2005 Nissan Altima Reviews, Pricing & Specs

For the 2005 model year, Nissan updates the Altima’s styling by reshaping the front grille and making the yellow turn signals red on the double-round taillights, which are arguably the Altima's most interesting design element. It's not as elegant and sporty as the Subaru Legacy, but next to a Ford Five Hundred or a Chevrolet Malibu, the Altima is a knockout. The base models have black door handles and steel wheels, so be sure to upgrade for body-colour and alloys. The new thinner, blacked-out textures on the grille modernize the Altima from the older-fashioned, wide-slabbed design of the previous year.

On the SE-R, it's a party. The enlarged lower air intake, tinted black headlights, and forged 18-inch wheels with silver brake calipers look like they've been lifted off the 350Z sports car. Inside, there are hip-hugging sport seats and a trio of auxiliary gauges on the dash. But regular Altima models also benefit from improved-quality finishes and materials. Previous Altima models from this generation had harder, uglier plastics.

The Nissan Altima 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine makes power specs of 175 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. You'll find a four-speed automatic transmission with occasional rough shifts on cars with this engine, although a five-speed manual is standard on base models. For most drivers, the four-cylinder with the automatic will be just fine, though the engine is noisy and loses thrust in mid-range acceleration.

Choose the 3.5-litre V6 on upper trims such as the Nissan Altima SE and you'll be delighted. Plus, you'll get an extra gear—a five-speed automatic. With 250 hp and 249 lb-ft, the Altima is almost a different car with this powertrain, even though a front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain is the only option (and sometimes, all that power can overwhelm the tires). The SE-R has a six-speed manual as standard, in addition to stiffening the suspension. While it's not a true sport sedan like a BMW 3 Series, the Altima SE-R is pretty aggressive and fun to drive for an average family sedan. It improves the Altima's handling tremendously.

Fuel economy for most Altima models (four-cylinder auto) is an estimated 10.0 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 7.3 on the highway. With the manual, the four-cylinder is slightly more efficient at 9.8 and 6.9 L/100 km respectively. The V6 isn't much thirstier if you drive calmly, at 11.4 and 7.3 L/100 km. But the SE-R drinks the most, consuming 11.8 L/100 km city and 7.6 highway.

Large windows, a low beltline, and supportive front seats with a tilt/telescoping steering wheel make it easy to get comfortable in the 2005 Altima. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat is standard, with roughly 442 litres of storage in the trunk. Rear legroom and headroom are especially generous, and it's easy to climb into the Altima thanks to wide-opening doors.

Cabin storage is also good, with hidden cubbies in the dash (below the climate control and above the audio controls). Upper trims also feature controls for the stereo and cruise control on the steering wheel spokes. However, the gated shifter pattern isn't as easy to use.

Power windows, automatic headlights, keyless entry, and air conditioning are standard for 2005. You'll want the power sunroof and the Bose stereo, too. The SE-R comes standard with bright xenon headlamps that are a rarity on cars from this era.

The Altima can be as basic or as luxurious as you'd likely want. Heated leather seats, larger alloy wheels, a power driver's seat, illuminated vanity mirrors, fake wood trim—it's all there.

For a roomy sedan that rides well, returns decent fuel economy, and is priced competitively as a new car against the likes of the Toyota Camry, the Honda Accord, the Hyundai Sonata, the Kia Magentis, and others, there's a lot to like about the 2005 Nissan Altima. The V6 models with more options have the greatest value, as they deliver more comfort and amenities—and power—for not much more money, especially as it has aged well into used car territory.

Note: Images show a US model.