2004 Nissan Altima Review - 2004 Altima MSRP, Specifications ...
With its powerful, 245-horsepower V6, the Nissan Altima 3.5 SE is one of the hottest cars in its class. It delivers stunning acceleration. Punch it in any gear and it takes off, with nimble handling and brakes to match all the thrust. The V6 turns the Altima into a true sports sedan, especially when paired with the five-speed manual transmission, and the suspension and brakes are tuned appropriately for the job. The Altima 3.5 SE is arguably the best performer among mid-sized sedans, and among the most fun to drive. While it rides well in most circumstances, the Altima 3.5 SE can feel stiffer than some of its competitors, particularly when it's crossing a rhythmic series of bumps or pavement joints. It's not quite as smooth as the Camry or Accord, and the driver and passengers might feel a bit more vibration through the pedals, steering wheel or armrests. Overall NVH (or noise, vibration and harshness control) doesn't quite match the best in class, thanks partly to Altima's emphasis on exhilarating performance. With every car, designers (and buyers) have to make choices.
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With sport-tuned suspension paired to that sprightly V6, the Altima 3.5 SE handles aggressive driving demands better than the base Altima and also better than the more sedate choices in this sedan category.
2005 Nissan Altima SE-R - Test drive and new car review - 2005 ...
V6 liter engine, the Altima is a speeding ticket waiting to happen. So it's no wonder that the power gains for the SE-R are modest: just 10 extra hp and 2 lb-ft of torque. There's more to the SE-R than power, though - you also get a stiffer suspension, jazzed-up interior complete with leather seats, 18" wheels and performance tires, some extra body cladding, and a 6-speed manual transmission (a 5-speed automatic is a no-cost option). The SE-R costs $2,250 more than the otherwise top-of-the-line Altima 3.5 SL (which isn't available with a stick-shift). As with most package deals it's a bargain for all you get, provided you want it all.