The 2000 Nissan Altima used a 4-speed automatic transmission in most trims, with a 5-speed manual available on certain 2.4-liter four-cylinder configurations.
In the 2000 model year, Nissan offered two primary transmission options for the Altima, depending on the engine and trim. This article explains the available transmissions, how to identify which one your car has, and what each configuration means for driving and maintenance.
Transmission options in the 2000 Altima
The following options were available across the 2000 Altima lineup.
- 4-speed automatic transmission (4-speed AT) typically paired with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine; common across most trims.
- 5-speed manual transmission (5-speed MT) available on select 2.4-liter four-cylinder configurations in certain trims, offering manual shifting for enthusiasts.
In practice, most 2000 Altimas used the 4-speed automatic, while the 5-speed manual option was limited to specific trims with the 2.4L engine. The Altima did not use a CVT in the 2000 model year; CVTs arrived in later years.
How to identify which transmission you have
Use these practical checks to confirm your transmission type:
- Inspect the gear selector: a standard manual shifter with a 1-2-3-4-5 pattern (plus reverse) indicates a five-speed manual, while a typical automatic lever shows P-R-N-D-3-2-L or similar auto gear patterns.
- Check the vehicle’s documents or VIN to confirm the original transmission specification for your exact vehicle.
- Look under the hood or on the transmission pan for identification codes that can be cross-referenced with Nissan service literature.
Knowing your transmission helps with maintenance, part compatibility, and potential upgrades or repairs.
Summary
The 2000 Nissan Altima offered two main transmission types: a 4-speed automatic as the standard option and a 5-speed manual available on certain 2.4-liter trims. There was no CVT offered in the 2000 model year, so most drivers encountered the automatic transmission, with the manual being more common among specific configurations.