The early 2000s saw major shifts in the midsize sedan segment. Amid the competition, the third-generation Nissan Altima emerged with bolder styling, more cabin space, and a serious punch under the hood. One of the more talked-about trims, especially for buyers on a budget but unwilling to compromise on performance, was the 2004 nissan altima 2.5 s engine.
It’s a model that delivered surprising value with everyday practicality. Underneath its subtly aggressive frame, the Altima 2.5 S quietly carved out its place among commuter cars that didn’t feel like punishment behind the wheel.
Power Without the Pretension
The 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine didn’t boast wildly high specs, but it knew how to get the job done. With 175 horsepower, it wasn’t chasing records. Still, it gave drivers an engaging ride that made daily errands feel a bit more satisfying. Mated with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, the engine performed consistently well in both city and highway settings. It gave off just enough growl to feel alive, without ever veering into “trying too hard” territory.
Interior Comfort With No Drama
Inside, the Altima 2.5 S had a cabin that felt spacious but never fussy. The materials didn’t scream luxury, but they didn’t feel budget-bin, either. There was genuine room to stretch out, front and back. Its seats struck a decent balance between soft and supportive. For a car in this price bracket, that mattered. A friend once joked his 2.5 S was “more comfortable than his living room couch,” though that might’ve said more about his furniture than the car.
Design That Aged Gracefully
The third-gen Altima didn’t go full flashy with curves and gimmicks. It leaned into clean lines and a slightly assertive stance. Two decades later, it hasn’t aged poorly. The headlights and grille design looked like they belonged to a vehicle with intent, not something slapped together in a rush to meet a model-year deadline. Even the tail end had a bit of character without looking like it was trying to be a sports car.
Storage and Everyday Functionality
What the Altima nailed better than some of its competitors was the way it handled everyday life. The trunk? Generous. Cup holders? Actually usable. Controls? Simple and easy to reach. Too many midsize sedans at the time were busy chasing trends. Nissan stuck with making things work well, and for many buyers, that was the smarter long play.
Why This Generation Still Matters
The Altima from this era, especially the 2.5 S, didn’t just sell well; it built trust. It’s the kind of vehicle you’d recommend to a younger sibling heading off to college or a neighbor tired of unreliable used cars. Sure, it wasn’t packed with tech bells and whistles. But it had what mattered: reliability, balanced power, and a layout that made sense for real people. Nissan’s effort wasn’t about chasing hype. It was about building a car that could last longer than the buzz. And for plenty of drivers, that made the 2004 Altima more than just a decent option, it made it the right one.