2005 Nissan Altima Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A sporty new top-line model joins the 2005 roster of Nissan's best-selling vehicle. Altima shares a basic design with Nissan's Maxima, but costs less and offers 4-cyl as well as V6 power. Altima comes in 2.5 and 2.5 S models with a 175-hp 4-cyl engine. The 3.5 SE and 3.5 SL versions have a 250-hp V6. The sporty new SE-R model has a 260-hp V6. Manual and optional automatic transmissions are offered, but V6 now use a 5-speed automatic vs. 4-cyl models' 4-speed. And the SE-R's manual is a 6-speed vs. the other models' 5-speed. All Altimas have 4-wheel disc brakes. ABS is standard on 3.5 SL, SE-R, and on automatic-transmission 3.5 SEs; it's optional on the other models except the base 2.5. The SE-R comes with 18-inch wheels vs. 17s for 3.5 SE, and 16s on other Altimas. Front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags are available except on the base 2.5. Traction control is optional for automatic-transmission V6 models and the manual-transmission SE-R. All models get revised interior trim for '05, and a navigation system joins the options list. Other available features include xenon headlights, leather upholstery, and heated seats. The SE-R includes the xenons plus firmer suspension; high-speed tires; larger front brakes; and unique nose, tail, and lower-body styling. It also comes with 2-tone leather-trimmed seats and extra gauges.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Midsize Cars represent the heart of the U.S. car market. Most are price-sensitive, conservatively designed, family oriented sedans and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Our Recommended picks include the Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback and Legacy.

News

Sources see a redesigned Altima for 2007, but know very little about it as yet. We'd expect a slightly larger package with carryover powertrains, likely with a few tweaks. An exception is the first gasoline/electric Altima, which Nissan says will be built in Tennessee alongside other models. The hybrid powertrain is said to mate a Nissan 4-cyl engine with electric-propulsion hardware and software licensed from Toyota, which means the vehicle can be driven on either or both power sources, depending on driving condition. Keep checking back with us for late-breaking news.

2005 Nissan Altima Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V6)	Engine noise (4 cyl)

Handling/roadholding

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		45
Average Score		56
High Score		71

2005 Nissan Altima Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/13/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5 4-door sedan, manual	$17,450	$17,050	$580

2.5 S 4-door sedan, manual	$19,300	$18,051	$580

2.5 S 4-door sedan, automatic	$19,800	$18,519	$580

3.5 SE 4-door sedan, manual	$23,300	$21,549	$580

3.5 SE 4-door sedan, automatic	$23,950	$22,150	$580

3.5 SL 4-door sedan, automatic	$27,100	$25,064	$580

SE-R 4-door sedan, manual	$29,350	$27,144	$580

SE-R 4-door sedan, automatic	$29,350	$27,144	$580

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.5

Powertrain

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, visor mirrors, map light.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 215/60R16 tires, wheel covers.

2.5 S adds to 2.5:

Powertrain

5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player.

3.5 SE adds to 2.5 S:

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 250-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes (automatic).

Comfort and Convenience Features

8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, performance suspension, 215/55VR17 tires (manual), 215/55HR17 tires (automatic), alloy wheels.

3.5 SL adds to 3.5 SE:

Powertrain

5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night inside mirror, universal garage-door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: performance suspension.

Xenon headlights, 215/60R16 tires.

SE-R adds to 3.5 SL:

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 260-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, SE-R performance suspension, 225/45YR18 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
2.5 S	$1,680	$1,457
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, upgraded sound system, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo net, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, alloy wheels.

SL Pkg.
2.5 S automatic	$3,850	$3,501
Convenience Pkg. plus automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, chrome accents.

Convenience Plus Pkg.
2.5 S	$2,500	$2,168
Convenience Pkg. plus power sunroof.

Premium Convenience Pkg.
2.5 S	$3,300	$2,862
Convenience Plus Pkg. plus Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Leather Pkg.
3.5 SE	$3,000	$2,727
Leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, automatic climate control, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.

Sport Leather Pkg.
3.5 SE	$3,900	$3,546
Leather Pkg. plus xenon headlights, rear spoiler.

Sport Pkg.
3.5 SE	$1,250	$1,085
Power sunroof, rear spoiler.

Sport Plus Pkg.
3.5 SE	$2,600	$2,255
Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear spoiler, xenon headlights.

Braking and Airbag Pkg.
2.5 S, 3.5 SE manual	$800	$694
Antilock brakes, front side airbags, curtain side airbags.

Traction Control and Airbag Pkg.
3.5 SE automatic, 3.5 SL, SE-R	$800	$694
Traction control, front side air bags, curtain side airbags.

Navigation Pkg.
2.5 S automatic, 3.5 SL	$2,000	$1,735
3.5 SE	$5,900	$5,272
Navigation system, Sport Leather Pkg. (3.5 SE), speed-sensitive variable-intermittent wipers. 2.5 S requires SL Pkg., power sunroof.

Safety
Front side airbags and curtain side airbags
2.5 S	$500	$433


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
2.5 S automatic	$900	$780


Satellite radio
2.5, 2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL, SE-R	$400	$347
Requires monthly fee.

Floormats
2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL, SE-R	$160	$119
Includes cargo mat.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
2.5 S	$300	$246


Mud guards
2.5 S, 3.5 SE, 3.5 SL	$130	$98


Chrome alloy wheels
2.5 S	$1,320	$933
3.5 SE	$1,370	$969

2005 Nissan Altima Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Altima 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.2

Overall Length, in.	192.3

Overall Width, in.	70.4

Overall Height, in.	57.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	3001

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.9

Rear Head Room, in.	37.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /152	3.5 /214	3.5 /214

Horsepower @ rpm.	175 @ 6000	250 @ 5800	260 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	180 @ 4000	249 @ 4400	251 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	24/31	21/27	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	--/--	20/28

4-speed automatic	23/29	--/--	--/--

5-speed automatic	--/--	20/30	20/30

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Altima 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	5

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	3

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	Optional/--	Extra charge Security Plus plan.

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2005 Nissan Altima Photos

Also in the 2005 Nissan Altima Review:

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima Road Test

Nissan Altima Prices & Equipment

Nissan Altima Specs & Safety

Nissan Altima Photos

Nissan Altima Full Review

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