2005 Nissan Altima Review (continued)
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Summary

This third-generation Nissan Altima was launched in 2002 as an exciting alternative to the otherwise ordinary mid-size sedan segment. And it remains the cure for the common car. Now with a new interior, the 2005 Nissan Altima has addressed our biggest complaint with this car.

The Nissan Altima's bold styling is backed up by strong performance. On a fun-to-drive scale, the Altima 3.5 SE tops the class of mid-size cars, but the fun doesn't come at the expense of practicality. This car is bigger and roomier than most mid-sized sedans, with comfortable accommodations front or rear, and plenty of space to haul stuff.

Altima is loaded with personality, and it offers a combination of virtues that's hard to beat. Anyone shopping for a mid-size sedan should look closely at the Nissan Altima.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Nissan Altima 2.5 ($17,200); 2.5 S ($19,050); 2.5 SL ($23,400); 3.5 SE ($23,100); 3.5 SL ($26,900); SE-R ($29,200)
Engines:	3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6
Transmissions:	5-speed manual
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual front airbags, active front-seat head restraints, emergency inside trunk release
Saftey Equipment (optional):	front side-impact and front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags, anti-lock brake (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, traction control
Basic Warranty:	3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled In:	Smyrna, Tennessee

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Nissan Altima 3.5 SE ($23,100)
Standard Equipment:	air conditioning, AM/FM/CD with six speakers and speed-sensitive volume control, cargo net, automatic headlamps, fog lights, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, eight-way power driver's seat, power windows with front auto-down, power mirrors, power locks, cruise control, intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry with remote trunk release, 60/40 split rear seat with lock, tilt steering column, steering wheel audio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, sun visor extensions
Options As Tested (MSRP):	ABS and Side Airbag Package ($800) includes anti-lock brakes, side-impact and side-curtain air bags; Leather Package ($3000) includes leather seating surfaces, padded leather armrest cover, simulated leather door trim panels, heated front seats, auto-dimming mirror, heated outside mirrors, HomeLink universal transceiver, automatic climate control, one-touch power sunroof, Bose audio system with eight-speakers AM/FM/CD6, trunk lid trim
Destination Charge:	560
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	27460
Layout:	front-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	250 @ 5800
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	249 @ 4400
Transmission:	5-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	21/26
Wheelbase:	110.2
Length/width/height:	191.5/70.4/57.9
Track, f/r:	61.0/61.2
Turning circle:	38.7
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	40.8/53.0/43.9
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	37.6/52.7/36.4
Cargo volume:	15.6
Payload:
Towing capacity:	1000
Suspension, f:	independent
Suspension, r:	independent
Ground clearance:
Curb weight:	3227
Tires:	P215/55VR17
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/disc with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake distribution
Fuel capacity:	20