What Is It?
2005 Nissan Altima SE-R
What's Special About It?
The Altima was one of the first family sedans that successfully blended performance and practicality into a single package. Now that the competition is starting to catch up, Nissan figured it was time to bring out a special performance edition of the Altima that will further cement its reputation as one of the most fun-to-drive family sedans available.
The SE-R takes the already athletic SE V6 model and adds an array of factory performance parts designed to make it look and drive more like a sport sedan. Nissan claims that minor engine tweaks will result in horsepower and torque figures that surpass 250. A performance exhaust with large outlet pipes will add a throaty sound as well as giving the SE-R a more aftermarket look. Suspension tweaks consist of retuned front struts and rear shocks, stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars along with 18-inch wheels wrapped in W-rated rubber.
Additional styling upgrades to the exterior include new front and rear fascias, extended sills and the obligatory trunk lid spoiler. The interior gets a few mods as well in the form of a three-pod instrument cluster borrowed from the 350Z and sport seats with either red or silver leather inserts that match the stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob. Only five exterior colors are offered: black, blue, red, silver and smoke.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Given that the Altima is already considered the family sedan of choice for those who like to have fun behind the wheel, the addition of the SE-R version to the lineup seems like a logical step. With even more power and a track-tuned suspension, the SE-R will have few rivals in the under-$30K sport sedan segment. — Ed Hellwig
2005 Nissan Altima SE-R
What's Special About It?
The Altima was one of the first family sedans that successfully blended performance and practicality into a single package. Now that the competition is starting to catch up, Nissan figured it was time to bring out a special performance edition of the Altima that will further cement its reputation as one of the most fun-to-drive family sedans available.
The SE-R takes the already athletic SE V6 model and adds an array of factory performance parts designed to make it look and drive more like a sport sedan. Nissan claims that minor engine tweaks will result in horsepower and torque figures that surpass 250. A performance exhaust with large outlet pipes will add a throaty sound as well as giving the SE-R a more aftermarket look. Suspension tweaks consist of retuned front struts and rear shocks, stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars along with 18-inch wheels wrapped in W-rated rubber.
Additional styling upgrades to the exterior include new front and rear fascias, extended sills and the obligatory trunk lid spoiler. The interior gets a few mods as well in the form of a three-pod instrument cluster borrowed from the 350Z and sport seats with either red or silver leather inserts that match the stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob. Only five exterior colors are offered: black, blue, red, silver and smoke.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Given that the Altima is already considered the family sedan of choice for those who like to have fun behind the wheel, the addition of the SE-R version to the lineup seems like a logical step. With even more power and a track-tuned suspension, the SE-R will have few rivals in the under-$30K sport sedan segment. — Ed Hellwig
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