Used 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A) Consumer Reviews
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The pain of loving a nightmare
Sarah Elizabeth, Philadelphia, PA, 03/06/2015
updated 09/06/2017
Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
34 of 39 people found this review helpful
I've had my nissan for 8 yrs and she ran smooth when all was proper but I was one of the unfortunate owners that ran into a bad catalytic converter. Common with this car 02-06. Started with a simple overheating issue. Once the water pump, radiator fans, and thermostat were all replaced it no longer overheated codes read bad crank/cam pos sensor, fuel ratio issue 0420. replaced the sensors, soon followed by a head gasket fix and new valve cover gaskets, played nice for a few months then started misfiring bad again out of nowhere because soon to be diagnosed bad catalytic converter. engine hasn't seized so time to take it apart again and see if it's worth fixing. Total Nightmare. Update: sold the car, never fixed the cat or redid the head gasket, really not worth the trouble if you ask me. I bought a Honda Accord for less than the cost if those repairs, and honestly the cost maitnance on that car in comparison is truly a relief.
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The last Nissan I will ever own.
jalaniz4116, Fresno, CA, 01/08/2013
Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought my Nissan Altima new, and it has been a big burden. I had the car for a month when the transmission went out. I wish I was joking. The dealership took care of the problem pretty promptly. The Cam-shaft sensors went out, so the car would just stop on me at a low rates of speed. As one could imagine, it was not very safe due to that reason. I have had to replace 3 alternators. 3 of them!!!!!! I have had to replace all the motor mounts & the breaks way too often. After a year, I never felt safe in taking the Altima out of town.
Excellent car
Yan, Las Vegas, NV, 07/01/2021
Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Had it since 2004, bought new (yes, it was 2005 model already). Never had a problem. Ran 108.000 miles, absolutely no serious issues. Word of advise - after 80.000 miles switch to 91 gas. I know they say it "doesn't matter' - yes it does. I accidentally filled with 91 once, and it was A NEW CAR. The drive suddenly became smooth and powerful again, gas mileage increased A LOT. It was slowly dropping from 400 miles on a full tank to 250, after I switched to 91 it went up to 300-350. That alone paid for itself. Another happy discovery - tires matter. I bought Michelin Defender, and the drive became even better. Now I feel like I am in a brand new Mercedes, not 17yo Nissan - it moves smooth and sweet, as if on butter, with gentle roar from the engine.
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Destroyed it, rebuilt it myself, she still runs
Ricer603, Framingham, MA, 02/15/2020
Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2005 Altima with 141,000 on it. The guy before me let it sit outside under a pine tree for over a year. Drove it home with ceased up calipers, a misfire, and a weak starter. Swapped out all the coils and changed the starter motor. Not a week later, I got on a crash and totalled the front end. Two new headlights, radiator, radiator support, bumper, fenders, and hood. Cost me about $800 to source all the parts and a couple days in the garage. She runs as if nothing ever happened. These little cars take a beating and keep on going, all it takes is some love and dedication!!
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AVOID THE 2.5L, You'll love the 3.5L
caseyh1, Englewood, CO, 01/30/2013
Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
13 of 16 people found this review helpful
Nissan quality has went down hill since the 90's. The 2002 -2005 2.5L commonly has the head gasket go bad, before 100k miles. Mine went at 98k miles. If you pay someone it will cost you $1,600. Also it is possible that the forward catalytic converter will go bad, blow debris into your cylinders, and ruin them. WIth cloth seats, the drivers seat is rock hard. The seat doesn't support my thighs, causes pain. The Altima is supposed to ride stiffer and sportier than other cars, but on a really bumpy road it is just torture. The throttle is touchy it just lurches forward in stop and go traffic, I have to put the automatic into 1st or 2nd so I don't get whiplash. Wind noise on sunroof.
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