2004 Nissan Altima Review
Bigger and faster than other mid-sized sedans.
2004 Altima Review Summary & Specifications
The Nissan Altima stands out for its bold styling, and its bold design is backed up by strong performance. On a fun-to-drive scale, the Altima 3.5 SE tops the class, 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.It doesn't lead the class in overall refinement, but the Altima is loaded with personality, and it offers a combination of virtues that's hard to beat. No one should buy a mid-size sedan before looking closely at the Nissan Altima.
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| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | John Rettie |
| Model Lineup | Nissan Altima 2.5 ($16,850); 2.5 S ($18,700); 2.5 SL ($23,200); 3.5 SE ($22,750) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Engines (optional) | 175-hp 2.5-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 245-hp 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual front airbags, active front-seat head restraints, emergency inside trunk release |
| Safety 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 |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-647-7266 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.nissandriven.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 16850 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Nissan Altima 3.5 SE ($22,750) |
| 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 |
| Destination Charge | 540 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | ABS and 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 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 27090 |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 245 @ 5800 |
| Torque | 246 @ 4400 |
| Fuel Economy | 21/26 |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 |
| Length/Width/Height | 191.5/70.4/57.9 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 38.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.8/53.0/43.9 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.6/52.7/36.4 |
| Trunk Volume | 15.6 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 1000 |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 3197 |
| Stock Tires | P215/55VR17 Bridgestone Turanza |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/disc with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake distribution |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 |
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