2005 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews

4 years and still happy

Written by: Satified Owner on 05/17/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my 3.5 SE new in 2005. I only have 28000 miles but I have had very few problems. The car has only been in the shop for routine maintenance. However, in march of 2009 I had to replace my battery. I have heard of others with this problem. Overall I am happy. The 3.5 engine has a lot of power. This is fun at stop lights and has gotten me out of a few jams on the freeway. The complaints about the road noise (esp in the back), turning radius, and cheap interior are valid. They are not prohibitive however. I live in DC now so the turning radius is more pronounced. I have taking this car on 400 mile trips (I can get 33 mpg on the highway) and have been completely satisfied.

Favorite Features

No doubt the engine performance. Also, the radio controls on the steering wheel. Heat and AC are very powerful in hot and cold climates.

Suggested Improvements

Turning radius needs to be addressed. I read about this problem before I bought my car and dismissed it. 99% of the time you will not care but in tight parking lots it is a pain and making a U-turn can be dangerous.

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50k I still like it.

Written by: MMT on 05/06/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought the car new. It had a strange squeak in front end, dealership eventually found and fixed it. I have had absolutely no mechanical issues w/ the car. I love the power of the 2.5L for the size of the car. I love that it has a big-car-feel when driving but has some economy aspects such as gas mileage. The ride is a little mushy w/ 4 adults, good w/ 2. Interior plastic could be of better quality but, for my experience w/ this car, the engine, size, comfort, fuel economy and price make it more affordable than the accord (which I test drove and found it rode as stiff and bumpy and my sportbike; gut jarring). I am going to sell it because its just that time, but I will miss it very much

Favorite Features

Size, engine power (sometimes I just want to floor it and fly down the freeway), sound system, ride, looks, gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality plastics, wider opening from trunk through folded-down back seats.

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Good Car!!

Written by: M.J. on 04/29/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have the 2.5 SL. I bought it brand new with 4 miles on it. I get about 24.5 mpg in the city. It has a good size trunk and lots of leg room in the back seat. Knock on wood, I have had no problems with this car. I have about 65,000 miles on it. I just had my third set of tires put on. For a four banger engine it is pretty peppy. Leather interior has held up great!!

Favorite Features

Fold down rear seats. Large trunk. Lots of rear legroom. Good gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Newbie

Written by: Gary on 04/17/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car last week and still have the new(used)car love affair. I will keep you posted on its performance. It's kind of scary the number of complaints with the fuel pump. After years of having used cars in there teens, I really hope my newer car purchase is a positive one. By the way, first overseas product ever purchased...don't let me down.

Favorite Features

Style, smooth ride, unlike a few complaints, I find the seating very comfortable. I'm 6'2" and have plenty of leg room. Huge trunk and the fold down rear seats are a plus.

Suggested Improvements

Hard to tell where your rear end is when parking. I am sure I will get used to it.The road noise complaint is legitimate...a little loud...But Hey!!...I have had old cars for years...this thing is really quiet compared to the models from the nineties...I think we get spoiled.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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OK Car

Written by: Anna on 04/07/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Car is a bit noisy. Fun car to drive on the highway, but in town visibility doesn't seem to be that great because the car sits so low. Interior parts are very cheaply made. Lots of back seat space & trunk space. Rattling noises in places can't be detected. Dashboard is sensitive to the sun and is actually deforming/melting up above the steering wheel. Always problems w/the door locks. Car likes to just lock by itself at times. Decent on gas. Front seats don't seem to be too comfortable on long rides. They sit too low as well. Tires seem to wear quickly and seems tire noise is loud no matter what. Biggest beef is the cheap interior parts.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive on the highway. Decent trunk space & back seat space.

Suggested Improvements

Car sits too low. Interior parts are horribly cheaply made.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Buyer Beware!!!!!!

Written by: Chelsey on 04/02/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Be careful about the reviews, this car starts giving you ALOT of trouble about the third year, crank shift sensor replaced THREE TIMES, fuel pump replaced in 2008 and again this week in 2009. Rotors went on back brakes at 42,000 miles. Two sets of tires. From what I have read this has happened to many owners of the Altima. This car is a major lemon! This was my first and last Nissan. I am trading it in this weekend as from what I read the catalytic converter and transmission are the next to go.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Use quality parts!

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Hidden Problem

Written by: Jacquelyn Calhoun on 03/21/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We purchased this car in July of 2008. It drives great and it has the power that I love in a car. As I read some of the other review it is apparent that the fuel pump is an issue with this car. Driving down the expressway and having the car cut off in morning rush hour traffic is a very scary experience. This may change the way I feel about Nissan and it products. I should have just gotten another Honda they last longer and hold the value better. This was a very costly mistake that I will have to pay for when Nissan should be taking care of the bill.

Favorite Features

The interior is very spacious.

Suggested Improvements

A recall should be done on the fuel pump for this car.

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Good Car

Written by: Green Machine on 03/11/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my Altima as a demo with about 3K miles on it and 4.5 yrs later at 110k miles I havent had any trouble with it. I had to replace the battery and the brakes which are normal maintenance. The car is very dependable. When I wash it it shines up just like new!

Favorite Features

For the price it has some nice features. The 4cly engine runs like a 6! Leather 6 way power heated seats woodgrain accents 6 disk Bose system. Its a nice roomy car! Mine is actually a 2.5 SL

Suggested Improvements

The styling of the 2008 is better and I love the new 2 door.

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powerful 2.5!

Written by: car fanatic09' on 03/03/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

When we bought this car I underestimated the power to speed ratio. Once I really got to know the car I realized its pretty fast. You notice when you start to go faster the engine has a loud roar to it. Its not quite. Esp are 40 an d above. People will know your coming. Steering is pretty lose. Handles exceptionally well. Hugs corners fine. Responsive time are perfection on a bad day. If this is a 2.5 w 175 hp I wish I had the 260 3.5.

Favorite Features

trim is pretty nice. even though its plastic. nice body. sleek curves. nice rims. my after market wheels arnt the best but they are fine. thats just mine though. classic nissan design.

Suggested Improvements

get the 3.5 more power. this is a pretty good get away car.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Have the craving to drive every day

Written by: Peter on 01/29/2009

Vehicle

2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Having owned this pre-owned Altima for several months now, I can safely say that I'm glad I bought this car. More power, room and economy than my previous car. The car looks great inside and out. No mechanical issues except a fuel-starved engine from parking on an incline (hard start afterwards). Luxury touches like auto windows, trip 'puter and power seat are nice. Overall, no mechanical issues. Some of the coloring/dye in plastic has worn through and leather on steering wheel too. "Wood" trim scratches easily. Nothing deal-breaking: no trim falling off, no significant squeaks or rattles. Fuel econ: 24 city/32 hwy -- 20 gal tank

Favorite Features

Performance! Luxury features. Plenty of room. Big trunk. 500+ mile range on highway. Telescoping wheel. Get plenty of compliments.

Suggested Improvements

I'm sure it was fine for 2005, but it now needs an aux plug for the radio. Cheap feel to center console and ALL buttons. Biggest annoyance: fuel light comes on with 5 gal left and flashes distance to empty on trip 'puter as "----" below 20. Not helpful.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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