In brief, no. The 2004 Nissan Altima did not come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
For context, Nissan began offering a CVT in the Altima lineup later, with the 2007 model year introducing the Xtronic CVT for the 2.5-liter engine. The 3.5-liter V6 and earlier Altimas used conventional automatic transmissions, and in some trims a manual option was available instead of a CVT.
Background on Altima transmissions
During the 2004 model year, the Altima relied on traditional transmission technology. There were two engines available: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6, and there were no CVT options tied to these configurations. Buyers could encounter either a conventional automatic or, in certain trims, a manual transmission, depending on the package and model year.
When did Nissan introduce the Altima's CVT?
Nissan first equipped the Altima with a CVT in the United States for the 2007 model year, using the Xtronic CVT on the 2.5-liter engine. The 3.5-liter V6 continued to use a traditional automatic transmission, and later models largely adopted CVT for the four-cylinder lineup.
What this means for buyers of a 2004 Altima
If you’re shopping for a 2004 Altima, you should expect a traditional automatic or a manual transmission, not a CVT. This is typical of third-generation Altimas, before Nissan shifted to the CVT arrangement in 2007.
Summary
The 2004 Nissan Altima does not feature a CVT. CVT availability began with the 2007 Altima (2.5L) as the Xtronic CVT, while the 3.5L V6 continued with a conventional automatic. For 2004 models, stick to a conventional automatic or manual transmission depending on trim.