Used 2003 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews
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My 2003 Altima is a LEMON
Bob Loblaw, 06/12/2005
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Knock in engine started at 10,000 km. complained several times...was told it was normal. Engine replaced @ 61,000 km A strange water rushing sound in the dash. Several trips to the garage to figure it out...now it's back again. Struts were gone at 30,000 km. Dealer says they are ok. I've been in sub- compacts that ride much better. Total Brake at less than 35,000 km. Dealer charged me $1000 to repair. Doors squeak - constantly greasing them. Right door buzzer switch fell off. The door latches freeze on cold mornings and door won't shut. need to wait for car to warm up to shut door. Steering seized up and had to have the steering knuckle replaced. Simply a LEMON
Great Car, I miss it!
macfie87, 06/01/2011
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used at 62K miles and loved it, until it was recently totaled at 150K. Everything was great, except for a few problems as its mileage got higher. Had to have a throttle replaced and it was about 800, but that was really the only major problem. It was needing a new alternator and a new shift lock, but I fixed those myself. Everything else was AWESOME! And airbags deployed and engine shut off automatically...great safety features.
2003 Nissan Altima for sale near you
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Just Loving It !
bremax, 12/06/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my new Nissan about 6 weeks now. I was a little skeptical...gong from a Camry which I leased for 3 years and liked very much to a Nissan which I purchased. After all why mess with a good thing? I have to say however, so far I am totally satisified. I am really enjoying my Altima. It has a nice smooth ride and I am very comfortable driving it.
Ultimate Altima
comjoe2, 11/04/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent, beautiful looks
Will buy another
Shelfish, 06/30/2005
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very nice car in general, not overly fancy, but still a good looking car. I never have wondered if it was going to start. I will buy another Nissan next year, and the only major thing I will change is the addition of leather seats.
nissan altima 2003
lisa1972, 06/12/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love this car, i have a 5 speed manual and i have only had the car since march 2003 and the leather in the stick shift got a tear in it, besides that i am happy with it. can you suggest how to get it fixed?
Terrible Experience
GregoryZ, 12/16/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just traded in my '03 Altima for '03 Accord. I owned 2.5S model and regret the day I bought it. Poor build quality, fuel economy is terrible (due to A/C always working - known issue in all Altima's.), reliability and resale value are low. I used to be a loyal Nissan owner, not any more...
Good and Reliable car
Imncognito, 07/24/2005
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car new. It had only 8 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I have been satisfied with the car ever since. It has great power for a 4-banger car considering other 4 cylinders I had researched during 2003 With 175 hp, it still remains amongst the top of 4 cylinder cars in 2005. I am 6 ft. tall and I sit comfortably in the car. Very roomy. I love the exterior styling of the car. I have not had any mechanical problems with the car thus far. I am a satisfied consumer with the price that I paid for this car. It is a fun, everyday ride. I think I would consider buying another Altima in the future if the styling is still appealing but I might go with a V6 the next time around.
Excellent third-time buyer.
fred, 06/12/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 3rd Altima and am devoted. Has power like nothing before. Very comfortable to drive.
Mi Caro
Mari326, 12/30/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, I love my car, however, it's performance in snow is poor.
Front Bumper
Joyceb5, 03/04/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very, Very disapointed in quality of bumper. Snow bank damage suffered and have to go to a body shop for repair. Dealership could not fix. Can't believe all the plastic on this vehicle. Will be sending a letter to Nissan Corporate, will trade in as soon as feasible & will not recommend nor will I purchase another!
Somewhat disappointed
Daniel in Florida, 03/08/2009
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've driven this car for 2 years. Plenty of power, very pretty car to look at from outside, feels pretty plush inside. Corners well. But unfortunately I have had a spat of maintenance problems. I've had to go to the service 4 times in the last 6 months, for a total of $2500, for various things the car computer reports. Had to replace the A/C compressor at 80K and 4 years of age, but that seems too soon. I was faithful to Nissan having had a new Sentra for 10 years, a used Maxima for 7, both performed well and required minor maintenance. But this last one has left sour taste, and I will now try another brand. I think the 3.5 motor in Altima frame is part of problem.
Nissan 3.5 Fun on Wheels
awireless1976, 10/22/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Dissapointed with 03 Altima
harkel, 01/27/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the vehicle for 18 months. In which time I have had to replace the tires twice and evidently the only tires available for this model are the ContiTouring and they are very cheaply made tires. I have had to have the driver side window mechanism replaced 3 times and it is going into the shop this week for another repair. Also, the driver side door latch will not work, which means the door cannot be opened from the inside. At 15000 miles I replaced 4 tires and then again at 30000. I have had to have wheel bearings fixed at 22000 miles.
Nissan Altima 2.5s
Monique, 07/17/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
To consumers looking for a safe, fun, reliable and roomy vehicle, choose or test drive a nissan altima. I'm telling you this car is so comfortable, drives so smooth and is a sweet looking car for the price. I would reccomend this vehicle to anyone. The gas mileage is excellent and with all the options you can't go wrong.
one of 3 best cars for money
theodore popee, 12/30/2005
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car has more bells and standard features than accord or camry. best buy for a 4cy lots of room in rear seat and trunk
Great Car
ZCT, 10/04/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only had the car for a week, but I've driven over 1000 miles already. The Altima is an excellent car. For the money I think it is best in its class. I would recommend one strongly.
quick and roomy for the price
elephantfoot, 02/20/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for the room, style and power. It is very powerful for a 4 cylinder drives very easly and gets good fuel economy. I have only found a couple faults with this car first being that the tires from the factory really suck,(noisy and flat spot easily) second is with the charcoal fabric, shows dirt and lint all the time and is prone to prematurely wear out. Otherwise is and excellent buy for the money!
I won't go back to a Honda!
finegirl_591, 07/17/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car!! The ride is totally different from a honda! I have owned two honda's. The altima has so much more power and looks better also.
Review from a test driver only
Bett1e, 08/31/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove the Nissan Altima 2002 today (8/31) and I have to say I was very impressed. The car looks awesome. The paint looks questionable though - how long will it last? The V4 hesitates like most 4 cylinders. The V6 more than makes up for it. The car is definitely fun to drive.
New NIssan Altima 2003
PacificDolphin, 01/29/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
MOBO39, 10/22/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I feel very secure in this comfortable and solid car. It drives like a dream and the mileage is great.
AWESOME CAR
STEVEN HESTER, 02/26/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
GREAT OVERALL CAR! AFOORDABLE! DEPENDABLE AND RELIABLE. A CAR WITH A LOT OF CLASS
Excellent 2003 Altima
DarekB, 03/18/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car because of value, exterior styling, roomines, best in class engine power and torque, and very good experience with previous Nissan cars. The handling and accelaration are very good - even with the automatic transmission. The interior is very roomy and airy. Visibility is good and the safety features are abundand. My car has ABS, side airbags, and side curtains, so I feel quite safe driving it. Very good experience with Brasso Nissan dealer in Calgary.
best
billlotida, 10/05/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
overall a nicely designed and built car, that can take on the best Toyota or Honda can throw at it.
why did I buy this thing ???
PUNISHER7, 03/26/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had to take this car in twice to have the d/s window serviced in the first 4 months of owning it. I have been affected by almost every recall on this thing and there have been about 5. The road noise has gotten to be unbearable and now the d/s window causes this reverberating sound when I drive at speeds above 60mphs even though the window is all the way up. I will never buy another Nissan product after I dump this damn thing. I should have bought the 03 cadillac CTS instead
stand out from the pack
altima fan, 08/02/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 2 weeks now and I love it. I can't wait until it hits 1200 miles so I can really open it up. I have the black interior. If you scotchguard the seats and carpet you can avoid the lint problem. I noticed a bad seam on the door panel. The dealership has already ordered a replacement door and it will be replaced next week. The car is very roomy, great looking, and so fun to drive. I don't even get mad when I send in my 360 a month.
Great Value!
largo, 04/02/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased vehicle new. Outstanding value for the money. Standard features such as telescoping wheel not even available on Lexus ES300. Spacious, roomy interior. Stretch-out front legroom. Roomy rear legroom. Very powerful 4 cylinder. Test drove a Camry and Accord before purchase. The Altima is the right balance of style, performance and value.
Great Car for the Money
Cocobeann, 08/18/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the Altima for less than a month and it has been a great car. I just drove it out of the city onto the highway this past weekend to get a good feel. It was great! I had great handling on the curves and excellent get up and go. The exterior is very stylish and I get many compliments on it.
I love my altima!
girliegirlaltima, 07/12/2006
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was reading all the reveiws everyone had left about the altima and well i still cant change my mind about the car..I LOVE IT!! Even though since i bought the car about a couple of months ago i have been hearing noises coming from the brakes and the seat. It's funny someone else mentions that. But i still love my altima!
excellent
moonbaby916, 08/14/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the most comfortable, fast, reliable, and a great Design.Fun to drive and very comfortable for long trips. very economic.
MY NEW NISSAN
CHRISTY, 08/06/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
MY EXPERIENCE WITH MY NEW ALTIMA HAS BEEN A VERY GOOD ONE.I FEEL THAT I MADE A GOOD CHOICE BY BUYING IT.IT IS A 3.5 WHICH MAKES IT THAT MUCH MORE FUN TO DRIVE AND LET ME TALL YA IT HAS THE POWER TO MOVE AND HANDLES THE ROAD VERY WELL.TO ME THE ALTIMA HAS COME ALONG WAY I FEEL LIKE I'M DRIVING A SPORTS CAR.
Great car, great price
Jay from Chicago, 09/05/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the 2003 3.5 SE, and have been just completely blown away by how improved the interior is over the 2002, as well as how comfortable and fun to drive this car is. I've never owned a Nissan before (Honda & Toyotas mostly), but this Altima has me won over!! And, best of all, due to an error by the dealership, I got this one at slightly over Invoice!!! ;) The only downer is that Nissan doesn't run any financing specials on Altimas, so the Rate is a little higher than I would have liked, but I can live with it!
Nissan Altima
Chiquita Steward, 10/22/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The altima 2.5 4 cylinder performs very well. It is very good on gas highway/city. It had great storage area.
Excellent car!
MsABQ, 08/16/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. Lots and lots of room, very beautiful, classy looking car. Many people thought it was a Lexus when I first purchased it.
Altima 2003 S
A to the J, 04/22/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have absolutely no complaints. This is my second Altima. The first was a 2000 SE. My 2003 S is twice as comfortable, stylish, and fun to drive than my first for about the same price. My first Altima only needed the basic maintainance (oil change, tire rotation, etc.) while driving it for over 75,000 miles. I expect this one will be the same.
I'm Loving It
urgirlang, 03/31/2009
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought it used with 98400 miles on it. It's the first car I ever bought with high miles. I just hit 100000 miles a few days ago. I know it hasn't been a month yet, but it's probably the best car I have owned. Everything else I have owned were American cars. I've had a Ford Escort, Mercury Cougar, Dodge Neon, Pontiac Grand Am. I like the fact that it has a Timing Chain instead of a belt. I love driving it! The only thing is that I don't see a difference in gas considering my Grand Am was a V6 and this is a 4 cylinder. It seems like I got more mileage out of the V6.
MY 03 ALTIMA REVIEW
SMLTWNGRL, 05/04/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
GREAT ACCELERATION FOR A 4CYL, VERY ROOMY, EVERYBODY COMPLIMENTS ON LOOKS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
My Best Friend
terrie169, 08/16/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I first bought a '99 Altima in 2000 and fell in love with it.I only had the '99 for a year and a half.I wanted a different style and much newer. I had seen the '03 on tv and just kept saying that was my next car, and sure enough in sept '02 I bought a 2002 Altima, had nothing but problems, so in dec '02 I traded that in for 2003 Altima and was the best choice ever.Have not had any problems whatsoever.I love the ride it gives, very comfortable. If I was to trade this one in I would either get another Altima or a Maxima or a Murano.Nissan is my type of car and will always be.
great car for money saved life
altima guy03, 05/11/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bouth the car almost a year ago and was involved in an accident where no one can beleve that im alive and was able to walk away from it. i am definately going to buy another nissan and now two more family members are buying one
2003 Altima is terrific.
Altima Fan, 09/05/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a great car! My fiance happily dropped off her lemon (a 2000 Olds Alero) and picked up one of the nicest cars on the market. We fell in love with this car after test driving many others in its class. The styling and build quality were unmatched.
Solid performer
fastalt, 10/29/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great car
jltucker, 02/01/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
a great car! Really fun to drive, handles wonderfully, the 3.5L V6 really gets out of the gate quick, loads of interior room and trunk space. Loaded with lots of features including outstanding Bose sound system.
OKAY car
m.grisham, 04/10/2005
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The exterior design is eye catching. The car also offers plenty of room for passengers and for luggage in the trunk. It is fun to drive. However, if you are looking for a more luxurious and smoothe ride, then you may want to consider other cars. The car is smooth on well-paved roads but on bumpy roads you will feel all bumps. Overall, I expected more out of this car because Nissan has a good reputation. I am a little disappointed with all the rattles the car has while still under factory warranty. Also, tires are a problem. Have replaced and the car still shakes when driving 78 mph or more. When first purchasing the Altima, thought after 1 yr. maybe moving to a Maxima but now won't buy.
I had to have one!
Ebon25, 10/22/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I finally decided to buy a new car. As I had seen the new Altima recently, I had to have it. I do a lot of travelling about the city and state, so I rack up on the miles. I love the fuel economy. I receive compliments on the exterior and the interior design. I am very well pleased with my choice of a new car. I had always felt that I would always drive a SUV, but the Nissan has forever changed my view. If I do trade it in, I will definitely purchase another Nissan (most likely the newest Maxima)...
2003 Altima
EMK, 02/03/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was between this car and a new Honda Accord. I test drove both and actually preferred the Altima over the Accord. I thought the features inside were better & the exterior just blows the Accord away. Overall I have been very impressed!
Awesome Car
Nealy27, 04/11/2005
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome! First time I drove it I didnt want to park!!! I test drove several other competing cars ( Mazda6, Camry, Honda) and there the Altima. Performs great and is alot of fun to drive.
awesome
margie, 05/28/2009
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
What I think
1Tommy1, 10/22/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car handles well, fun to drive, yet very praticle. I went to tail gate and had room for chairs table Bar-b-q pit and all the goodies. For the money it is my "Best Buy". Acceleration is perfect on any grade. I am not left wanting for power in my driving experience.
Extremely Satisfied
New Black SE, 11/01/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm a former Neon owner so this was a huge step up for me from what I was used to. I have less than 100 miles on it so I can only speak from limited experience. All 10's except for 2 9's: 1) Fun to Drive- very fun but I am extremely cascious being new to all this horsepower. 2)Fuel Economy- good gas mileage but shouldn't of made it require premium.