*** Specifications and prices contained in this article are based on US products ***
Good points: Engine, appearance, and handling
Needs improvement: Torque steer, traction, visibility, road noise, numb steering
The problem here is that you pay nearly as much for the Altima SE-R as you do for the more upscale and powerful Nissan Maxima and potent and balanced Infiniti G35. In other words, you pretty much must fall in love with the look of the Altima SE-R to justify buying it.
This Altima did not overly impress us. It does look sharper than the other Altima's and you get a significant more enhanced sporty suspension, but other than that there isn't too much to recommend it over it brethren. The five speed manumatic transmission works well, the 3.5-liter V6 produces horsepower and torque at 260 and 251 respectively, and you can order a six-speed manual all of which make this Nissan's hottest sedan. However, we like the 175 horsepower four cylinder Altima better or even the nearly as frisky standard 260 horsepower V6 basically due to their easier handling and less frantic behavior under full acceleration. The extra poke of SE-R just didn't make it a better car for us especially since it costs nearly $5000 (US) more for the extra 10 horsepower, trim, brake, and suspension upgrades. For a more complete listing and option costs go to www.nada.com
This SE-R is going to appeal to those individuals looking for something different and who enjoy the more bolted down suspension and tighter wound engine.
Mom's view: This was one of my least favorite vehicles to park. It has a huge turning radius and the high trunk and wide C pillars restrict side and rear visibility. The torque steer is significant and if there is any moisture on the street at all hold on strongly to the wheel if you need to accelerate. If you live in areas where snow is a possibility driving this Altima would be a chore. Definitely order the traction control unless you own a tire business because it is very easy to repave any road with a coat of rubber with this feisty Nissan.
Overall, I found the heated seats uncomfortable despite the eight way adjustments, and wind and tire noise were significant. Even the fuel economy isn't great, as we barely got to 18 mpg in mixed driving. The Acura TL and the supercharged Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 4dr Sedan are the SE-Rs most direct rivals they share almost all of the Nissan's shortcomings such as a large turning radius and suspension shudder over rumpled roads. The supercharged Pontiac is the least expensive of these and the Acura the most expensive. I encourage you to test drive each of these front wheel drive hotties because they are all quite different in feel, but all of them proffer the same purposeful intent.
Of all the Altimas, the SE-R looks the most full of itself with a different grill, larger18-inch wheels and tires, a spoiler, fog lights, and larger exhaust tips. There are enough visual clues to readily separate the SE-R from its less aggressive looking brother, but the most undesirable is the large gap between the low profile tires and the fenders, especially in the front.
Inside, the SE-R has a sharp looking interior and offers optional side-impact airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags. The dashboard's three-pod instrument layout, a three-spoke tilt-and-telescoping steering with audio controls, trip computer and lots of little storage areas is quite nice, if not understated. A trio of HVAC controls and gauges for miles-per-gallon, oil pressure, and the alternator-charging rate adorn the center of the dash. Unfortunately, the gauges are very difficult to read and thus largely for decorative purposes. It is a competitive look and when viewed with the aluminum pedals and silverish trim clearly showing more restraint than is usual for Nissan if you can ignore the bright two-tone extra cost leather seats. I found the stereo controls to be overly complicated, especially for a performance vehicle such as this when you need to keep focused. No doubt, over time this would not be a problem and there are alternative controls.
Good points: Engine, appearance, and handling
Needs improvement: Torque steer, traction, visibility, road noise, numb steering
The problem here is that you pay nearly as much for the Altima SE-R as you do for the more upscale and powerful Nissan Maxima and potent and balanced Infiniti G35. In other words, you pretty much must fall in love with the look of the Altima SE-R to justify buying it.
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| 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R (photo: The Car Family) |
This SE-R is going to appeal to those individuals looking for something different and who enjoy the more bolted down suspension and tighter wound engine.
Mom's view: This was one of my least favorite vehicles to park. It has a huge turning radius and the high trunk and wide C pillars restrict side and rear visibility. The torque steer is significant and if there is any moisture on the street at all hold on strongly to the wheel if you need to accelerate. If you live in areas where snow is a possibility driving this Altima would be a chore. Definitely order the traction control unless you own a tire business because it is very easy to repave any road with a coat of rubber with this feisty Nissan.
Overall, I found the heated seats uncomfortable despite the eight way adjustments, and wind and tire noise were significant. Even the fuel economy isn't great, as we barely got to 18 mpg in mixed driving. The Acura TL and the supercharged Pontiac Grand Prix GTP 4dr Sedan are the SE-Rs most direct rivals they share almost all of the Nissan's shortcomings such as a large turning radius and suspension shudder over rumpled roads. The supercharged Pontiac is the least expensive of these and the Acura the most expensive. I encourage you to test drive each of these front wheel drive hotties because they are all quite different in feel, but all of them proffer the same purposeful intent.
 |
| 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R (photo: The Car Family) |
Inside, the SE-R has a sharp looking interior and offers optional side-impact airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags. The dashboard's three-pod instrument layout, a three-spoke tilt-and-telescoping steering with audio controls, trip computer and lots of little storage areas is quite nice, if not understated. A trio of HVAC controls and gauges for miles-per-gallon, oil pressure, and the alternator-charging rate adorn the center of the dash. Unfortunately, the gauges are very difficult to read and thus largely for decorative purposes. It is a competitive look and when viewed with the aluminum pedals and silverish trim clearly showing more restraint than is usual for Nissan if you can ignore the bright two-tone extra cost leather seats. I found the stereo controls to be overly complicated, especially for a performance vehicle such as this when you need to keep focused. No doubt, over time this would not be a problem and there are alternative controls.