2005 Nissan Altima SE-R Road Test Car Review

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2005 Nissan Altima SE-R Road Test
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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

<img border="0" src="car_images/2005NissanAltimaSE-RRoadTest1.jpg" alt="2005 Nissan Altima SE-R Road Test">
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.

<img border="0" src="car_images/2005NissanAltimaSE-RRoadTest2.jpg" alt="2005 Nissan Altima SE-R Road Test">
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.
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.

<img border="0" src="car_images/2005NissanAltimaSE-RRoadTest3.jpg" alt="2005 Nissan Altima SE-R Road Test">
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: his 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 store you cell phone

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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.
Statistics wise the Altima is hardly a poser, just like the students who got accepted into college before me because they had a higher grade point average.

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It is one thing to have the numbers; it is another to be able to do something with them. That is the problem with this Altima. It has an A average for essentially being a four door 350 Z, harsh ride included. And, when you compare it to the competition from Toyota, Acura, or even the supercharged Pontiac it looks capable of moving to the head of the class. But when given the assignment of providing an enjoyable ride, performance, and enough cargo capacity for a family it comes up short. Furthermore, with its "I made the honor roll" sign affixed under the rear spoiler it makes it pretty much impossible to ignore, especially to the police. I would spend a similar amount and get the lower keyed Infiniti G35 and be ready for the next grade level.
Family conference: We cannot recommend this SE-R Altima unless you have tested the competition from Nissan first. We like the Maxima and the G35 better. The harsh ride, pricing, and interior noise make it a difficult vehicle to love unless you enjoy life on the edge. For a list of all vehicle and motorcycle websites go to http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/auto/index.html

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