2005 Nissan Altima SE-R Published 07/21/2005

Maturity really is not all it's cracked up to be.

Trust me, as the years go tumbling by, the more I appreciate the passions of my youth. Even though I recognize the need for responsibility, reliability, value and safety in automobile, I still get a thrill from horsepower, a fine tuned suspension and a throaty exhaust note. Maybe that's why the 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R seems so mature to me.

Let's start from the beginning. There may not be a more practical four-door sedan for the value minded adult driver in America. Starting at less than $20,000, the base 2.5 S four cylinder Altima provides an adequate 175 horsepower powerplant amid nicely equipped surroundings. Even the base Altima rides on Z(r) inspired independent suspension and power four wheel disc brakes. Amenities such as remote keyless entry, along with tilt and telescoping steering wheel make even the base 2005 Altima a mature choice for a mid size four door sedan.

Stepping up a notch to the Altima 3.5 SE drivers are rewarded with more power for an entry level of $23,300. The luxury 3.5 SL based at $27,100 really places the Altima fairly close to the Maxima in amenities and power.

But for about ten grand more than the base four cylinder Altima, a responsible yet fun-loving driver can experience the ultimate 2005 Nissan SE-R. Starting at $29,350 this is the ultimate performance tuner model directly from the factory.

Exterior styling in notable for the unique front and side fascia and functional dual exhaust tips. This aggressive look and distinctive SE-R badging are clues that this may look like a conservative Altima but a youthful spirit lurks within.

A very nice interior awaits the driver with the distinctive three pod center stack gauges reminding you that this is no ordinary grocery getter. Aluminum pedals and sport leather bucket seats are welcome additions to this upscale Altima.

Successful companies find a marquee engine that often powers a variety of vehicles. Chrysler's Hemi can be found in the Ram truck, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300 and even the Jeep Cherokee. It's a popular and versatile powertrain. The engine for the 2005 Corvette is the 6.0 L V-8 named the LS2. You can find this massive 400 hp engine in the Pontiac GTO, Cadillac CTS-V as well as the Chevrolet Corvette.

Several years ago Nissan developed what is now their marquee 3.5-liter VQ engine. In various applications the engine produces from 240 to 300 horsepower. It's the "Z-Car" Engine, but it is also found in the Nissan Quest, Murano, Maxima and Altima. It is the only engine that has received the "World's 10 Best Engine" Award from Ward's AutoWorld for the last 11 years.

In the 2005 Altima SE-R this engine produces 260 hp and 251 lb. ft. of torque and is mated to a six speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is also available. The more I drove this enjoyable vehicle the more I fell in love with the throaty exhaust sound accompanying each shift of the gears near red line. Front wheel drive with horsepower means limited torque steer in hard acceleration but this is an exceptionally well-behaved vehicle.

Suspension is noticeably firmer and more responsive than its siblings, but not to the point of being uncomfortable on daily highway drives. Huge 12.6" front vented disc and 11.5 rear disc brakes bring this 3,335 pound athlete to a controlled instant stop.

Any 2005 Nissan Altima will give you the satisfaction that you made a wise and mature choice for your transportation needs. Opting for the street tuned SE-R model simply means that you haven't given up on the passion of driving yet. Mixing responsibility with fun may be the ultimate mark of maturity. The 2005 Nissan Altima SE-R certainly keeps the passion alive while driving an affordable family racer.

2005 Nissan Altima SE-R

Front wheel drive
Mid size four door performance sedan

3.5 Liter DOHC 24 Valve 4cyl Engine
260 hp 251 lb. ft. torque

MSRP as tested $30,090
EPA MPG 20/28

Additional Web only Information and Resources

For Additional Reviews: