DecodedCars2005 Nissan Altima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD /2.5s, 4dr Sedan FWD /3.5 S/3.5 Se, 4dr Sedan FWD /Se-R
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 191.3–192.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,038–3,294 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2005 midsize car (20.6 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints343 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 30 for similar models — most often about the structure:body.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Nissan Altima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,038 lb (4dr Sedan FWD /2.5s).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 29 highway), 17% better than the 2005 midsize car average of 20.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 343 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD /2.5s | 191.3 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 110.2 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,038 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /3.5 S/3.5 Se | 191.3 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 110.2 in | 61 / 60.6 in | 3,210 lb | 62/38 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Se-R | 192.9 in | 70.5 in | 57.9 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,294 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +17% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Altima | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +12% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Altima | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | +2% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Nissan Altima under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Nissan Altima (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 20 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Honda Accord | 28 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Impala | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Malibu | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Nissan Altima.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Nissan Altima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Nissan Altima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Structure › Body — 156 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Engine — 71 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 27 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 115,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Nissan Altima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Altima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Altima | 30 | 192.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 7 |
| 2024 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 41 |
| 2023 Altima | 31 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 30 |
| 2022 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 31 |
| 2021 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 70 |
| 2020 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 161 |
| 2019 Altima | 32 | 192.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 234 |
| 2018 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 226 |
| 2017 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 393 |
| 2016 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 555 |
| 2015 Altima | 31 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 952 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →