2005 Nissan Altima User Reviews

Pros

Looks, handling, power

Cons

Steel wheels rusting, heavy steering

Purchased As Used

After a sour experience with a Nissan dealer and paying several thousand too much (avoid Santa Monica Nissan in LA!), my head was soon cleared after driving this car home for the first time. Since then this car has been a joy to drive. Have 68k miles and no problems so far. The ride is fairly soft but not boat-like like the Camry, i.e. you still feel connected to the road. Has the poise of the Mazda 6 but more power, and doesn't handle like a boat like the Camry does. The steering is great but a little heavy. You always feel in control of the car, especially at high speeds the car feels solid. I've drifted it a little once before and it felt really solid. 175HP feels good, enough power to drive confidently and get you up to speed quickly when you need it. Road noise is fairly well tamed, wind noise is less than tire noise. Engine is loud revved over 4k though, and the note is unrefined. This doesn't really bother me though.

I think ABS should be standard at this price; it's lacking on the 2.5S. My only other peeves with the car are small: The gap between the front wheels and the body is noticeable larger than the back, which looks kinda odd. Also the body seems to scratch and ding very easily, although the paint job looks nice. My steel wheels have rusted and I've seen a lot of Altimas that have the same - easy to fix by painting over it though.

The dark-blue tinted front headlight covers look really badass. I have the tan colored interior which looks very classy. I like the soft faux-leather textured plastic that covers the dash board. The gauges and controls look very attractive, uncluttered and easy to access. Car has tons of room inside, very comfortable seats for long journeys. Rear seats fold down and car can hold 2 bikes or a drum kit plus 2 passengers and driver :). Plenty of storage compartments and cup holders. NDSS sound system is surprisingly good. Overall the interior is well thought out.

Lastly I'd like to add that if you want to drive this car like a maniac it you will enjoy it. This car seems to be liked to be redlined :) . So it's a great cross between a comfortable family cruiser and fun-to-drive car for younger people. My next car will probably be another Altima....read morehide

Pros

Great Fuel Economy

Cons

Wish i got the 3.5 for the extra power

Purchased As Used

overall this was a great car. I'm in college and i wanted to get a new or used car. I saw a nice 2005 silver Nissan Altima S and it caught my attention better than any other car at the lot, even the newer models. Even when i drive up to a newer model altima i wouldn't trade the one i have for the newer ones. Some people say that it feels light when you drive, mine came with 18inch rims so the extra weight eliminated that problem. The engines kinda loud, but to be honest i kinda like it, it makes it sound strong and mean. At 175 horsepower it sure feels like a lot more. The interior was like 90% black which i liked a lot and it felt really roomy on the inside....read morehide

Pros

Great Value, trouble free, confortable

Cons

Noisy engine

Purchased As New

When it came time to replace my Infiniti I30, I looked long and hard and various mid size sedans. I was determined to purchase a vehicle with a V6, but my wife persuaded me look at some of the 4 cylinder models. For the price the Altima 2.5S seemed to offer the most for the dollar. It now has 38,000 miles and except for regular oil changes and rotation of the original Continental tires, it has never been in for any service what so ever. It rides smooth and quite. No body rattles. It is ergonomically comfortable. The gas mileage has been extremely good. We have taken several very long trips with out a hint of trouble. How else can I say VERY RELIABLE. If only Chrysler could build such a car...read morehide

Pros

The Altima is a great,sporty looking vehicle and gas mileage is good

Cons

The ride is rough,too many small problems and two recalls

Not at all what I would expect from a Nissan,this was my 3rd Nissan purchase and I have been very unhappy with this vehicle!!!!

Pros

very good fuel economy. get 24 city and 31 highway

Cons

i have no complaints

i purchased my 2005 altima a month ago. and i got to say i find this car to be real nice. the only thing bad i would have to say about it is the radio doesn't have a good reception. the look of this car is outstanding. i have 2 kids and i must say this car has the room that i have been looking for. i glad i made a good choice.

NISSIAN IS THE WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!...read morehide

Pros

good stereo

Cons

Wont start

Had my 05 Nissan almost a year and have had problems with it starting. Took it into nissan and said there was nothing they could do to help me. So I went and traded it on a 2006 Honda Civic. I will never buy another Nissan again( I have had 2 ).

Pros

Very good ride,lots of power for a 4 cylinder,roomy interior,great looks.

Cons

Noise,Noise and more Noise! Engine is WAY to loud! Too much road noise.

Bought a new 2005 2.5S and could not deal with the engine and road noise. Totally unacceptable for a car in this price range. Otherwise seems to be a pretty nice car. Also had trouble with the front end after about 7k miles. Seemed to be out of line but had it checked and was told that the tires were at fault. Traded it in for a 2006 Honda civic and never looked back....read morehide

Pros

Performance, tight suspension, handling and cornering, interior space and trunk, good looks

Cons

Minor quibble - ride is a little stiff on bumpy roads (fine on highway).

A terrific car. Check out the V6, which has 250 HP. Easily worth the couple of extra grand.

This is a very luxurious and comfortable vehicle. It's handling and performance is exactly what everyone needs.

Pros

Great performance, overall great bang for buck

Cons

Trip mileage report does not match hand calculation

Have two Altimas, 2003 (auto) and 2005 (manual)both are 3.5SE both are great performers and have not had problems, but both have "used" up the tires at around 11k even with rotation.