At night orange light makes the readouts easy to see and the optional xenon headlights are outstanding. Interior lighting is adequate with dual illuminated vanity mirrors, front reading lights and what I liked most, an illuminated ignition switch. There are also two 12-volt DC power outlets, sunglass storage, auto dimming rear view mirrors, and Homelink. In other words, you get pretty much everything Nissan offers including a sunroof.
Good safety scores have been recorded for the Altima, but make sure you order the optional side airbag, traction control system for $800 (US). There is also the advantage of better handling and brakes.
Dad's view: I truly tried to like this Nissan. I explored all of its advertised attributes and spent considerable seat time trying to figure out what would tempt someone to part with $30,000 plus (US) for this sedan. The standard four-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brakes were a highlight.
The engine was terrific. The automatic transmission was seamless. The interior space was more than adequate. I even admired the fact you could order the SE-R with a six-speed close ratio manual transmission in case the smooth shifting five speed automatic isn't to your liking. I used that suspension to its full capabilities with the speed (overly) sensitive steering, taxed the front and rear sway bars through mountainous switchbacks, and exercised the suspension over severely kinked roadways. So why was I disappointed? Well it isn't the SE-R's fault. It does everything asked of it. What kept me from being enamored was its torque steer; blunt ride over rough roads, and pricing. I just didn't see the need to pay so much more for the SE-R over the non-hot rodded V6 Altima. Of course, buying this type of vehicle is not likely going to be rational decision anyway so I urge you to drive the SE-R on a rainy day and see if you still like it.
Working woman's view: This car is most attractive from the side, but with the large gaps between the fenders and rims it looks under tired. In fact, after careful scrutiny I came away with one conclusion, this is a car designed to capture the impulsive buyer. It has an overtly sporty look, lots of expensive frills that range from leather to xenon to Bose coaxing those prone to exclusivity to override the right brain's influence.
There are plenty of features here. The power windows can be opened with the key fob and have automatic up and down features, the satellite radio option is always a plus, and the CD sound system holds six discs and has an automatic volume control that reacts to changes in speed. Regardless of how many goodies you can load onto your SE-R, however, you still have to live with this Altimas' idiosyncrasies.
Young working male's view: The back seats are quite comfortable, the trunk has a 15.6-cubic-foot capacity and the driving position is excellent. The 60/40 rear seats fold down so you can extend the cargo space in the trunk, and there is even a bi-level compartment in the center console to
store you cell phone. The radio reception is below average with its window imbedded antenna. I highly recommend the satellite option. The feel and fit of the entire car is much better than on earlier models. The 20-gallon tank can get you 400 miles if you are careful with the 3.5-liter double overhead cam V6 engine. The 3300-pound SE-R rides on eight-inch wide alloy rims mounted with very low profile P225/45WR18 tires that are grippy, but with a life span that may disappoint some. The heater works quickly, but the air conditioner is slower and the blower motor lets you know it is working hard.
Good safety scores have been recorded for the Altima, but make sure you order the optional side airbag, traction control system for $800 (US). There is also the advantage of better handling and brakes.
Dad's view: I truly tried to like this Nissan. I explored all of its advertised attributes and spent considerable seat time trying to figure out what would tempt someone to part with $30,000 plus (US) for this sedan. The standard four-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock brakes were a highlight.
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| 3.5-liter double overhead cam V6 engine (photo: The Car Family) |
Working woman's view: This car is most attractive from the side, but with the large gaps between the fenders and rims it looks under tired. In fact, after careful scrutiny I came away with one conclusion, this is a car designed to capture the impulsive buyer. It has an overtly sporty look, lots of expensive frills that range from leather to xenon to Bose coaxing those prone to exclusivity to override the right brain's influence.
There are plenty of features here. The power windows can be opened with the key fob and have automatic up and down features, the satellite radio option is always a plus, and the CD sound system holds six discs and has an automatic volume control that reacts to changes in speed. Regardless of how many goodies you can load onto your SE-R, however, you still have to live with this Altimas' idiosyncrasies.
Young working male's view: The back seats are quite comfortable, the trunk has a 15.6-cubic-foot capacity and the driving position is excellent. The 60/40 rear seats fold down so you can extend the cargo space in the trunk, and there is even a bi-level compartment in the center console to
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| 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R (photo: The Car Family) |