2005 Nissan Altima: Road Test
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2005 Nissan Altima ▼
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- MSRP: $17,450 -$29,350
- Invoice: $17,050 -$27,144
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Our road test for the 2005 Nissan Altima includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Nissan Altima from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Nissan Altima, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Nissan Altima help you decide if a 2005 Nissan Altima is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Test 2.5 S with automatic transmission did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph. Among 4-cyl rivals in our tests, that matches Honda Accord and slightly beats Toyota Camry, though their 4-cyl engines are more refined. Smooth, responsive V6s makes 3.5 Altimas among the quicker midsize sedans. Test manual-transmission SE-R did 6.3 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5.2 |
Extended-use 2.5 S with automatic transmission averaged 25.7 mpg in mostly highway driving over its 22,663-mi. test. Test '05 2.5 S automatic averaged 20.7 in mostly city driving. Test manual SE-R averaged 17.5 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel for V6s. Altima's 20-gal fuel tank is among the largest in midsize-car class.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6.1 |
Generally comfortable and controlled, though some testers complain of excess high-speed "float." More-aggressive tires make 3.5 SE somewhat firmer over bumps than 4-cyl models, but it's not jarring. SE-R somewhat less comfortable, thumps more heavily than other Altimas over highway expansion joints.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
All Altimas are responsive and balanced in turns. Still, steering annoys with numb yet nervous straightline feel, plus a wide turning circle for the class. Biggest flaw is torque steer--unwanted pulling to one side in brisk acceleration; it's especially marked in V6 models. Brake performance fine with ABS; without it, sudden stops from highway speeds upset stability.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Road and wind ruckus OK but not that low, and some test cars suffered a metallic drumming resonance on coarse pavement. Growly 4-cyl intrudes under full throttle, lacks smoothness of Accord/Camry engines. Altima also lags most rivals in V6 refinement.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Gauges legible, controls user-friendly. Not all testers like wiggle-worm automatic-transmission gate, and some manual-transmission test cars had crude shift action. Doors, trunk close with a tinny clang. We haven't yet tested the optional navigation system, but it doesn't absorb--and thus complicate--any radio or climate adjustments, as do many others.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Generous head room, good leg room. Seat comfort and bolstering good, too. Height-adjustable driver seat except in base model, but all have height-adjustable center armrest. Separate levers for steering-wheel tilt and telescope a bit odd. 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, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
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, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Wide trunk, low liftover, but lid hinges dip into cargo area. Standard 60/40 split folding rear seatback adds versatility.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5.7 |
Altima lags Accord and Camry in overall refinement and assembly quality. It earns Recommended status based on a strong features-per-dollar showing and a spunky demeanor--though torque steer makes the V6 versions a bit too spunky at times. The 4-cyl models easily satisfy most needs.
Total Score
| 2.5 S, man. | 2.5 S, auto. | 3.5 SE, auto. | SE-R, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 60 | 62 | 58 | 56.5 |
Total Score: 60
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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