Used 2003 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews
Used Altima for sale
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.
Funnest car ever driven!!!
Lullenium, 12/05/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was going crazy looking for mid-size cars, until I stopped at the Nissan dealer,this car has style,performance and reliability all wrapped up in one package. The price was great, the options that came were what I needed. Honda and Toyota would have charged me $3000 more for the same options I got in the Altima. Very fun to drive, worth every penny if you are looking for a dependable and stylish car set at just the right price.
I likey :)
asHLeiGh, 07/21/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love it and I would buy it all over again if i had to. Great price for such an awesome car.
2003 Nissan Altima for sale near you
Showing 3 of 21 listings
- 3.5 SE SedanMSRP: $9,980208 mi away
- 3.5 SE SedanMSRP: $4,500555 mi away
- 2.5 S SedanMSRP: $3,725598 mi away
See all 21 listings
Good design...No support from Nissan
Morteus, 03/12/2007
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the engineering. Fun to drive. Way too many recalls (6) I brought the car in to the dealer for a fuel system recall and they left the engine cooling fans unplugged. Drove around for a couple of weeks until the engine overheated. Left me stranded and couldn't get an answer from Nissan Roadside assistance. I had to pay for a tow. Called Nissan customer care and they refused to get involved. Told me to go back to the original dealer to have the car looked at. I told them that they are asking the negligent dealership to determine if they caused any damage. Dealer said no damage was caused....6 months later the radiator cracked. Called Nissan customer care again. They couldn't have cared less.
Very Pleased !!!
IndyAltima, 09/20/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car !!! If the '02 interior was cheap (as I have read) then they have really improved it. While there is some plastic, it does not come across "cheap " at all. It is layed out very well, is very easy to use and the fit is very good...the car is really quiet also (surprisingly). Very impressive, not a lot of wind or road noise....also it is very roomy and comfy. I am tall and have a ton of space in the cabin. Overall, I am very impressed and would recommend an Altima to anyone.
What a great car inside/out
seau, 08/07/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car to drive that has a lot of pep for a 4 cylinder car. It's exterior design is very stylish and the interior dash is cuting edge. The S model comes nicely equipped for the price and the Nissan name helps sell it's reliability.
Nissan Altima 2003
namooney, 04/19/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have gone 6,000 miles and love it as much as the day I got it. It drives smooth, good acceleration, and good braking. Had no problems in the winter and no problems in the rain. I can't imagine having any other car right now. The interior is not as bad as people say. Yea it looks a little cheap, but so did every other car I test drove before I bought the Altima.
Great car, great price
Altimately_Happy, 12/06/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the '03 Altima in September, and I've been enjoying it ever since. I considered the 3.5, but frankly, with Chicago traffic the way it is, I just couldn't see spending the money when I'll barely even get to play fully with the full capability of the 2.5. Even at that, the 2.5 has plenty of getup and go. Can't say as I was impressed with the sales staff, but I went in armed with Edmunds, Consumer Reports, and Kelly Blue Book's pricing lists, so there was no doubt as to the accuracy of my numbers.
1000 Miles on My New Altima
gsemike, 04/22/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Altima 2.5S w conv package. Looked at 6 comp cars w my emphasis on a car that is roomy but not too conservative and a good value. The Camry/Accord are vanilla. Galant is dated. Liked Mazda6 but just wasn't comfortable enough in it. It drove great but was a little too sporty. Sebring was nice and good value but a little too old detroit. The Sonata is the content leader but still feels like cheap car. With 175 hp, head turning styling, content, and size, I got the best $20k sedan out there. It feels solid and drives very nice. It's bigger than it looks but drives smaller that it is. So far, no complaints reliability wise.
Great Car
Andrew M, 08/28/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I picked up on black on black Altima in the end of July 2003. So far I am extremely satisfied with the car. It turns heads and gets instant respect. The front seats are extremely comfortable and the leather finish is well made. The back seat and trunk are huge. There is a second dc adapter under the armrest which allows you to charge your cell phone without annoying cables exposed (even the shelf on the upper edge of the armrest has a punch out for the cell charger cable). This shows some real thought in the engineering of this car.
Keep Out The Noise
Tour1, 09/11/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 2003 Altima. I like it except for 1 thing...Cabin Noise. If you are not playing the radio, you can hear everything...The street you are riding on, when you stop you can actually hear engine noise. Spend a little money and insulate the noise from the engine compartment and the rest of the car so you can't hear the road noise....Or turn up the radio
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.
Effortless Power
Boscvaranus, 04/28/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Moved up from a 1999 Nissan Sentra GXE. The V6 Altima has gobs of power. Passing on 2 lane roads is so easy. The only drawback is the considerable torque steer with full throttle acceleration. Braking is smooth and well controlled. The car is quiet at highway speeds with little wind noise, but there is considerable road/tire noise on rough pavements.
Move on a dime
Hamzah Abdur-Rahman, 12/11/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When i test drove this car I feel in love with the way it took off and the handleing on the road, but before that i allso test drove the camry,and the honda accord 4cyl. and the altima beat them hands down. so that was the reason that sold me.oh yeah and the price was real good too. thank you nissan.
Dream Come True
babels, 05/01/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been waiting to buy one for 18 months, and it's as good as I expected. I love this car!
Buy it NOW
str8butter33, 09/18/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is very spacious! Great family car! I love it!
Great Car
RobM, 09/26/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car but could get better gas mileage.
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.
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.
Great car, need a better mileage
drsayani, 05/07/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great interior space, excellent power and pick-up, although could use a better fuel economy. Interior designing could have been a little better, although not bad at all. Response to acceleration is too sudden, and with some delay. Steer handling, superb. Overall, very satisfied!
altima
jay l., 09/19/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
lousy sound system good styling good ride gas milage not good yet pickup is good
The real truth about it......
Batesville CSC 8078, 05/18/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Beautiful vehicle. I purchased the Sheer Silver with every option except for the wood grain. The only things that I have added is a color keyed grill & had the original rims chromed. In doing so, that made the vehicle for me! It rides semi smooth for the most part but when the road gets bumpy, you'll know it. Fantastic handling & mileage! Interior quality is maybe just avergae. An annoying thump in the right front shock has been a problem though. Everything else has been great! Really will surprise you on how quick it is. Older MUSTANG 5.0'S BEWARE!
Love that Altima!
audiologist, 12/13/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have owned 3 sentras and a 95 altima, this is by far the best. Great reliablility in a car. I have had the 2003 Altima for a week now and still can't get over the smooth, quiet ride. Considered Jetta and Accord but they have boring styling, this V6 has pep even in an automatic. Drove the 2002 Maxima for a day while removing pinstripes on new Altima. Altima much improved over Maxima. Watch out for the new 2004 maxima though.
disappointment
i hate nissan now, 09/24/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car got really good reviews, went out and bought it... big mistake. always got crappy mileage about 12mpg mixed driving. im not kidding, i even tried driving like i was afraid of the gas pedal, not much help. finally at 7k 'service engine soon' light comes on. what the heck. forget this car, get an accord or a camry. i noticed something peculiar at the service center. it has both a nissan and toyota service department. nissans were rolling in by the dozens, didn't see a single car pull up to the toyota service
Terrible car; terrible company
Evan, 03/08/2008
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car brand new, and had problems from day 1. 6 recalls in the first 3 years; should have been a clue. Once I hit about 60K the maintenance got very expensive, than at 90K a very common problem, the catalytic converter went and caused engine damage, after $1000 in repairs, I cut my losses and sold it before the engine got worse. This seems to be all to common on this car, so be wear! I would not recommend any nissan product to anyone.
The Happy Monkey
Mollejuax, 05/30/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is a great experience.. It look alot better than the Honda Accord... It has a bigger engine than the Accord and the Camry..I don't understand why anyone would even consider buying the accord or the camry...Lets make it fair and combine both the accord and the camry together..Damn what an ugly car.. We will call it the Japanese Mollejuax 2.49 1/2 stutter..
good buy
raza, 01/29/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
well all my friends have commented on all the interior space that it has. The sound system is good. good accelaration despite the size of the car. love the std. features. overall a good deal.
Altima Is Back !
Ssgtdac, 09/29/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Truly a wonderful automobile. It is my wifes car and she doesn't like a harsh ride so we went with the 2.5S but the performance belies the four cylinders. It is no racer but has peppy performance and great comfort. Great rear seat room, huge trunk. At its best on the highway. Good acceleration, smooth and stable ride plus great mileage. The styling is the Altimas greatest strength. It makes a statement in class populated by "never took a chance, never will" styling. I recommend this car for many reasons but the biggest is the overall package. Styling, Roominess, performance, and price.If you buy the 2.5S, consider the Convenience Package.
SUV/Truck Lover has change of heart.
Sooner, 05/15/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I were shopping for SUVs. We drove all of them. While we were at the Nissan dealership, we saw the Altima. We both loved the way it looked. But how would it would drive? The dealer let us test drive one just for fun. The very next day we were back to sign the papers. This car rocks! I've never had so many people stop me just to look at my car. I still want a SUV or truck for 4X4ing in the snow. However, this car is my baby and we plan on having it for many, many years!!!
Awesome Car
Sweet02AltimaSE, 12/16/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its about time they made the Altima available in a V6...and what a V6 it is. The engine is smooth, responsive, quiet, and fast. The exterior design is great. That's probably what attracted me to the car initially. Then, I found out that it had 240 horsepower hiding under its hood...I had to have it. The interior lacks a bit; however, consider the car. The Altima's price range extends from as low as $16K-$30K. For a $16K car, the interior is fine. For a $30K car, which is what mine almost was, the interior is lacking a bit, mostly in the cheap-looking door panels. The interior has some rattles, but I've learned to deal with it - turn the radio up.
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.
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!
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!
ok car
john, 04/22/2009
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i got this car for my wife for Christmas 2003 car did us right for aprox 3 years brought back to dealer for 3 recalls dealer insisted we need a service when dropping off the car we were not getting suckered for those ridiculous prices we maintain this car like a baby oil change every 3k all the time. after getting car back from dealer for recalls we had numerous problems sevice light would always go on car ran very rough when idling had to get it towed back to dealer 2 months later this went on for a year and a half costing $300 each time sensor sensor sensor every dam sensor seamed to be changed now running ok but the gas mileage stinks 18-22 mpg my wife loves her car i don't too big for 4c
Mine
deadhead, 01/15/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent car which is fun to drive and filled with conviences
GREAT CAR
BILLIE, 09/25/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only had my Altima for about two weeks but I love it so far. It looks great drives great and has alot of power. The stereo is incredible with the bose 150 watt system.
More Bang for your buck
goodcarfinder, 05/25/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm guessing people who are in this market of buying this type of automobile have already looked into the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, BMW 5-series, MB E-Class, and Volkswagen Passat. Out of those cars only the BMW was the best. It had better handling,design, and of course a good reputation. However, the price is not appealing. The Nissan though, more moderately priced does share some of the BMW's characteristics as its ride is very stable (no bumps felt) and the car itself it breathtaking. I highly recommend this car for any person in the market of buying a mid- size auto. Don't go domestic and don't go for the V6 (eats too much gas).
03 altima
jatepp, 12/25/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In my opinion, my 03 Nissan is one of the best entry level luxury sedans for the money. Ive mainly compared it to the VW Passat and overall, the Altima is better. It is about six thousand dollars cheaper and looks about the same on the outside. The interior is very advanced for its time as well.
best car ever
ally, 05/26/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
once i saw the car i thought it was just another nissan but when i got closer and was able to see its comfort ans its awesome designs i was hooked on it and only it
Nice car but troubles in initial quality
AK109, 10/04/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for three months now and have put up over 3000 miles on it and already I've had a faulty shock and a leaking radiator replaced. I still love the car, but I question how many more parts are going to be faulty, if they're not already.
Ultimate Altima
Iceman36, 05/27/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fell in love with the car on the first test drive. Performance and handling are excellent and the body styling is very eye catching. (SE 3.5 Sport Plus)
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.
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.
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.
A true performance experience
Smart Buyer, 11/08/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in my BMW 740 sl for the Altima 3.5 L v6 and I can't believe that anyone that actually likes to drive true performance wouldn't do the same. The Altima is probably the most over looked car for it's performance by Edmonds surveys- shame,shame!!! I have owned several Jaguars,including the xj12 and i'll take the Altima handling and suspension system over the BMW,Mercedes,Volvo,Trans-Am Ws-6 (I own one),Corvette,Camaro,etc. etc. Just so you know I pay cash for my cars and can buy anything that is available. Check out the Nissan cars they are real sleepers.
Review: Nissan Altima 2.5S
Tim Daly, 11/02/2002
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 S 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When test driving this car, my wife and I should have really paid attention to the interior layout and design. We bought the car because we thought it was the best looking car. Overall the car handles poorly and the rear suspension makes a lot of noise. Also, we have a lot of trouble backing. The general design gives you absolutely no visibilty out of the rear window. You can't see anything. The side mirrors are small and have blind spots. Also, the engine is a little loud and raspy. If we had the chance to start over we would have purchased something else. We shouldn't have limited ourselves to exterior looks only!
Nissan SE 3.5
Haptay, 02/05/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the SE 3.5 Model Mid Jan, And I can't say enough good things about the jobs. My first car was a dodge Neon and as you can imagine, the Altima says it all it's ALLsome, and then some more. The performance is excellent, and the Bose system is off the chain. So I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants sporty, sleek, attractive, and comfortable. I plan to keep this vehicle for a very long time.
Love it so far
Travish, 11/11/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Enjoy driving & owning the 3.5 Altima very much so far. Accelerates very well and handles nicely. Sharp interior & exterior.
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE
mjhand, 11/10/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car to drive! It's so fast and cool looking that Nissan had to redesign their flagship Maxima because peopel were buying the Altima instead. Handling is great. Good fuel economy. I get about 30 mpg on the highway. Fairly quiet ride. Awesome sound system! Biggest complaint is that Nissan could upgrade the trip computer to be more ergonomic (you have to change displays from the steering wheel, but then have to reset each one from the dash board).
Fast sleek looking car
Thomas Conlin, 02/08/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The revised Altima looks like a more expensive car such as a BMW or Volkswagen. It is fast and good lokking. People turn their heads and ask what kind of car is it? I probably sold three others by them looking at mine. The only problem is it is not a car for snow country. It is too light. My older Dodge Intrepid is a lot heavier and plows through the snow. Maybe it needs studded tiers in the winter?
2003 Altima 2.5SL
jrgibjr, 11/17/2003
2003 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been very happy with this vehicle. Great performance from a 4 cyl engine, great styling, handles nicely and has a smooth ride.