2004 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews

Great Car, Buy a Camry !

Written by: MikeB on 09/20/2008

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My wife and I have an 04 and an 05, both 2.5S models. The 05 has held up pretty good so far, only having to replace an O2 sensor but the 04 is rubbish. Brakes are bad and need replaced often, had an O2 replaced, radiator/AC fans, rotors, rattles and noises. There is a rattle coming from the engine compartment. Check engine just came back on, again. Code P0420, catalytic converter. Warranty goes out after 80K on cat convts and after that you're on your own. $950 to fix +engine may be compromised. I really like the car when it's parked. I'm scared to drive it. Lucky me I own an 03 Corolla which never lets me down. Absolutely no problems. If you like having car problems a lot get an Altima !

Favorite Features

Roomy interior and trunk, OK sound system.

Suggested Improvements

Everything except for the 2 things listed above.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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2004 Altima 2.5L SL

Written by: Bugeye on 07/08/2008

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

After 104,000 miles, this car still runs and rides like new. The 2.5L, 4sp automatic has plenty of pep and delivers an average of 27 mpg for this daily commuter. The ride is smooth and handling is above average. There is plenty of head and leg room front and back, the seats are comfortable, and the Bose sound system is fantastic. Maintenance has been minimal, replacing the front right wheel bearing at 90,000 (extended warranty work)and the crankshaft position sensor at 102,000 ($120 parts and labor). The road noise is the only thing that I can say bad about this car. For the money, you can't find a better equipped vehicle.

Favorite Features

Bose sound system, leather seats

Suggested Improvements

Better under carriage soundproofing.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Style and Bose sound system

Written by: Rusty on 06/26/2008

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I bought the Altima new and have all the features of leather, sun roof, Bose sound (which is the best) ABS, side air bags, etc. I use it mostly for commuting and now have 105,000 miles on it. The mileage is great (28-30 mpg) for work and 32 mpg on longer trips. I've only had one problem about 6 months ago it wouldn't start once in a while and would quit while slowing down for a light. Nissan sent out recall at the same time which fixed the problem. My only complaint would be the poor quality material of the seat which started cracking about a year after the warranty expired. Also the automatic shifting is like working a rubic cube.

Favorite Features

Styling, gas mileage, and Bose sound system

Suggested Improvements

Improve quality of interior leather seat material and make it easier to shift the car into and out of drive and park.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Wish I bought a Honda

Written by: Shea on 05/31/2008

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is the first car I have ever bought by myself and needless to say I am not impressed. I did buy it used, but the dealership insisted it was in great condition. There is a rattle in the door that after 3 trys from the dealership isn't fixed. Within 2 weeks of owning it my battery exploded. I have spent 1200 on the front and they then told me my engine mount was broke, the belts are all cracking, the radiator house is leaking etc. The finishing on the woodgrain has peeled. When my brake pads got low there was no warning went straight to grinding which resulted in more damage. Now I'm without a car again because the fuel pump. I'm a college student without money & now a unreliable vehicle.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

5 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Too many repairs

Written by: pdupuy on 05/02/2008

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have had to bring this car back to the dealership numerous times. I've always had to bring it back more than once for the same repair. Now I keep having sensors go out, it's out of warranty and I'm spending a small fortune in repairs. Want to trade it in, not sure at this point if i ever want another Nissan. I love the design but the reliability is extremely disappointing. No way I should be having this much trouble, this car should last 200,000 miles easily.

Favorite Features

Outside design

Suggested Improvements

Do something with the sensors, engine design and exhaust design is poor. Cost of repairs is ridiculous.

4 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Disappointment compared to 1994 Altima

Written by: nissandriver9408 on 02/26/2008

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased this car in new 2004, after driving a 1994 Altima into the ground and loving every mile. This car has cost me quite a bit in maintenance (religious about that) and repairs, and I have a clutch waiting to go (drove 250K miles on last clutch so don't blame the driver). The interior is chintzy, the cup holder broke just out of warranty and will cost a mint to fix, the glove compartment barely opens, the list goes on with inconveniences. I will keep this car until it dies because it is relatively fun to drive & somewhat reliable. Yet, compared to the 1994 Altima it is a disappointment... the pretty boy of Altimas. Nissan cheaped on value to deliver a good looking car.

Favorite Features

Looks

Suggested Improvements

Improve the interior. Road noise is a bit much.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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A thing for Altimas

Written by: RJones on 11/10/2007

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This was my 2nd Altima. I had a '95 that I bought used in '96, kept it until '05 (160k miles) when I bought my 2nd one (also used). These cars definitely seem to have problems w/the O2 sensors (both of mine did), but overall are reliable. Unfortunately, I just totalled my 2nd one (at 73k miles) so I am off this weekend to by another :(

Favorite Features

Exterior; fun to drive; adjustable arm rest (b/w the front seats).

Suggested Improvements

02 sensors - what's up w/that?

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Of All of Them

Written by: john on 05/03/2007

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I'm in my 60s and for all the cars I have bought and driven over the years from Chevys, Fords and other imports, this car is the best of the breed. It's comfortable, it's fun to drive and very very reliable. If I had enough money I would buy one for every day of the week.

Favorite Features

Leather seats that are heated. Road course handling, great power even for a four cylinder. Very quiet interior.

Suggested Improvements

None, it's a great car.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Worst Car

Written by: Otis Lee Singleton on 03/28/2007

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

The only good experience with this car is when I first bought It. The Keys Deactivated with no one at Nissan able to tell me why but charged to reset them. The exhaust manifold cracked and had to be replaced which they did but not before engine developed a valve noise that they would not help. The driverside window motor went out. The sunroof opens and closes on it's own. The interior is cheaply built, the visors and cup holders have broken or screws are falling out. Exhaust donut gasket went out. With all these problems along with a couple factory recalls led me to never to want another Nissan because even contacting Corporate they would not help.

Favorite Features

Exterior Look

Suggested Improvements

Improve on interior quality and build a better engine. My engine needs to be replaced according to Nissan dealer.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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fuel mileage poor 4 cyl like v6

Written by: d gussie on 02/06/2007

Vehicle

2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

just got car, has 25000 miles. drove 1000 got 22.5 mpg city &29 hwy. my 95 avalon v6 gets better at 24/31mpg. like style, sound, hot seats and all the toys. watch the gear shift, its tricky to work. also, don't lose your keys, they are dealer only item @ 128.00 ouch. two recalls cost 775.00 paid by nissan. so far so good. got agreat price 12.5m good value hope i don't have too much mechanical problems

Favorite Features

heated seats, sound system, looks great, nice power

Suggested Improvements

accurate fuel mileage mpg readings. mine is 2 mpg poorer that the gauge.shift stick is hard to work

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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