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Used 2003 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
440 reviews

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Truly Sumptuous

Another Altima Fan, 08/23/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A very reliable car with lot of and room inside. My friend bought 2002 Honda Accord V6 same time as I bought my 2002 Altima 2.5 SL V4. I drove that car, but could feel some resistence once speed go above 75 mph, but Altima is so smooth, you dont even feel anything and it reaches 85-90 mph

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4.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My New Car

Ben Mendoza, 10/29/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My Altima color is Sunset, it looks expensive, handles like a sport car and is good on gas. My son is over 6ft.,there is plenty of leg and head room,we can fit five, and it being a four door, we can get in and out very easy.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

spaw, 08/26/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The styling is fantastic. The ride is smooth and very comfortable. It handles corners and speed superbly. The roomy interior is a great improvement from earlier models. I have more room than cars in higher class.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

best out there

paulr, 12/09/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I BOUGHT MY NISSAN ALTIMA USED WITH 24800 MILES ON IT. IT WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND I HAVE ALREADY MADE 300 MILES ON IT. THE HANDELING AND ACCELERATION ARE BETTER THAN ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE HAD (03 COROLLA, 03 GALANT) BOTH 4 CYL CARS. NISSAN HAS GREATLY IMPROVED ON THE STYLE, BUT NEEDS TO WORK ON THE ENGING NOISE THAT YOU HEAR WHEN YOU FLOOR IT. OTHER WISE GREAT CAR AND VERY RELIABLE.

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent family/sports car.

Ybelog, 11/19/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is beautiful inside and out. Drives and handles like a dream. I can't wait to get inside this car every time I drive to and from work. The 3.5 V6 is smooth as silk and provides lot's and lot's of power. Inside the car is very spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage compartments and a huge trunk. The gauges are perfectly placed and the standard stereo has plenty of base.

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4 out of 5 stars

Good Car, Room for Improvement

Byamba, 03/12/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall a very reliable car. Nice looking. Strong and fast, probably one of the strongest 4cyl (175 horses) engines I've seen. Fun to drive. Roomy. Interior needs a lot of improvement though. Something could be done to lower the noise. A very good car that needs some refining, so I am looking forward to the 04 version (with standard ABS).

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Worst Car

CWise, 12/26/2004
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I like my Altima very much but their are alot of problems wrong with it. First my car has a mind of its own it starts when it fells like it. Second has a bad water sound of the right side. Third all of this stuff has been checked the water noise was fixed but came back, and the car starting was checked and they see nothing wrong with it other of my friends that have the car say they have experienced this problem even with the 6cylinder engines. Nissan should make this problem a recall on this car.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

ZOOM ZOOM eat your heart out Mazda 6

Altima Man, 03/29/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Quick acceleration great looks bump'n sound system. The car that all the 40 year old men with 16 year old brains wants to drive. Watch your speed, car doesnt like to go 50 km/h, it likes to go 80 km/h. Comfortable to drive for long distances. Great high beams could use white bulbs for night driving. Great family sports sedan.

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3 out of 5 stars

Shop Around.....

Ryan Young, 03/13/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Exterior design is very nice with very nice features and lines. Other than that, if I could get rid of it without losing money, I would do so in a heartbeat.

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5 out of 5 stars

2003 NISSAN ALTIMA - ROCKS!

Speedergurl68, 09/02/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After researching competing models, (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord)the Nissan won hands down!The Toyota Camry was completely overpriced for the options they offered and the Accord was spartan in appearance and performance compared to the Altima. The interior is sleek without being barren and offers the driver convenient features like in steering wheel radio and cruise control along with the trademark dashboard features that Nissan is now famous for. Acceleration is a BLAST! The 4 cylinder V-Tech engine with 170 horsepower offers fuel economy WITH powerful response that is difficult to find in most ordinary 4 cylinder autos.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

A little more power Please

03 Altima, 03/04/2005
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was cheap i baught the 2.3sl, but i still Love my car. It could use a little more power, I love the Bose stero, it rocks. Overall Great Car

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3.75 out of 5 stars

2003 Altima Interior design deficiencies

Haute Harry, 11/22/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Car has nice exterior styling; however, interior materials are way too hard and plastic. Needs soft covering over all door interior sides. Interior lights on dash need to be different colors for different gauges. Difficult to distinguish between fuel gauge, temperature, and shift/gear selector because of same color and close proximity.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Good little car

Altima owner x 4, 09/05/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The car has been excellent. This is our 4th Altima, starting w/a 1993. The Automatic transmission is not as enjoyable as my 99 SE limited, with Manual, but it's easier to drive in traffic. (We have 2 Altima's.) The Dealer has always been excellent, with the exception of high pressure sales. Good and concientious service always provided at dealer price, (of course.)

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5 out of 5 stars

great car!

niles, 06/30/2005
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

this car has been awesome. i have not had any problems with it in 2 years. i still love it as much as i did when i drove it off the lot.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

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.

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4 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Good car, but too much cabin noise

Kim, 09/08/2005
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my Nissan after having a lemon of a Chevy. I haven't had any problems out of it. It has good kick for a 4 cylinder and I've been happy with the gas mileage. I was upset to learn they made GPS available, the tires tend to sleep, but sure why with only 40K miles and the cabin noise is really bad. Overall a good car, very reliable.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Altima 2003

angeljess, 09/06/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Altima. It's a lot of fun to drive, there isn't a lot of outside noise coming in, and it's easy park!

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2.13 out of 5 stars

bob

Bob, 11/30/2005
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After one week had transmision problem, after one month had to replace radiator, after thirty one thousands miles had to replaqce front and rear brakes. The quality and quality control has sliped on this vehicle. Have has six nissan's with no issues but this one has many problems. Also, nissan customer service left a lot to be desired. After six cars nissan should of been more help to this loyal customer.

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5 out of 5 stars

GREAT!

anonymous1, 11/23/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has great power! There is plenty of interior space, though the materials could be better. The Bose is good, but not completely to produce great sound.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Held up on West and East

Rhode I to Nevada, 10/31/2009
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Has been a reliable care up to 113K miles. First (recently), the computer chip that controls the shifting. Second, the struts are now history. However the brakes lasted for 100K miles. I bought this car new in CT and it's not with me in NV. Sslvage life is coming due but I still got a good ROI considering what I paid for it new.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

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)...

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I am in love with my car!!

Stoober, 09/06/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We are big Nisson fans here at my home. This is my second Altima. My first was a 1997. The Altima today is a class act. I have the 3.5 in pearl. It is very sporty and fun to drive. Now I just need to keep my boys out of it!!

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5 out of 5 stars

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!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Love My Altima

jbjr, 02/04/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

With the exception of the interior (Nissan could of done better), I love my car and would recommend it to anyone in the market. The car has lots of potent power that takes on the some of the fastest cars out there. The exterior is well put together and the car has quiet smooth ride.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Smooth-Riding, Head-Turner

M of Sacramento, 10/23/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I test drove the 2002 Accords and Camry's before buying the Altima. The interiors of both competitors looked like more money went into their construction but the Altima rode smoother over the bumps and accelerated quicker than the others. The eye-catching exterior styling still turns heads, the acceleration still impresses and my only regret is that I couldn't afford the V6 at the time of purchase.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

In Like, but not In Love

The Real Superman, 09/08/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I haven't had this car for very long, but the time I have had it is sort of love/hate. I love the power, the Bose system, the coolness factor. I hate the gas mileage, the interior design, the road noise. It doesnt handle in the twisties the way I thought it would. And torque steer can be scary. But it is very roomy and reasonably comfortable for long trips. I sort of miss my 97 Maxima:-(

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Can't believe it's a Nissan!

ACE Driver, 09/19/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great acceleration, beautiful body styling, much improved interior over the 2002 - but still needs a little improvement w/ the interior features - but this car is a blast to drive... the Accord is in big trouble!!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Wooooo Hooooo!

frata, 11/14/2006
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my '03 3.5SE brand new. I knew I was going to buy it as soon as I turned the key and heard that "vroom!" I have put 83,000 miles on it in 3 years and have not had a single mechanical problem. My check engine light came on one time but just because I left the fuel-cap door open, it was very expensive to have the computer re-set. The plastic latch on the center console broke three times, minor nuisance. At idle it sounds like a Jetta but when you get it over 4,500 RPM the sound is knee weakening. Over-all an extremely reliable car. I would recommend this to anyone. I just saw the re-designed 2007 model and am planning on trading this one in soon.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Driving In Style..

skyhawk352, 12/01/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall a great car. It Handles well. Very Spacious and comfortable. Sleek, and looks more like an Infinity than a Nissan.. Like the title says, driving in style..

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4.75 out of 5 stars

A Big sport sedan on the cheap

ysaday, 03/24/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The powerful VQ engine really delivers the power sometimes making you wish you had a wider front tires and a limited slip. Considering how big this car is, it feel light ( Thanks to aluminum hood, trunk, etc.).The interior leaves a lot to be desired although room is good for 6 footer in front and back. Oh yeah the factory sound system is excellent even w/o the Bose upgrade.

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5 out of 5 stars

Performance Review

BVersoy, 07/20/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am a person that loves to drive and have owned cars considered "higher end". Hower,beyond a doubt this is the most exciting vehicle I have ever driven. It is smooth, it corners, it hugs the road and does not wave with the winds. The cabin is a delight down to the deep cup holders so I don't worry about spillage. The beauty of the jeweled headlights and taillights and overall design of the car makes it one of the most beautiful on the highway. I cannot imagine what can be changed to make it better. I get comments from people all the time. I named it Snazzy, because it is. Happy driving. BV

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Firsst time owner

Sonoma, 10/31/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just purchased this vehicle in September 03. It's fun to drive and has a great sound system even if its not the Bose system. I like the way the car drives and handles, it seems to grow on you each day you drive it. I don't like the way it defrost the window. It seems to take longer than it should. Also, I have a hard time adjusting the temp trying to make the inside comfortable. Overall I'm please with it, espescially because of the end of year great deal I got.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

4 door style

san leandro, 02/05/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Other cars were standing still.....oops, I'm doing 80 mph and didn't realize it. Beautiful to look at.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Syle isnt Everything

Altima6252, 11/01/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Car looks great and is fairly comfortable, BUT is equiped with cheap tires (I replaced them with better grade tires). Interior plastics are cheap and flimsy looking- but you get what you pay for. Handles poorly at highways speeds- sways as it's buffeted as the car has no weight where it counts. Difficult to keep it tracking straight.Becoming disapointing to drive.

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5 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive

hu_guy, 11/01/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This 2.5L engine feels more like a v6. Nice comfortable ride. Seat design rules.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love it Love it

MZLDL, 11/02/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best car I have ever had. Enough said. These people putting it down need to quit being so critical. Not every car is perfect!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

I Love My New Altima!

Retzy14, 11/05/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Get in and go baby! This car rocks my world! I never thought I could have so much fun in a car, especially after having a Jeep Wrangler. I'm a kid all over again when I step on the pedal!

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3 out of 5 stars

2003 Altima Over rated

kakadude, 11/04/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Seduced by the looks so I bought it. Transmission problem within 3 months because of "internal problem" so needed replacement. Buzzing from AC took 4 trips to dealer to fix. The car is GUTLESS below 4000RPM and most of the time doesn't down shift to 2nd from 4th at 40mph when trying to quickly get on the freeway -even when I stomp on the gas pedal. Will downshift to 3rd but no torque in 3rd. Feels like no difference from half to full throttle. Mass airflow sensor replaced twice already. Gas mileage only about 18-20mpg.I should have bought the 3.5se.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Our Altima

DG Marshall, 02/05/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

handling and looks is superior, inside trim is a little weak. the power is fantastic.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

VALUE CAR

pinoyii, 11/05/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

You cant buy a camry/accord with the load of the altima for the price close to 19k. Since its cheaper, it wont be perfect and there would an aspect that would be inferior. In the case of the altima, its the interior. Its inferior in quality but nicely done. In the same vein, Camry is also using the cheaper 15" tires. If people buy cars based on performance such as horsepower, acceleration, torque, braking etc. the altima is far more superior. Im so used in driving the altima that when I got to drive a 2003 camry xle, i could tell the difference in power. Nissan wisely puts where youre money should be - performance.

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