2003 Nissan Altima Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Once a frumpy wallflower, the Altima is now a car to be desired.

Pros

Sports car power in a midsize sedan body, high level of features, explosive V6 engine, distinct styling.

Cons

Shabby interior materials, overboosted steering, no stability control.

What's New for 2003

After last year's debut to critical acclaim, Nissan's midsize sedan receives minor changes for 2003. Two new exterior colors, Sonoma Sunset and Crystal Blue add pizzazz to the wardrobe. There's a new charcoal seat fabric, padded cloth front center armrest cover (genuine leather on leather-equipped vehicles) and bright titanium interior accent colors for all models to spruce up the interior. The 2.5 SL receives a standard automatic transmission, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and simulated wood trim. For the 3.5 SE, there is a Sport Package, which includes a sunroof and spoiler, and a Sport Package Plus, which includes sunroof, spoiler, Bose audio system and HID headlights. The 3.5 SE Leather Package now includes a Bose audio system, sunroof and heated seats, while the Leather Sport Package adds a spoiler and xenon headlights. Finally, a new 3.5 SE Premium Leather Package sports all of the above plus throws in fake wood to boot. How can you go wrong?

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

awesome

Written by: margie on 05/27/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)

Review

I loved my Altima. I only had it 7 months but it drove so smooth, was fast and handled curves very well. I no longer have it, it was totaled after a serious accident I had. I survived but my beautiful Altima did not. It was the best vehicle I had ever had.

Favorite Features

All the hands-on controls, the sleek style and the driving is smooth. You don't realize you're driving fast.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing-I loved my Altima.

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Nissan Altima 3.5l SE Review

Written by: bunk22 on 05/03/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	8

2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)

I purchased my Altima with the intent of it being my daily driver, 60 miles a day. Previously owned an 04 Maxima and loved the 3.5l engine. The Altima had 47,XXX miles when I bought it and 2.5 years later has 81,XXX miles. It is the A4 model with all leather interior. I change the oil every 4000 miles, rotate the tires and keep it in great shape. The engine is great, very good power to pass traffic or easily accelerate onto a freeway. The engine still runs beautifully; the car handles great; the interior leather looks awesome for 81K miles (though I do take great care of it). My only complaint in 2.5 years is that my 6- disc CD player just gave out.

The 3.5l v-6 motor is my favorite thing. Granted I drive a Tahoe and a C6 Corvette but still the motor in the Altima. The quality of leather is my second favorite thing. Sure, not BMW quality but better than my much more expensive C6 Corvette.

The plastic headlights are fading, even with my dedicated care. The 6- disc CD player giving out is also a cause for concern. It has the Bose sound system afterall.

ok car

Written by: john on 04/22/2009


Performance:	6	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	5
Comfort:	6	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	7

i got this car for my wife for Christmas 2003 car did us right for aprox 3 years brought back to dealer for 3 recalls dealer insisted we need a service when dropping off the car we were not getting suckered for those ridiculous prices we maintain this car like a baby oil change every 3k all the time. after getting car back from dealer for recalls we had numerous problems sevice light would always go on car ran very rough when idling had to get it towed back to dealer 2 months later this went on for a year and a half costing $300 each time sensor sensor sensor every dam sensor seamed to be changed now running ok but the gas mileage stinks 18-22 mpg my wife loves her car i don't too big for 4c

bose stereo, roomy interior heated front seats

has very cheap pleather interior, squeak in front end somewhere orig tires battery and brakes had to be replaced within the first 2 years

A steal at $7800 though some worries

Written by: DavieJ89 on 04/20/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)

I'm a 19 yr old who bought this as his first car, and I've had it for exactly a month now and it has been awesome but I have had a few problems with it. The exhaust emits blue smoke when I rev the engine while idling, and though nothing seems wrong the check engine light will not go off. And thats beginning to bother me. But who woulda thought a 4 cylidner engine could be so powerful yet so efficient? I can reach 0-60 in 6 seconds and I get almost 32 mpg on the freeway, the downside is the 20 gallon tank. The stereo system is amazing for something thats so standard, and the a/c is ice cold. And I always turn heads when I drive by.

The stereo (which i was pulled over for having the bass too loud), the gas mileage, the design inside and out. The luxury of the seats and the ice cold a/c

Make some alloy rims that dont crack so easily,

still a great car

Written by: matthew on 04/15/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

Last report 5-6-08 see Great Highway Car. Still a great car. Holding up decently. Now have 77k miles. My first problem, started to stumble when on highway. Felt like misfire. Checked spark plugs, found #3 did not look good. Replaced all spark plugs and #3 coil pack. Now car is great again. I still get about 27 mph with spirited driving. I run Mobile 1 synthetic oil every 5-6000 miles, does not use a drop of oil. Maintenance easy. A Durango ran me off the road in Dec on snowy road and I ran up a curb. Had to get two new tires but everything else ok. Typical strut clunk but ride not affected so i'll wait to replace. Overall has been an enjoyable reliable and comfortable car on long trips.

NDSS sound system, Great seats, great overall driving experience. Fuel economy decent. great visibility all around, good power for 2.5L, snow traction is good, decently equipped for the base model S, good looking car

Rides slightly harsh, interior a little cheap, Paint should be thicker and less resistant to chipping. I hated the rusted steel wheels so I spray painted black (i see alot of them with rusted steel wheels) and that darn fuel door needs to be replaced (also common) but overall a great car.

2003 Nissan Altima Consumer Ratings & Reviews