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Used 2003 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
440 reviews

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1.75 out of 5 stars

2003 2.5 4 cylinder Altima

bclark_1, 03/25/2011
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
34 of 41 people found this review helpful

This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I feel I got scammed. The engine used oil from the day I bought it, with only 33,000 miles. The massive oil consumption only got worse. I took it to the garage and was told the catylatic converter had fell apart and went into the engine causing it to destroy the engine. I was informed this is a common problem with this vehicle, due to the recall on the sensor that causes this to happen. Obviously this is a factory defect. I contacted Nissan to make them aware of my problem and received no reply. Be aware of this problem.

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5 out of 5 stars

Better than an Acura

Casey Doe, 11/26/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

I traded in a 2001 Acura GS-R Integra for a 2003 5spd V6 Altima. There is a huge difference in every aspect. The Altima is much more powerful, the Altima has a much smoother clutch, much roomier, more solidly built and so far much more reliable. I will never purchase another Acura. I bought 2 and had nothing but problems with both of them. The Altima is an incredible value.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best car I've owned

Deborah Aucoin, 05/12/2017
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

This was a great car. I've had it 10 years. It's has excellent pick up and has a very powerful engine. This car has driven like it is brand new up until just about a year ago.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Sad To See It Go

aarena, 07/31/2018
updated 01/31/2020
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful

This has been one of the most trouble-free cars we've ever owned. We tend to buy low-priced, high-mileage cars and run them into the ground. This 2003 Altima was purchased for $3000 in 2013 with 130k miles on it. It has had no major repairs. At 230k miles the car was totaled or we would still be driving it. In 5 years and 100,000 miles it has had a battery, an alternator, front brakes and a muffler hanger welded back together. Even with the base 4 cylinder the car was lively and fun to drive. The seats were comfortable for long drives. An aftermarket stereo and the original speakers rattled the windows. It was a simple, reliable, enjoyable sedan.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Mechanical mess

vtagirl, 02/14/2010
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This car looks very nice, but is a mechanical nightmare. Every sensor on this car starting going bad at 50k and catalytic conv at 80k. Nissan said cat ruined engine and needs a new engine (bad placement of cat). Lots of other people with same problem...would not recommend this car. Also own a Infiniti G35...no problems..think the problem is with set up of the Altima. If your under 80k Nissan will only fit cat, not your engine :(...They know about the problems but don't care.

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