Used 2003 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews
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DONT BE FOOLED WITH THIS LEMON MODEL
I purchased this car 5 years ago, paid top dollar for the one year old car. It had all the options on it I was looking for as well as lots of room. This car has had several recalls, all of which have been repaired. However 2 years ago MAJOR probs started when my heat went out. Nissan had NO idea how to fix it. Then just this month my catalytic converted exploded, I replaced and a week later with more probs told it was TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. At 130,000 highly maintained miles this should not be expected from a Nissan. But the Nissan reps I have spoken to, have said it was old and not surprising. I expected more out of a $24,000 car. I have driven Hondas much more. Will never buy another Nissan.
Love/ Hate Relationship
I have been a Nissan fan since I can remember. However, I am sad to say that this is my last Nissan. I have had nothing but problems with this 03 Altima. I must admit that it is fun and peppy to drive (manual) but that is where it ends. I have had numerous issues with it starting in all types of weather. It has been in the shop 7 times for this issue. Also, the entire sub-frame corroded and had to be replaced. There has been all sorts of loose bolt noises ever since. Let's not forget the "rocking seat," constant squeaks, rattles and shimmy. There's lots of outside noise (even with new tires). I just don't feel safe driving it. Finally, it's extremely easy to be broken into. Hope this helps!
- BaseMSRP: $4,280130 mi away
- 2.5 S SedanMSRP: $2,900133 mi away
- 2.5 SL SedanMSRP: $3,995150 mi away
Almost there
I have been very pleased with this car. Seats are very comfotable, tons, of space, plenty of power. The biggest negative is a slow shifting automatic transmission that I haven't adjusted to yet. The interior plastic dash and door panels are very cheap materials (but you can see that when you chose the car). The cup holders are worthless. Stereo is great and exterior styling is great.
I Would Have Gone With the Honda Accord
This was the second Altima we had in our family, the first being a '96. I'm glad I was not the one who bought the car, because I hated it. Simply put, the interior of the car is one of the worst I have seen in a long time, far worse than any interior you have seen in a GM product. Sure, it was purchased on a great deal, but the combination of mouse-fur seats and Tupperware plastics was a huge letdown. Too bad the car didn't have a manual transmission, as I'm sure it would have been fun to drive with some involvement. Still, I'm glad I didn't spend the money on the car...
Good-Bye Nissan
Overall, I have been very disappointed at this car. Paid top dollar for it, very roomy and loved the dealership. This car, though, would have costly repairs FREQUENTLY even after I took very good care of it as I followed the maintenance schedule. After being told that I needed to put in about $3,000 in repairs to replace catalytic converter, replace rack and pinion and alignment and then of course their additional suggestions such as fuel injection service and engine oil flush, I decided to get a new car. I have had enough! I'm looking at the Sonata, Camry and the Accord. Hope to have better luck with another car.