2004 Nissan Altima Review
Fuel Economy
20 - 23 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Once a frumpy wallflower, the Altima is now a midsize sedan to be desired, especially when equipped with the 245-horsepower V6.
Pros
Sports car power in a midsize sedan body, excellent handling, roomy and comfortable interior, high level of features, distinct styling.
Cons
Low-grade interior materials, considerable road noise, overboosted steering, no stability control.
What's New for 2004
The Altima's winning formula continues with few changes. Smoke is a new exterior color choice, and four-cylinder models meet stricter federal emissions standards. Models with California emissions are now classified as Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (PZEV).
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Perfect Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car in highschool when I was 17. I bought it brand new. It has been 5 years & I still have it & still runs like new! The only problems that I did had was twice that the car turned off by itself but that was the time I had received a letter of recalls.... I sent it back twice to get it fixed for the recalls & haven't had any trouble since! Of course I have followed most of the maintenance that states on the manual & until now I have had no trouble at all with my car! My car now has over 100,000 miles & its still running! I am hoping it lasts me another 100,000 miles! It is a reliable, spacious & good looking car! I would not have kept it for so long if it wasn't!
Favorite Features
great on gas!
Suggested Improvements
none
Good car, but beware of a few issues
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I am the original owner of a 2004 Altima I purchased in 2003. It's a fun to drive car and has adequate head/legroom for tall drivers (as long as there is no sunroof). Acceleration and handling are very good and I generally get 23 mpg from daily driving. My biggest issues have been the following: Nissan dealerships are not good at diagnosing/fixing problems (I've used several dealerships with similar results), car won't start after you turn car on/off quickly in cold weather (This is a known "cold start" issue that, based on my experience, Nissan generally does not acknowledge/fix), parts can be expensive. While I enjoy driving the car, my experiences with Nissan are often disappointing.
Favorite Features
Handling, acceleration (for a 4- cylinder engine), gas mileage, headroom/legroom, styling, interior/trunk space, telescopic steering wheel.
Suggested Improvements
Better quality cloth seats with improved lumbar support, reduce interior road/engine noise, vastly improve quality of dealership service, better quality interior plastics, correct "cold start" problem.
Death Trap
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Don't buy this or any other Nissan. Nissan is not standing behind it's product and charging for repairs on a recall. My car stalls and Nissan knows why but refuses to fix their faulty product. Cam and crank sensor need to be replaced or your car will stall. Nissan refuses to fix this at their cost stating that it reprogramming the ECM fixes this. Well it does not and they know it. I am never buying a Nissan again and I suggest that you don't either....unless... you have a death wish. FYI it stall on turns. No ABS, power brakes, power steering and all that good stuff that you need to control your car.
Favorite Features
When it drives without stalling.
Suggested Improvements
Lemon!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Review
For the first year or so, this car was the best thing I had ever driven. It looks great inside & out, it's very powerful for a 4-cylinder, and it's pretty good on gas. Then the problems started happening... having to replace a steering joint, numerous brake work, engine cover coming undone, sensors out of whack, you name it. I am extremely meticulous when it comes to servicing my car, which is why I don't understand why all these problems kept coming up. And the car just turned 5 years old, with just about 100,000 kms only. This car has become a nuisance - I will never buy another Nissan, and I'm now hoping I can sell it or that it gets stolen. Seriously.
Favorite Features
Sound system & heated seats.
Suggested Improvements
Build a better car rather than focusing on looks & style.
GREAT CAR
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my 2004 Nissan 2.5Sl new, and have loved driving this car. Only issues I've EVER had are typical brakes, tires, battery, etc. I now have 105,000, and it still runs like new.
Favorite Features
Appearance, interior comfort and fun to drive
Suggested Improvements
Gear shift is a little difficult on the automatic sometimes.
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