2006 Nissan Altima 2.5L: Trim Details Revealed

Marie A
Mar 7, 2021

2006 Nissan Altima With White Background

When you need a reliable sedan that’s endlessly comfy, you’ll just love seeing just what the 2006 Nissan Altima has to offer. But which trim level will serve you best? It all comes down to your personal preferences. The 2.5L is heavily favored though, and for good reason.

What does the 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5L base trim level offer?

With the 2.5L base trim, you get plenty of power without compromising on fuel efficiency. As the lowest level trim, it won’t break the bank either, which leaves ample money left over to fund your road trips.

That’s not the whole story either. There’s so much more you need to know about the 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5L. Thankfully, we’re here to help you out with this informative article.

Oodles of Reliability — and a Lot of Fun, Too

To fulfill the need for a reliable mid-size car, Nissan released the Altima in 1993. Meant to replace the Stanza, this car features comfortable seating for five and a capable 150 horsepower DOHC engine. You could get either a four-speed automatic gearbox or opt for the much sportier five-speed manual.

Since its first generation was a huge success, they opted to roll out the second gen in 1998. Although it was more of the same, it instantly gained a loyal following of individuals who love its sensible build.

The third gen hit showroom floors in 2002 using an all-new platform, built specifically for North American models. The new platform was bigger to give the car a wider footprint and much more room for its passengers.

The smart upgrades continued through the fourth, fifth and sixth generations. Through the years, they’ve made the exterior styling even more modern, while increasing the power to perfectly complement its build.

Much More than a Base Model

Through every generation, Nissan always gave the Altima multiple trim levels, allowing you to fine-tune your ownership experience to your needs. Coming in at the end of the third gen, the 2006 model was offered in the base, SE, SL, and SE-R trims.

Although it doesn’t have the flash and raw power of the SE-R, there’s something truly charming about the 2.5L base model. With 170 horsepower, the 2.5L four-cylinder engine is plenty powerful, for starters.

The five-speed manual makes for a spirited drive, too. And it never compromises on fuel efficiency. In fact, you will enjoy an EPA-estimated 24 MPG while tooling around the city and up to 31 MPG on the highway.

The spacious cabin space is comfortable for both front and rear passengers, which makes it easy to go on long road trips with the whole crew. Since the trunk has an impressive 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space, everyone can bring along all their gear as well.

Since it doesn’t have tons of extra features, the price is truly affordable. Beyond that, the 2.5L base trim is easy to find in every color offered, including the stunning Majestic Blue Metallic.

Time to Buy a Nissan Altima? Get Help From Vehicle History

If you’re looking forward to buying a 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5L, get ready for inspections and test drives galore. You should also gear up to complete tons of Vehicle History checks using their license plate numbers or VINs. With help from those reports, you can avoid cars with a long history of collisions, title issues, and other problems.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ben G on June 29, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5: A good car with minor issues
A good, solid car for in town driving. The only problem I have had is the tire pressure indicator light constantly stays on, despite telling a Nissan dealership to fix it. Additionally, the low fuel light turns on way before it needs to. As for features, it won't have any newer features such as a backup camera or Sirius, but it does have basic features like tire pressure warning lights, miles remaining of fuel, and an aux cord port, which is great if you want to play music from your phone. Reliability wise, I spend about 700 per year on regular oil changes and repairs. I did have to replace the breaks last year. Finally, it is a somewhat comfortable ride.
accountCircle Marie J on April 26, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 the best!
I purchased my vehicle in 2008. I loved my car it was easy on gas I would say in California my gas would be about $60 but it would last me for a good 3 weeks! It runs very smooth and not a lot of hiccups. You do have to be mindful of your maintenance. If not your car will end up with multiple issues as I have experienced but that is my fault not the car. Moving forward the car is very spacious with much leg room. I would say you could fit about 5 ppl. The trunk has a lot of space! The sound system is average nothing fancy. I would say all in all this vehicle has lasted for me to this day. Truly a reliable care.
accountCircle Angie F on May 21, 2021
The 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 has been a great car for my family!
My car has been very reliable for me. We have 3 people that normally ride in it and 1 is a baby she fits very well with all of her stuff. So overall it is great for comfort. I don't have that many features just the basics but that is fine with me. I get regular maintenance on the car so it runs really good for me. I do have a lot of miles on it, so we have had to replace and have things fixed that go out in time. But that's what happens with most cars. Overall my car has been a great car for me and my family.
accountCircle Hannah G on July 20, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 reliability.
I have had good luck with my Altima. If you keep up on the maintenance you really will not have any big issues. My only concern was how quickly the rear shocks needed to be replaced. It also has a pretty small turning radius which makes parking or sharp turns quite difficult. This was my first car and I think it is safe and reliable. It rides 5 comfortably. Another issue about this car was the lack of aux input so I was unable to play music from my own devices.
accountCircle Lana E on April 13, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5. Great gas saver and family car.
I have a Burgundy Nissan Altima. It has normal wear and tear. Low mileage. No check engine light is on. It has never been driven out of Mississippi. I take good care of my car. All new tires are on the car. Just had an oil change. It is a great gas saver. Family car. I have owned the car for a year now. The seats are very comfortable. A/C and heat works very good. There are no problems with my vehicle.
accountCircle Matthew C on August 21, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 I have had for three years.
I have had my car for three years, it has 155000 miles on it and it runs great. It is been reliable in the winter also, but of course I had to put some work in to it. I needed to change the brakes front and back. It power locks and power windows, it is also has heated seats for the winter. I just recently did more maintenance to my vehicle, such as tune up, oil change, tire rotation.
accountCircle Joseph J on June 22, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 are a very truthful car
I been driving this car for over ten years, and never had give me any problems, it still runs good, and the only time that I have spent money on it, is the normal stuff such oil change, brakes, tires and other minor details, never had a problem at all with the transmission, or the engine at all, overall is a good and reliable car.
accountCircle Abby W on May 21, 2021
The Reliable 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5
This care extremely reliable and has lasted 13 years! The engine is solid. The back seat is spacious and the trunk is a nice size. Over the years, the car does show rust easily and there is now a rust hole in the bottom of the passenger side floor. The gas tank cover has stopped opening with the lever as well.
accountCircle TJ H on August 12, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 a nice sized car that'll run forever, as long as you take care of it.
I would highly recommend an Altima to anyone who is looking for a dependable vehicle. It's not the fastest or best handling car on the road but it is more than capable of anything you would need. Only complaint might be that it handled poorly when it snowed in Texas, but it does not snow often
accountCircle Joe B on August 8, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 potential improvements in the future
Mostly happy with the vehicle. Some problems are that it overheats sometimes but it's okay. Also it feels like a very big vehicle verses a small one. This makes parking tough sometimes. Another thing is that this car has small turning radius so it makes it hard to fit into tight spots.
accountCircle Kayla E on May 6, 2021
Great Reliable 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5
The car is really good on gas. Doesn't take much to fill it up. Drives really nice and is a good size. Long-lasting and a great first car for teens. Seats are very comfortable and spacious. Nice sized trunk. Easily susceptible to a couple starter issues but nothing to serious.
accountCircle Alice B on March 30, 2021
Silver is truly gold: A review of my 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5
I love everything about my car from the interior to the exterior. The gears move comfortably and it has great miles on it. I love the ease in the steering, the ease in the shifting and the ease in the driving itself. It's also really easy to turn in the car.
accountCircle Rebecca K on May 25, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 great gas mileage. Super comfy.
Amazing grocery getter. Gas mileage is good for the year. Perfect for a small family or someone who has to travel out of town frequently. Only downside is you may have trouble finding it in a busy parking lot as many people have cars that look very similar.
accountCircle Marcia B on July 25, 2021
The amazing 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5
My Nissan Altima is very dependable. I love my car. It's the best on the market. I wouldn't be afraid to drive it anywhere. Gets great gas mileage as well. Besides being dependable it's also a very beautiful car. Has great features, cold air and hot heat.
accountCircle Phyllis C on March 28, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 is just an average car that gets me to and from work.
My car gets me to and from work. My car also allows me to run errands. As far as my car performance it has a few problems here and there. My car runs pretty good when everything is fixed. I am comfortable with my car, It really do not have any features.
accountCircle Natasha A on June 30, 2021
Work project 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5
CV axle, brakes, rotors, hub bearing passenger side rear driver side handle broke, transmission fluid change, transmission filter change, oil change and oil filter change. Brake fluid change, windshield wiper fluid, engine maintenance sensor replacement
accountCircle Andrew T on March 23, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 broken down car still trying to stay alive.
Got a used Nissan and after 1 month of getting it checked and saying that it was fine. The battery died, the engine blew as well as the alternator. The car was still reliable after those things were fixed. I didn't have any more problems with it since.
accountCircle Samantha N on April 28, 2021
2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 gets the job done.
The car is okay gets a lot of work done a lot of the time. Service engine is on most of the time. Breaks go very easy, and gas gage is broken.
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