Nissan's most popular car is its Altima, a mid-sized front-wheel drive sedan, and the 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5 is the base model.  It comes with a 2.5-liter, 175-hp I4 engine and only a 5-speed manual transmission.  It is sparsely equipped, but does come with power windows and locks, power steering, intermittent wipers, a tachometer, and a tilt and telescopic wheel.  Air conditioning is not offered at all, and a radio/cassette or CD player is optional.  In 2005, the Altima S gets a reworked front end, new smoked head and taillights, more chrome trim, and a reworked dashboard.

Dual front airbags are standard in the family sedan, which features split-folding rear seats that open onto a roomy 16 cubic foot trunk.  The 2005 Altima 2.5 features front and rear independent suspension and disc brakes, with no option for ABS. Foglights can be added.  At 24/31 mpg, owners love the fuel economy, and families like the roomy interior.  Drivers say the 4-cylinder is surprisingly peppy.  Some road noise and the lack of ABS brakes, even as an option, are downsides of the 2005 Altima 2.5.