2005 Nissan Altima: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.