Used 2003 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Patience is a virtue
I looked for two months for the right car. I narrowed it down to the Altima 2.5S, Camry LE and the Sonata LE (fully loaded).Each car has advantages.I finally made the decision to buy the Altima and I am extemely happy. I got it for a few hundred under invoice. The Camry was to plain and I just could not flush my money on the Hyundai. The Altima is large, powerful, roomy, plenty of power features, and lots of storage space. The 175hp 4cyl is responsive and the gas mileage is good. I have never been happier with a new car purchase. The color is polished pewter. I highly recommend the Nissan Altime for looks, power and quality.
NO BUYERS REMORSE HERE!!
I searched for a year, to find a car I could love for 5 years or more. The Altima 2.5S was that car. I looked for a 2002(checking for a deal), and couldn't find one, cheaper than a 2003. Whoever, says they are not holding there own on re-sale, try looking in Arizona. They are hanging in there with the Honda's and Toyota's. Which there body styles are in no comparison to the Altima's. I got my Altima - I absolutely love it. It drives like a dream. The interior is a little "plasticy" but what do you except for a car in that price range. Honda wasn't any better.
- 3.5 SE SedanMSRP: $4,500334 mi away
- 3.5 SE SedanMSRP: $9,980440 mi away
- 2.5 SL SedanMSRP: $3,995564 mi away
great car but too many problems
i have had 2 scary instances with this car where i was driving with my foot on the gas and the car started slowing down by itself which is scary.i brought it to the dealer they said there was no gas filter in the car to ice crystals were forming in the tank. It makes you question why wasn't it put it when it was made.Also i have had the O2 sensor replaced 2 times and it has trouble starting in winter. when you get tires for it there is only one brand availible called continental which aren't that great either. but i love the way the car looks on the inside and the outside just to many mechanical problems.
Disappointed!!!!
We bought a new Altima (4 miles)in Mar 03. In June, the car would not start. The dealership sent a tow truck to pick up the car. The tow truck guy told us that we had to press on the gas while trying to start the car. He did this for 5 minutes and the car started. The dealership tells me that the keys lost their programming and thus the car could not possibly start w/o being reprogrammed. Nissan is full of crap. If the keys were the problem then the car should have never started. Anyway, the car couldn't start again in October. Nissan was not as accomodating this time, so I am getting rid of my Altima and never again will I buy a vehicle from Nissan.
The Family Sports Car
Just bought this car this week, but was very impressed with the exterior styling, engine, interior layout, and competitive price. Steering and handling is exceptional, and up to this point, haven't found any shortcomings with the vehicle anywhere. Nissan's financing program on the Altima is exceptional at the present time. Hope reliability is as good as my 1983 Datsun Pickup (I still drive and use) that has over 300,000 miles on it. So far, a Great Car.
Love my Altima
I love my 2003 Altima! I have over 20000 miles on it and have only owned it one year. I enjoy driving it and have received many compliments on my vehicle. I have even helped 3 people I know decide to buy one. Fun car for a good price!
theresas review
fun car to drive. love the look and feel safe.
dont buy black
I love this car.....but I ahve owned other black cars and not had near the problem I am having with this car. I think it is a pretty cheap paint....I know it looks great clean but with this paint it is impossible to get rid of water spots!
Nissan Hits Jackpot
After owning an older Altima and having NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER for the 130K miles (sold it above Edmunds.com's estimate for Private Party), I have bought my 2003 2.5 S in October, 2002. Already put 6,000 miles on without ANY problems. Love the powerful 4 cyl., the steadiness at speed on the road and in the curves, the comfort and space inside. The outside design is a winner, leaving Toyota and Honda scrambling at the drawing boards to catch up. Price was fantastic (about $4000 less than any other car in this category). BUY ONE and KEEP IT as long as you need and... ENJOY!
Taking Over the Flagship
Nissan says that Maxima is their flagship. Having owned my Altima for a mere six months, I'd argue that point. The dramatic new body style and sleek design drew me to the car at first sight. I owned two Sentras before buying my Altima and those lasted from 1988 through 2003. After 15 years, I don't think Nissan could have given me a better car to replace my Sentras with. Forget the Maxima, choose the performance and fun and downright sexiness of the Altima! I LOVE mine! Michael Stevens Brandon, MS
Altama,s + and -
Had my 2003 Altama for a few months now, but yesterday was a different situation for me. Iwas driving in the right lane and about 5 cars to my left were next to me coming on pretty strong. The lane merged into one lane to the left. Well.For the first time i had the car i hit the accelerator all the way.WOW!!!!! I saw the pack of cars in my rear mirror, quite a car. FORany person buying a altima get the 6 not the 4. Also before you buy it have the dealership take those Brigestones off and replace them with Goodyear r/s GTs. the Brigestones are garbage.Also very comfortable car, stiff suspension but its a hell of a road car.
WILL OUT RUN A 5 BMW
LOVE DRIVE WITH MORE POWER THAN NEEDED. BUT WHEN NEEDED( WOW)THE WHOLE CAR
EXCELLENT
GREAT CAR, VERY RELIABLE AND FUN TO DRIVE
I own a yugo with a nissan sticker on it
I bought this nissan hoping to step up in class from my ford escort, only to find numerous problems, including, transmission slippage, caused by gear ratio setup not correct. In the suspension system, I noticed extreme dampening during braking intervals on hills. My microfilter worked terribly. I would say I loved the gas mileage. Some would say 12 mph for the highway might not be acceptable, but after experiencing this car, I was just thrilled it was able to make it to a gas station. Never again will I buy a Yugo..oops I mean Nissan
Nissan Has A Winner
A fast, powerful and fun car to drive. Steering at times gets dicey. Large turning radius makes for awkward turning maneuvers. Owned several ZX's and this car is just as strong...lots of interior room and cargo space
Altima is almost the ULTIMATE
I did quite a bit of research prior to buying a new car and am very glad that I did. This is my first Nissan and it may not be my last. I have owned the Altima since July 2002 and thoroughly enjoy driving it. It is stylish, comfortable, spacious, fairly economical, and so far reliable and solid. I highly recommend the Nissan Altima to anyone looking for the above stated needs.
fun car to drive
I have had the best time driving this car,it is fast and very comfortable. Everywhere I go people always turn there head to look at it. For once I have a cool car says my 10 year old son.
Great Car!!
It came down to 2 cars for me..the '03 Altima and the Volkswagon Passat. Although I liked the Passat more physically, i felt that both cars were very comfortable and drove well. In the end, I bought the Altima because I didn't feel the price difference was worth it. I traded in my 1993 Nissan Altima GXE and bought the 2003....Love it so far.
Very happy & proud.
This automble has never had any trips back to the dealer for any problems of any kind. It is fun to drive (zoom)! This 1s the first 4 cyl. auto I have owned that realy preforms and very kind on fuel up to 31+ mpg. I do recommend having the dearler do any scheduled servicing. I'm 80 years young and still enjoy driving.
Nissian Kicks A**
I cannot say enough about my Nissian. I even gave her a name, Ali. The performance is outstanding and the design, well lets just say everyone stares and checks my car out. This is the first new car I have ever owned in my life and I can say, that I am a proud owner of a Nissian Altima. The V-6 is the way to go if you like a car that can get up, go, and keep up with the rest of them. This car is 100% fun, reliable, and just plain awesome!
Former Camry Driver
Having just traded in my 1998 Camry LE, I'm quite pleased so far with the Altima 2.5 S. It drives smoothly and picks up speed very quickly. It was also more advantageous to purchase the S model and add leather from a source outside of the factory installed leather.
The "real" four door sports car
Nissan has finally hit the mark! This is a true sports sedan. I'm 6'6" tall, and I can completely stretch my legs in the driver front seat!. This car is a true joy to drive, and a real sleeper. I had no idea just how quick this car was until I got behind the wheel. It rides very well, and handles better than my 99 Mustang GT. I recommend this car to anyone.
Love my Nissan
I got the 2.5SL. I feel like im driving a Lexus. I love the leather. The radio says the song it play. Its loaded. I love it.
WOW says it all..
I just bought our new Altima today. As an ex auto sales rep (Infiniti), Nissan has created a car that rivals its luxury line. The power of the 4cyl. was impressive and the interior ride was smooth and above all...the road noise was inexistent.
Buy This Car
I've only owned this car for 2 months but feel it will be a car I will fall in love with. It has all the features of a expensive vehicle with a attractive cost.(If you negotiate)I paid $20,207 for the S model with the Convenience Plus package. I feel the price was very fair for me. Great sales staff at Waikem Nissan in Canton.
Dependable, Powerful and Sporty
I bought an Altima 3.5 SE just over 2 years ago and haven't been dissapointed. This car continues to impress me. The car has excellent handling, power, torque and is extremly fun to drive. Although, I'm sure the 2.5 version is fine, the V-6 is the only real way to enjoy this car. I've seen reviews that say the interior quality is subpar. I, however, dissagree (at least with the leather interior model). If you're looking for a powerful, roomy, and well-styled car...then the Altima is your choice! The Accord and Camry just don't have the performance this one has.
Altima's Look "fine"
I bought this used at 61,000 miles and I love the look of my loaded Altima. It's an SE so it's great on corners and holding the road. The car looks great! However, It has draw backs with ride and mechanicals. I had a clunking under the hood and I tried to find anything that would make the same noise when I went down the road. I found so much plastic that rattled. Thought for sure I'd cure it. But no. It ended up being the strut. Now, 10,000 miles later the left strut is clunking. I also had the brake pedal stick during the winter and the brake lights stayed on and I was stranded with a dead battery. The car is all show. Not a car for a non-mechanical person.
Nissan Altima 3.5l SE Review
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.
Great Car All the Way Around
I bought my 2003 Altima because my 1989 Altima was on it's last legs at 190000 miles. It was a great car and my newer one is even better. We do not take car of our vehicles as we should with constant maintenance but they have kept performing anyhow.
Great new car
I love the interior of the vehicle. It is roomy and is very comfortable. It is a smooth ride.
2003 3.5
My 2003, 3.5 Altima has surpassed all of my expectations. For a $23,000 sedan, I am very pleased with its comfort, passenger room,performance and great mileage(Averages 24 mpg combined city/highway). So far(9000 miles),the quality is very good. This is the first Nissan I have purchased after owning a number of Toyotas and other foreign sedans and SUVs. For the price, I don't think any other vechicle in its class delivers a better value in a "fun to drive" sedan.
I've owned it for only 3 months
After only 3 months of owning and almost 9000 miles all I can rate is the highest number. I average 22mpg city and 26-28 on long trips/air conditioning. Everything on it is as perfect as can be and I could never improve on anything. Road noise is very quiet also.
NICE CAR
VERY HANDSOME AUTOMOBILE. VERY ROOMY INTERIOR AND VERY COMFORTABLE. THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH POWER. THE RIDE IS VERY SMOOTH AND QUIET.HAS MANY NICE ELECTRICAL FEATURES. I RECOMMEND IT.
satisfied customer
I was very pleased with the new look. But the inerior could have be alittle better made. The quality of the carpet is poor. The carpet under the seats is very poor made. I was really suprised at how the carpet feels. It is not very well put together. I had a 1995 althima and it felt better the carpet was of better quality. It seems the put a lot of money in the design and compfort. But was willing to skip on the interior.
One fault
I really enjoy driving this car. If Nissan would only make it a rear wheel drive design, I would be in heaven. Love the 3.5 V-6 and its power. Handles nicely and gets looks every where I go. Nice job!
altima
i love this car....
The Ultimate
I have completly enjoyed my Nissan Altima, I owned a Nissan Quest for 5 years and it had over 200,000 miles when I traded it in and it was still doing great, I just wanted a car. It has a lot of pick up for a 4cyl. It has a very sporty feeling (gotta love those tail lights). I have gotten alot of compliments on its look and how it rides. I love it!
Couldnt be Happier
I purchased my Altima after having a Sentra for a little while. I absolutely love the car, and couldnt be happier w/ my nissan products. I absolutely love the car, the gas mileage is great and the car runs excellent especially on long rides.
The ride
I have been very satisfied with my Nissan Altima. I test drove the leading cars in this price range and found the Altima to be the smoothest most comfortable ride.
very comfortable car
This car has a big car feel, yet it handles very well. The front seats feel very comfortable and the 4-cylinder engine is powerful. The car feels very tight(no rattles or squeeks).
fun with shep
our altima, named shep, is beautiful,sleek,comfortable,roomy and luxurious. we live outside of charleston, sc; entering the ramp to the freeway, shep glides to 70 mph without a sound or effort. if we don't use the cruise control, we risk a speeding ticket, because she takes off so smoothly, you don't notice the 110 mph at all:)) listening to sarah vaughan on the bose sound system is like being in carnegie hall.
nissan 3,5 altima all purpose
i've had my car for seven years now and no problems at all ,people that dont like the interior must be really spoiled mine has leather and bose sterio and it is just great I had acura TL and it wasnt as nice as my altima , the power is great especially when your already going thirty to Sixty MHP it gets up and goes .
Great Car!!!
Great Car!!! Love this car!! I've had it a little over a month and this car is a blast to drive. Hope to own this car for a very long time.
My experience
Love to drive this classy car. Great handling and amenities - temperature controls, lights, radio and cd controls on the steering wheel, etc. A great car to own.
Awesome Car!
I am very impressed overall with my recent purchase of a 2003 3.5SE V6. Car is roomy, comfortable, outstanding acceleration and handling. Bose stereo pumps. Even being a former Corvette owner i am still very satisfied with the Altima's performance. Trunk has ample room to fit skies/snowboard and anything else i would transport. To sum it up..It is a great car that meets my need for speed and practicality.
Nissan 3.5 Fun on Wheels
I own the Nissan 3.5L 2003 and let me tell you its been a gem so far. Its fun to drive and has a ton of power. I would strongly recommend this car to folks that like high horsepower and a not so high car payment.
New NIssan Altima 2003
just purchased the vehicle. give it style and performance points, but build quality sucks. after driving 50 miles 'Service Engine Light' lights on, replaced fuel sensor/pump unit after taking off back seat/fuel tank cover?? some creaking noise already, probably some interior panel?? Let's see if I bought a lemon here.
Great Car
I feel very secure in this comfortable and solid car. It drives like a dream and the mileage is great.
Nissan Altima
The altima 2.5 4 cylinder performs very well. It is very good on gas highway/city. It had great storage area.
Solid performer
The Altima 3.5SE is a solid performer. It's great fun to drive and fast as a shot. It handles great and has plenty of interior room. The exterior styling is hard to beat and much nicer than any of it's competition.