Pros :
- Sleek new styling with unique tail-lights.
- Class-leading interior with high level of equipment.
- Award-winning powerful V6 engine.
- Choice of interior trims.
- Fairly good handling and steering.
Cons :
- Certain amount of torque steer.
- Interior materials not of the best quality.
- Overall build quality still behind Honda and Toyota.
- Traction control option only available with automatic tranny.
- Tires for those 17-inch rims will be expensive.
Interior :
Press Coverage :
Nissan's forgotten Altima was reborn in 2002. Larger and more powerful than ever, the new Altima went head-to-head with the biggies - namely Accord and Camry. It is one of the cars that redefined Nissan's image for the new century, while saving it from financial ruin. Developed under the guidance of Nissan's Renault-appointed French boss Carlos Ghosn, the new Altima, and especially the 3.5L V6, became the king of hot midsizers, if there is such a thing.
For 2005, the Altima has been slightly facelifted externally to reflect the design philosophy of the new Maxima, with angrier-looking smoked headlights, smoked taillights and a new corporate grille. It retains its rounded, Passat-like shape, and still looks the same from the side view, with its pointed front end and sharp rear finishing. It definately looks way better than the segment-leading Camry and Accord. Nissan's Altima is also bigger than the leaders inside and out. The V6 can be differentiated from the 4-cylinder by looking for the dual exhaust on the V6.
Nissan has also freshened up the Altima's interior with a new interior design that includes a new instrument panel and centre console with most controls laid out well, all of which again looks like the design found in the new Maxima. The new trim features a metallic look, and better seat and headliner materials are used. The steering wheels looks like it was lifted from the Infiniti G35. For 2005, the Altima gets the option of a DVD-based navigation system which sits in the upper part of the centre console. There is a choice of cloth or leather for the interior, along with the option of an 8-speaker Bose sound system with 6-disc CD changer. The cabin is very roomy and offers excellent all-round visibility, with easily ingress and egress thanks to wide-opening doors.
The 3.5L V6 now comes with a class-leading 250 hp, while retaining its already massive torque figure of 246 lb-ft. Nissan now offers a slicker 5-speed manual transmission, and a 4-speed automatic with "auto-hold" function to improve gear choices on hilly roads.The quiet and refined engine powers the car from standstill to 60 mph faster than a Porsche Boxster, if mated with a manual gearbox and a good driver. Not bad for a front-wheel-drive family hauler.
All V6 Altimas come with ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which optimizes rear brake performance, and Brake Assist (BA), which reduces emergency stopping distances. The four-wheel independent suspension remains, providing handling that is better than the average Camry, but by no means making it a G35. The front suspension is a cradle-type frame with offset coil springs and transverse link while the independent multi-link suspension was adapted from the JDM Skyline. Large 17-inch wheels are standard on the SE.
There are now two V6 trim levels available - the sporty 3.5 SE and the luxurious 3.5 SL. Pricing starts at $23,100 for the 3.5 SE, $650 more for the auto, and $26,900 for the automatic-only 3.5 SL, which comes with softer suspension tuning and 16-inch wheels. Built in the United States, pricing is very competitive compared to its Japanese and even German rivals. Both models come with the same 250 horses, and both deserve a better look from shoppers inclined towards a V6 Accord or Camry.
ModernRacer.com
The new 3.5 litre V6 aluminum alloy engine is based on the Maxima's award-winning 3.0 litre VQ engine, and incorporates continuously variable valve timing, a variable intake system, a new timing chain, and dual exhausts. It's rated LEV (Low Vehicle Emissions). This engine has already been named one of the world's Ten Best Engines by Wards AutoWorld, a respected U.S. auto industry publication.
The Altima turns in quickly and precisely, the body has very little lean, and the car holds a neutral attitude that is surprisingly flat and stable for a front-wheel-drive sedan. Some people may find the suspension too stiff because there's very little rebound or bounce over rolling undulations. But I wouldn't say the Altima was harsh or uncomfortable – in fact, it's sportier. V6 models have grippier 215/55R-17 inch radials and alloy wheels. The Altima exhibits excellent high-speed stability – it tracks straight and true at speeds up to and beyond 120 km/h. This makes it very easy to drive on long trips because it doesn't wander on the road.
Canadiandriver.com
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, a stereo with CD player, power windows/locks/mirrors and keyless entry, along with a trip computer, security system, illuminated visor mirrors and a V6 engine. Options include a leather seating/Bose audio package, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, a power sunroof and a "Cold" package that comes with heated outside mirrors and seats.
In terms of safety, the Altima offers the latest technology in occupant protection: side-impact curtain airbags. These roof-mounted bags offer protection for rear-seat occupants as well as those riding in front and are combined in a package that includes front seat side-impact bags. Other peace-of-mind features include dual-stage front airbags that vary the force of deployment according to the severity of the impact, optional traction control (for automatic V6 models), optional antilock brakes that incorporate state-of-the-art technology and a standard LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) child seat anchor system.
The V6's power was apparent right off the bat, and its delivery was so unrestrained that we had to keep an eye on the speedo for fear of getting a ticket. Working the manual gearbox, we noted a satisfying feel and slop-free action through the gates, even when driving aggressively. While we were simulating a panic stop, a stab to the (ABS-equipped) 3.5 SE's brake pedal resulted in a dead-straight and drama-free arrest of momentum.
Edmunds.com
History:
1998-2001 Nissan Altima SE
2,393 cc / 155 hp / 156 lb-ft / 2962-3044 lbs / 0-60 mph 8.5 sec.
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