Overview & Reviews

After last year's debut to critical acclaim, Nissan's midsize sedan receives minor changes for 2003. Two new exterior colors, Sonoma Sunset and Crystal Blue add pizzazz to the wardrobe. There's a new charcoal seat fabric, padded cloth front center armrest cover (genuine leather on leather-equipped vehicles) and bright titanium interior accent colors for all models to spruce up the interior. The 2.5 SL receives a standard automatic transmission, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and simulated wood trim. For the 3.5 SE, there is a Sport Package, which includes a sunroof and spoiler, and a Sport Package Plus, which includes sunroof, spoiler, Bose audio system and HID headlights. The 3.5 SE Leather Package now includes a Bose audio system, sunroof and heated seats, while the Leather Sport Package adds a spoiler and xenon headlights. Finally, a new 3.5 SE Premium Leather Package sports all of the above plus throws in fake wood to boot. How can you go wrong?

• Sports car power in a midsize sedan body, high level of features, explosive V6 engine, distinct styling.

• Shabby interior materials, overboosted steering, no stability control.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 432.00

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  2003 2.5 4 cylinder Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By bclark_1 - December 18 - 3:36 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I feel I got scammed. The engine used oil from the day I bought it, with only 33,000 miles. The massive oil consumption only got worse. I took it to the garage and was told the catylatic converter had fell apart and went into the engine causing it to destroy the engine. I was informed this is a common problem with this vehicle, due to the recall on the sensor that causes this to happen. Obviously this is a factory defect. I contacted Nissan to make them aware of my problem and received no reply. Be aware of this problem.

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  Review: Nissan Altima 2.5S - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Tim Daly - August 19 - 2:00 am

  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 cant 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 shouldnt have limited ourselves to exterior looks only!

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  Frustrated - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By a12324 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased in 2001, and its been in the shop a total of 9 times so far. It is frustrating to see that a Nissan product be so disappointing. Performance is good; but built quailty is very very poor. Rattles, noises, sensor problems, radio quit, interior unravelled, and suspension replaced. I am going to trade it in for something thats not always in the shop.

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  Terrible Experience - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By GregoryZ - June 9 - 2:00 am

  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 Altimas.), reliability and resale value are low. I used to be a loyal Nissan owner, not any more...

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  Nice car.... to lease - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Roma - January 18 - 10:00 am

  There we have it... In summary, the all new Altima is a good performer and is worth leasing, but if you are considering buying it, do your research. The resale on this car is horrible! You lose almost 50% in the first 18 months!

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  bob - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - September 22 - 2:40 pm

  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 nissans 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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  My 2003 Altima is a LEMON - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Bob Loblaw - April 5 - 7:43 am

  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 its back again. Struts were gone at 30,000 km. Dealer says they are ok. Ive 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 wont 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

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  disappointment - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By esky71 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I promised myself I would never spend my hard-earned money on a sleepy Japanese automobile. When it came time, it seemed like my only option so, I avoided Honda Accord and Toyota Camry because they are REALLY boring. And I chose Nissan Altima hoping it would be less boring - its not. Despite the extra horsepower, the ride is just as mundane as Camry- actually just as mundane as Oldsmobile Eighty Eight. Not only that, my service was a disgrace and the car rattles in a new place every time I sneeze. I can not wait until it is time to trade it in and Ill be on my way to a Pre-Owned BMW or Mercedes dealer. European cars are the only option from this car forward!

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  Pain [non-permissible content removed] - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By BreAnna - February 8 - 3:22 pm

  Bought this car for $7,000 126,000.. First 2 months about 120,000 miles, the timing chain went out and was about a $3000 fix. Now at 175,000 miles Ive replaced the alternator 2 times. The engine covers most of the hood and fixing it is a pain in the ass, every time I bring it in its over $300 in labor just to get the engine out of the way. My winshild wipers go off randomly. And my radio stopped working and mechanics cant find out why. Time to go American made.

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  Dont ever buy one - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By No Happy - October 30 - 7:43 am

  I bought the car brand new in June, it had to be towed to the dealership because of the sensor (1) in October 2003, in September of 2004 the car stalled out at the light and an 18 wheeler was approaching fast, I thank Jesus for answered pray, the car started up enough to get it out of the way, I had to get another sensor (2) replaced. 2009 all three sensors (3) went out and there was a recall on two of them (Midas found them) but Nissan never sent the notices out nor did they honor them. I fought to get the cost down to $3,000.00 for them to be fixed and 7 months later the crankshaft sensor (4) went out again, they replaced it because it was under the 12 months or 10,000 miles.