The Nissan Altima III 2.5 i 16V (175 Hp) represents a significant iteration in Nissan’s mid-size sedan lineup, produced from 2002 to 2006. This variant occupied a central position within the third-generation Altima (L31 chassis), offering a balance between performance and affordability. It was designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers seeking a comfortable, reliable, and reasonably powerful family sedan in the North American market. The Altima III aimed to compete directly with established rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, offering a distinctive blend of Japanese engineering and American market sensibilities.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Altima |
| Generation | Altima III |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 i 16V (175 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2002 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 175 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 245 Nm @ 4000 rpm (180.7 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | QR25DE |
| Engine displacement | 2488 cm3 (151.83 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1350 kg (2976.24 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 440 l (15.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l (20.08 US gal | 16.72 UK gal) |
| Length | 4860 mm (191.34 in.) |
| Width | 1790 mm (70.47 in.) |
| Height | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1550 mm (61.02 in.) |
| Rear track | 1555 mm (61.22 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Type of gearbox | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Altima III 2.5 i 16V is the QR25DE engine, a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine is a naturally aspirated design, utilizing multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The QR25DE was a significant upgrade over the previous generation’s engine, offering improved power and refinement. The engine’s architecture prioritized reliability and ease of maintenance. The 5-speed manual transmission paired with this engine provided a direct and engaging driving experience. The QR25DE engine was known for its relatively smooth operation and decent responsiveness, although it wasn’t considered a particularly high-performance engine. Nissan engineers focused on optimizing combustion efficiency and reducing internal friction to maximize fuel economy and longevity.
Driving Characteristics
The 175 horsepower and 180.7 lb-ft of torque delivered by the 2.5L engine, when coupled with the 5-speed manual transmission, provided adequate acceleration for everyday driving. While not a sports sedan, the Altima III 2.5 i offered a respectable 0-60 mph time in the low to mid-8 second range. The manual transmission allowed drivers to fully utilize the engine’s powerband, providing more control than the available continuously variable transmission (CVT) option. The gear ratios were well-spaced, contributing to a comfortable cruising experience on the highway. The engine felt most responsive in the mid-range, making it suitable for passing maneuvers. Compared to the base 2.4L engine, the 2.5L offered a noticeable improvement in performance, making it a popular choice for drivers who desired a bit more power. The steering was light and precise, contributing to a confident feel behind the wheel.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Altima III 2.5 i typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and cloth upholstery. Higher trim levels, such as the SL, added features like leather upholstery, a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. The interior design was functional and relatively spacious, offering comfortable seating for five passengers. Optional extras included a navigation system and premium sound systems. The 2.5 i trim generally represented a mid-range offering, providing a good balance of features and value. It was positioned above the base 2.4L model but below the more luxurious SL trim, appealing to buyers who wanted a step up in performance without the higher price tag of the top-tier model.
Chassis & Braking
The Altima III utilized a front-wheel-drive platform with independent front suspension (wishbone) and a multi-link rear suspension. This suspension setup provided a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The braking system consisted of ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, coupled with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The steering was rack-and-pinion with hydraulic power assist, offering precise and responsive steering feel. The chassis was designed to provide a stable and predictable driving experience. The suspension tuning prioritized comfort over outright sportiness, making it well-suited for everyday commuting and long-distance driving. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Nissan Altima III 2.5 i was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliable engine. However, some critics noted that the interior materials were not as upscale as those found in some of its competitors. Fuel economy was considered average for its class. Compared to the base 2.4L Altima, the 2.5 i offered a noticeable performance improvement, making it a more appealing option for drivers who prioritized power. Compared to the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Altima offered a slightly more affordable price point and a more distinctive styling. The Altima aimed to offer a more youthful and dynamic alternative to the more conservative styling of its Japanese rivals.
Legacy
The QR25DE engine proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant, and many Altima III 2.5 i models remain on the road today. The engine is known for its longevity and relatively low maintenance costs. The Altima III helped to establish Nissan as a serious contender in the mid-size sedan segment. In the used car market, the Altima III 2.5 i is often sought after for its affordability, reliability, and comfortable driving experience. While not a collector’s item, it remains a practical and dependable choice for budget-conscious buyers. The QR25DE engine’s robust design and readily available parts contribute to its continued viability as a daily driver. It represents a solid example of Japanese engineering focused on practicality and long-term ownership.
