Skip to main content

2004
Nissan Altima

Starts at:
$16,850
Shop options
New 2004 Nissan Altima
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
no listings

We're not finding any listings in your area.
Change your location or search Cars.com to see more!

Change location

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn 2.5 Manual
    Starts at
    $16,850
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 2.5 Auto
    Starts at
    $17,350
    23 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 2.5 S Manual
    Starts at
    $18,700
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 2.5 S Auto
    Starts at
    $19,200
    23 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 3.5 SE Manual
    Starts at
    $22,750
    21 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 2.5 SL Auto
    Starts at
    $23,200
    23 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn 3.5 SE Auto
    Starts at
    $23,250
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima 2004 Nissan Altima

Notable features

Long, 110.2-inch wheelbase
Long-window &amp
#8220
greenhouse&amp
#8221
Four-cylinder or V-6
Manual or automatic transmission
Sporty demeanor

The good & the bad

The good

Performance with V-6
Handling and stability
Ride comfort
Interior space
Resale value

The bad

Manual-gearbox operation
Engine noise with four-cylinder

Expert 2004 Nissan Altima review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
After moving to a brand-new, larger platform in 2002, Nissan’s midlevel sedan got minor interior enhancements for 2003. New charcoal seat fabric became available later in the year.

Little has changed for the 2004 model year except for a new Smoke body color and revised emissions standards for the four-cylinder engine. The lineup includes a base 2.5, 2.5 S, 3.5 SE and 2.5 SL.

Option choices were simplified for the 2003 model year. An automatic transmission, simulated wood trim, and heated seats and mirrors are standard for the 2.5 SL sedan. Sport and Leather option packages are available for the 3.5 SE.

As a result of the 2002 redesign, the formerly compact Altima almost leap-frogged past its more costly Maxima sibling and into the full-size category. Principal rivals include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Exterior
The Altima is ample in size, and it exhibits a cab-forward profile. The wheelbase is comparatively long at 110.2 inches, and its overall length stretches to 191.5 inches.

The cabin boasts long side windows and looks huge compared to the car’s hood and trunk. Nissan says the taillights were inspired by “super bikes.” A fully independent suspension is used. Four-cylinder models get 16-inch tires, and V-6-equipped sedans ride on 17-inchers.

Interior
Seating for five people includes separate front seats and a three-place rear bench. The front-seat hip point is relatively high to improve visibility.

Standard equipment includes power windows and locks, a tachometer, a tilt/telescoping steering column, an illuminated entry system, and a split, folding rear seat. The 2.5 S model adds cruise control, a CD player, air conditioning, remote keyless entry and power mirrors. The 2.5 SL gets heated leather-appointed seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a Vehicle Security System and an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system with an in-dash CD changer. The V-6-equipped 3.5 SE has cloth seats and a six-speaker CD audio system. A Leather group for the 3.5 SE includes a rear spoiler and high-intensity-discharge headlights.

Under the Hood
The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 175 horsepower (170 hp in California). A 245-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, which is similar to the one used in the Maxima, is standard in the 3.5 SE sedan. Either engine can mate with a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission, and regular unleaded fuel can be used with both engines. Traction control is available for Altimas equipped with the V-6 engine and automatic transmission, which uses a gated gearshift.

Safety
Antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats and roof-mounted side curtain-type airbags are included in an option group.

Driving Impressions
Altimas equipped with the automatic transmission are more refined than models featuring the manual shift, which is a bit on the clunky side. The Altima steers with a rather light touch, is stable on the road and exhibits minimal body lean. Ride comfort is satisfying as the fully independent suspension deals adeptly with pavement bumps and holes.

Strong performance from the V-6 engine matches excellent response from the automatic transmission, which downshifts promptly and eagerly. Acceleration is even more energetic in models equipped with the five-speed-manual gearbox. The Altima’s seats feel comfortable and pleasantly supportive, and the sedan comes across as tightly constructed.

2004 Nissan Altima review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
After moving to a brand-new, larger platform in 2002, Nissan’s midlevel sedan got minor interior enhancements for 2003. New charcoal seat fabric became available later in the year.

Little has changed for the 2004 model year except for a new Smoke body color and revised emissions standards for the four-cylinder engine. The lineup includes a base 2.5, 2.5 S, 3.5 SE and 2.5 SL.

Option choices were simplified for the 2003 model year. An automatic transmission, simulated wood trim, and heated seats and mirrors are standard for the 2.5 SL sedan. Sport and Leather option packages are available for the 3.5 SE.

As a result of the 2002 redesign, the formerly compact Altima almost leap-frogged past its more costly Maxima sibling and into the full-size category. Principal rivals include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Exterior
The Altima is ample in size, and it exhibits a cab-forward profile. The wheelbase is comparatively long at 110.2 inches, and its overall length stretches to 191.5 inches.

The cabin boasts long side windows and looks huge compared to the car’s hood and trunk. Nissan says the taillights were inspired by “super bikes.” A fully independent suspension is used. Four-cylinder models get 16-inch tires, and V-6-equipped sedans ride on 17-inchers.

Interior
Seating for five people includes separate front seats and a three-place rear bench. The front-seat hip point is relatively high to improve visibility.

Standard equipment includes power windows and locks, a tachometer, a tilt/telescoping steering column, an illuminated entry system, and a split, folding rear seat. The 2.5 S model adds cruise control, a CD player, air conditioning, remote keyless entry and power mirrors. The 2.5 SL gets heated leather-appointed seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a Vehicle Security System and an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system with an in-dash CD changer. The V-6-equipped 3.5 SE has cloth seats and a six-speaker CD audio system. A Leather group for the 3.5 SE includes a rear spoiler and high-intensity-discharge headlights.

Under the Hood
The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 175 horsepower (170 hp in California). A 245-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, which is similar to the one used in the Maxima, is standard in the 3.5 SE sedan. Either engine can mate with a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission, and regular unleaded fuel can be used with both engines. Traction control is available for Altimas equipped with the V-6 engine and automatic transmission, which uses a gated gearshift.

Safety
Antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats and roof-mounted side curtain-type airbags are included in an option group.

Driving Impressions
Altimas equipped with the automatic transmission are more refined than models featuring the manual shift, which is a bit on the clunky side. The Altima steers with a rather light touch, is stable on the road and exhibits minimal body lean. Ride comfort is satisfying as the fully independent suspension deals adeptly with pavement bumps and holes.

Strong performance from the V-6 engine matches excellent response from the automatic transmission, which downshifts promptly and eagerly. Acceleration is even more energetic in models equipped with the five-speed-manual gearbox. The Altima’s seats feel comfortable and pleasantly supportive, and the sedan comes across as tightly constructed.

Safety review

Based on the 2004 Nissan Altima base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Nissan and non-Nissan vehicles less than 10 years old and less than 100,000 miles. (Nissan vehicles less than 6 years from original new car in-service date must have more than 60,000 to qualify for Certified Select.)
Dealer certification
84-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2004
    4.4
    Nissan Altima
    Starts at
    $16,850
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 1998
    4.0
    Subaru Legacy
    Starts at
    $16,895
    23 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas Flat 4 Cyl
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2005
    4.3
    Nissan Altima
    Starts at
    $17,450
    24 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2005
    4.3
    Nissan Maxima
    Starts at
    $27,500
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare

Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.2
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

Had it 20 years!

Next month, our Altima 4 cyl. Will be 20 years old. We bought it new. I never thought I would be able to keep a car this long. It is nowhere near worn out. Has 123,000+ miles, runs smoothly, gets 17 mpg in city driving, from 27-32 on highway, depending on the terrain. I have gotten 32 on level highway. No rust, paint looks good. Interior is in good shape. This has been an amazing car. And it’s not done yet.
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

LOVE IT

This car is awesome so happy with purchase Runs and looks brand new for 16 years old It is a true diamond in the ruff.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Nissan dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2004 Nissan Altima?

The 2004 Nissan Altima is available in 4 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • S (2 styles)
  • SE (2 styles)
  • SL (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2004 Nissan Altima?

The 2004 Nissan Altima offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2004 Nissan Altima?

The 2004 Nissan Altima compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2004 Nissan Altima reliable?

The 2004 Nissan Altima has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2004 Nissan Altima owners.

Is the 2004 Nissan Altima a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2004 Nissan Altima. 86.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.2

Nissan Altima history

Your list was successfully saved.
Your comparisons
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare