an American market-only version, again styled by Nissan's California design center. A new interior brought a revised glovebox and cup holders, a folding back seat (except on XE), and depowered airbags.

While total volume remained identical at 108 cubic feet, most felt it was distributed better and resulted in a slightly roomier-feeling cabin. On the downside, many were let down by the new model's plainer styling and cheapened interior; some also felt the gas pedal was now too lightly sprung.

Trim lines were the stripped XE, volume-selling GXE, sporty SE, and luxury-trimmed GLE. The SE can be distinguished by its body-color grille, fog lights, rear spoiler, alloy wheels, and white-faced gauges. In this generation of Altima, all GLEs had leather seats standard.