Faults:

Bought used off-lease from Nissan dealer at 89,000 km.

Transmission required replacing at approx. 150,000 (slipping 1 to 2 shift - first gear to second always a bit jerky with this tranny).

Steer yoke went in second year year - relatively cheap, quick to fix.

Foam strips on radiator housing under hood disappeared in second year - can't replace without replacing housing (totally ridiculous).

Followed routine maintenance schedule to the letter and continue to do so.

Catalytic converter needs replacing (212,000 km). Not burning any oil, top marks on e-test up to this point. Never ever used oil or gas additives (except methyl hydrate in winter.

Seems that you spend a lot on brakes on this car; both routine servicing and rotor/pad replacements, and my driving is almost all highway with little braking involved ($'s).

The original tires (Continental) were not a good choice - both for handling, mileage, but most of all road noise - switched to Michelin Primacy MX4's - much, much quieter, safer, more precise steering and now use winter tires in winter (Blizzaks but will switch to X-Ice soon).

General Comments:

Handling excellent.

Fuel mileage fair to good for a 4-banger (I'm averaging 9.8 to 10.1 litre/100 km on hr 120 km/h trips), but this engine compromises more for power vs. mileage in its displacement class. Power more than adequate for a 2.5 litre.

Not burning a drop of oil at 212,000 km - going strong so far.

I'm a big guy and it's got adequate room - comfortable on long trips - really appreciate the power adjustable driver's seat - only thing I'd change is a bit more lateral support.

I can live with the all plastic interior for the price. Centre console hinges snapped (I put too much weight on it - my fault).

Tons of rear leg room - much better than Camry/Accord.

Price/value point is definitely superior to Camry/Accord (and they're both excellent cars as well).

Faults:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallresults.cfm?start=1&SearchType=QuickSearch&rcl_ID=07V527000&summary=true&PrintVersion=NO

General Comments:

My 2005 Nissan Altima started stalling out at stop signs, red lights, a drive thru, etc. The check engine light was not on, and mechanics could not diagnose the problem.

This really worried me because I have a 3 year old son I drive around in the car. My biggest fear was making a left turn and it stalling in the middle of an intersection.

Finally when it got harder to start back up, and keep it going once started the check engine light came on. I took it in yet again and he said the code for for the crankshaft position sensor and it was it part of a recall and I needed to take it to the dealer. He gave me a copy of the recall.

From what I read in the recall, it sounds like the recall is for the crankshaft position sensor overheating and causing a problem with the ECM. When I had it towed to the dealer from the mechanic because it was no longer driveable, the service tech explained that the recall only included the reprogram of the ECM, not the crankshaft position sensor, for that I have to pay out of pocket, a little over $200.00. I don't understand why I have to pay out of pocket for something that is apparently defective. I am going to make a claim with Nissan to see if I can get my money back, however will not ever buy another Nissan.

This could have been an extremely dangerous situation, and I was never notified of the recall, apparently they put out groups of them at a time, over a period of time, and I was not slated yet to receive the recall yet. The representative I spoke with, with Nissan said they put it on the news, I must have missed that episode of the news- and worse now it seems like I have to fork out $200+ for a defective part.