The 2001 Nissan Altima sits in the final years of the second-generation Altima, a midsize sedan known for straightforward daily use and a clean, understated design that still makes sense as a practical modern classic. For owners keeping one on the road, tire selection is less about vintage construction and more about matching the correct size to the exact trim. The 2001 Nissan Altima uses radial tires, with 195/65R15 on XE and GXE models and 205/55R16 on GLE and SE models. Within those fitments, the real choice shifts to wheel diameter, tire character, and sidewall presentation, including blackwall and whitewall options in 205/55R16.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2001 Nissan Altima
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 2001 Nissan Altima, and the correct one depends on the sub-model and wheel diameter. XE and GXE models use a 15-inch rim with 195/65R15 tires, while GLE and SE models use a 16-inch rim with 205/55R16 tires. Before choosing a tire, confirm the exact trim and make sure the car still has its original wheel size if wheels have ever been changed.
205/55R16 is a metric radial size in which 205 identifies the section width in millimeters, 55 is the aspect ratio, R denotes radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 2001 Nissan Altima, this size is used on 16-inch-wheel trims and reflects the more modern low-profile fitment of the two Altima tire choices. Available options in this size include blackwall performance-oriented series from BFGoodrich and Michelin, along with a wide whitewall radial from American Classic. It is the right size to evaluate when the car is a GLE or SE, or when a 16-inch wheel setup is already confirmed.
195/65R15 is a metric radial size where 195 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 65 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 15 is the required wheel diameter in inches. For the 2001 Nissan Altima, this size belongs to the 15-inch-wheel trims and represents a taller-profile fitment than the 16-inch option. The key consideration here is not styling variety but making sure the car's actual wheel diameter still matches the original trim fitment. This is the size to pursue when the Altima is an XE or GXE, or when a 15-inch wheel package is presently on the car.
Tire fitment on the 2001 Nissan Altima varies by sub-model, so identifying the trim is the first step before comparing tires. The split is straightforward: GLE and SE models use the 16-inch fitment, while GXE and XE models use the 15-inch fitment.
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2001 Nissan Altima GLE
The 2001 Nissan Altima GLE uses the 205/55R16 radial tire size. That makes wheel-diameter confirmation especially important, and once the 16-inch setup is verified, tire choice can focus on blackwall versus whitewall presentation and the overall character of the available radial options.
The 2001 Nissan Altima GXE uses the 195/65R15 radial tire size. Tire selection should start with the 15-inch wheel fitment, then move to checking overall tire condition, intended road use, and whether the car still carries its original wheel package.
The 2001 Nissan Altima SE uses the 205/55R16 radial tire size. With the 16-inch fitment confirmed, the next decision is choosing among the available radial products based on sidewall style, tire series, and the kind of appearance or road feel that suits the car.
The 2001 Nissan Altima XE uses the 195/65R15 radial tire size. For this trim, the important step is staying with the correct 15-inch fitment and checking that any prior wheel or suspension changes have not altered the tire size needed now.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2001 Nissan Altima Tires for Sale
Available 205/55R16 products for the 2001 Nissan Altima include radial choices from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. The main differences in the product grid are tire series, blackwall versus wide whitewall appearance, rim-width compatibility, and related load and weight specifications.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 2001 Nissan Altima, how fitment changes by trim, what to compare in the available radial options, and what to inspect before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2001 Nissan Altima?
A 2001 Nissan Altima uses one of two radial tire sizes, depending on the sub-model. GLE and SE models use 205/55R16, while GXE and XE models use 195/65R15. Both are modern metric radial sizes, but they are tied to different wheel diameters, so they are not simply alternate choices for the same setup.
The first thing to verify is the exact trim level and the wheel diameter currently on the car. An Altima that has had aftermarket wheels installed may no longer match its original sub-model fitment, so checking the wheel itself before selecting a tire helps avoid ordering the wrong size.
What size rim does a 2001 Nissan Altima use?
The 2001 Nissan Altima uses either a 15-inch or 16-inch rim, depending on the sub-model. GXE and XE models use 15-inch rims with 195/65R15 tires, while GLE and SE models use 16-inch rims with 205/55R16 tires. The tire size and rim diameter need to match exactly.
Wheel diameter is the quickest fitment check on this Altima because the two primary tire sizes belong to different rims. It is also smart to confirm wheel width and make sure the car has not been modified with a different wheel package, especially if the trim badge and the current tire size do not agree.
Do all 2001 Nissan Altima sub-models use the same tire size?
No, 2001 Nissan Altima sub-models do not all use the same tire size. GLE and SE models use 205/55R16 radial tires, while GXE and XE models use 195/65R15 radial tires. The difference is tied to trim level and wheel diameter rather than to alternate tire choices within the same setup.
That means trim identification matters before comparing products. Once the correct sub-model and wheel diameter are confirmed, the process becomes much simpler, because the buyer can focus on the right size first and then compare construction details, sidewall style, and product characteristics within that fitment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2001 Nissan Altima?
Start with the correct size for the exact 2001 Nissan Altima sub-model: 195/65R15 for XE and GXE, or 205/55R16 for GLE and SE. From there, compare radial construction details, wheel compatibility, and the intended use of the car. A daily-driven sedan may call for a different product character than a preserved weekend car.
For 205/55R16 applications, there is also more visible variety in the available products, including different tire series and sidewall treatments. It helps to confirm the wheel width, consider whether appearance matters as much as driving feel, and check load and specification details before narrowing down the final choice.
What sidewall styles are available for 2001 Nissan Altima tires?
Among the available 205/55R16 tires for the 2001 Nissan Altima, both blackwall and wide whitewall sidewall styles are offered. Blackwall options appear across several BFGoodrich and Michelin products, while American Classic offers a 1.50-inch wide whitewall in the same primary size for the GLE and SE fitment.
Sidewall choice mainly affects appearance, so it should be considered after confirming the correct size and wheel diameter. A blackwall keeps a more contemporary look, while a wide whitewall changes the Altima's presentation considerably. The right choice depends on whether the goal is a standard late-model look or a more personalized visual statement.
What brands offer tires for the 2001 Nissan Altima?
The available 205/55R16 tires for the 2001 Nissan Altima come from BFGoodrich, Michelin, and American Classic. Those choices include several BFGoodrich performance-oriented series, a Michelin radial option, and an American Classic radial with a wide whitewall sidewall treatment. All of these products use radial construction in the 16-inch fitment.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor. It is more useful to compare the correct size, sidewall style, tire series, rim-width specification, and any load information that matters for the car's use. That approach helps keep the selection grounded in fitment and tire character rather than name recognition alone.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2001 Nissan Altima?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2001 Nissan Altima. A change to wheel diameter, wheel width, offset, suspension height, or body clearance can alter which tire size works properly, even though the original fitments are 195/65R15 and 205/55R16 depending on sub-model. Modified cars should always be checked as they sit now.
A trim badge alone may not tell the full story if the car has been changed over the years. Measuring the actual wheel diameter, confirming width, and inspecting fender and steering clearance are sensible steps before selecting a replacement tire, especially when the Altima no longer carries its original wheel and suspension setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2001 Nissan Altima on new tires?
Before driving a 2001 Nissan Altima on new tires, inspect the wheels for the correct diameter and visible damage, make sure the tires are mounted in the proper size for the sub-model, and confirm there is no rubbing at full steering lock. It is also smart to check inflation pressure and verify that all four tires match the intended setup.
The rest of the car matters too. Worn suspension parts, poor alignment, or damaged wheels can shorten tire life and affect road manners even when the tire size is correct. A short local test drive followed by another visual check for clearance, air retention, and even seating on the rim is a sensible final step.
How often should tires on a 2001 Nissan Altima be inspected?
Tires on a 2001 Nissan Altima should be inspected regularly, not just when tread looks low. A quick visual check before routine driving helps catch uneven wear, cuts, bulges, cracking, or low pressure early. Cars that sit for long periods deserve closer attention because age and storage conditions can affect tires even with limited mileage.
Inspection intervals should be shorter if the Altima has older tires, sees seasonal use, or has had wheel or suspension changes. Looking at sidewalls, tread condition, and air retention on a consistent basis helps prevent small problems from becoming road-use issues. It also makes it easier to spot alignment or clearance problems before damage develops.
