2004 Nissan Altima: Road Test
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2004 Nissan Altima ▼
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- MSRP: $16,850 -$23,250
- Invoice: $16,464 -$21,502
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Our road test for the 2004 Nissan Altima includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Nissan Altima from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Nissan Altima, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Nissan Altima help you decide if a 2004 Nissan Altima is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5.2 |
Test 2.5 S with automatic transmission did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph. Among 4-cyl rivals, that matches Honda Accord and slightly beats Toyota Camry in our tests. But Altima's 4 cyl is noisier and coarser than those rivals' engines. Altima's robust V6 is as smooth and responsive as any, and makes this one of the quicker midsize sedans. Test automatic-transmission 3.5 SE did 6.9 sec 0-60; Nissan claims 6.3 sec with manual transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Extended-use 2.5 S averaged 25.7 mpg in mostly highway driving over its 22,663-mi test. Test automatic-transmission 3.5 SEs averaged 17.6-21.4 mpg, but 24.9 mpg in mostly highway travel. Nissan recommends premium fuel for the V6. Altima's 20-gal fuel tank is largest in midsize-car class.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Generally comfortable and controlled, though some testers complain of too much high-speed "float." More-aggressive tires make 3.5 SE somewhat firmer over bumps than 4-cyl models, but it's not jarring.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Wider tires give 3.5 SEs better roadholding than other models, but all Altimas are responsive and balanced in turns. Steering annoys with overly sensitive, yet numb, straightline feel. A wide turning circle frustrates around town and in parking lots. Biggest flaw is torque steer--unwanted pulling to one side in brisk acceleration. It's especially marked in the 3.5 SE. ABS-equipped models have good brake performance, but sudden stops from high speeds upset stability on non-ABS test cars.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Good suppression of road and wind noise, though some test Altimas suffered a metallic drumming resonance on coarse pavement. Growly 4-cyl engine intrudes under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Deep-set but brightly backlit gauges are highly legible even in daylight. Controls user-friendly, but not all testers like wiggle-worm automatic-transmission gate, and some manual-transmission test cars had crude shift action. Obvious cost-cutting leaves cabin awash in low-grade plastics. And tinny clang of trunklid and exterior panels disappoints. Altima frustrates here, where Accord, Camry, and Volkswagen Passat shine.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Generous head room. Good leg room, seat comfort, and bolstering. Driver seat is height-adjustable in all but base model. All have height-adjustable center armrest. Separate levers for steering-wheel tilt and telescope. Outward visibility hampered slightly by tall rear deck and occasional reflections from light-colored dashboard tops.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
Large, wide door openings. Comfortable, well-contoured seating. Plenty of knee and toe space. Head room limited for those over 5-ft-8.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Wide trunk, low liftover, but lid hinges dip into cargo area. Standard 60/40 split fold rear seatback adds versatility.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 |
Altima isn't as refined or well-built as a Camry, Accord, or Passat, but it is strong on features for the money and has a spunky personality--though torque steer makes the 3.5 SE a bit too spunky at times. The 4-cyl models easily satisfy most needs and are the best values. The ABS/side airbags option is money well spent on any Altima.
Total Score
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, man. | 3.5 SE, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 58 | 60 | 60 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 59
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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