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-
disappointment - 2003 Nissan Altima
By i hate nissan now - January 27 - 10:00 amthis 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, didnt see a single car pull up to the toyota service
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Nice But Disapointing - 2003 Nissan Altima
By NissanGuy652 - December 9 - 2:00 amOverall- nice design and packaged well with some creature comforts and decent audio system.Vert disapointed in the way the car drives and handles. Does not track the road straight and shimmies all over from right to left at highway speeds. Replaced oem tires for goodyear- had wheel alignment and still doesnt drive any better. Takes the enjoyment out of owning this car.
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Tin Can - 2003 Nissan Altima
By 1stnissan - April 17 - 10:00 amCan you say tin can.....hood dented by a pine cone, numerous door dings...I think its made of aluminum foil.....the trunk lid also rattles when you close it....TIP: dont park next to any other cars or get a very low deductible with your insurance company...the engine is powerful but pulls badly to the right with quick acceleration
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Cat Converter Break Down-NEW ENGINE 2.5 - 2003 Nissan Altima
By BUYER BEWARE - July 8 - 6:00 pmLoved when car when I 1st bought it. Owned for 18 months and now they will not back their products. My oil has been changed every 2500 miles all necessary maintenance. Now my check engine light went on 2 weeks ago. I take 2 Auto Zone and receive the infamous P0420 Code! I change spark plugs thinking its minor. Nope I need an entire new engine for 4500.00. Catalytic broke down & as this happened the pieces were sucked into the engine and it ruined the rings inside the engine. SERVICE ENGINE SOON light came on 2 weeks ago! Also causing the oil consumption Problem. "Regional Specialist" NO HELP. I take care of my car.
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ok car - 2003 Nissan Altima
By john - January 6 - 12:00 pmi 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 dont too big for 4c
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Worst Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
By CWise - November 28 - 6:46 amI 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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Go with Honda, not Nissan!! - 2003 Nissan Altima
By MoneyBags - May 27 - 10:00 amThis is an ok car. not all that great. Reliablity is very questionable... I would go with a Honda Accord over this car anyday. Better performance, handeling, features, and RELIABILITY!! The Honda Accord is the car that the Altima wanted to be.
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Terrible car; terrible company - 2003 Nissan Altima
By Evan - May 16 - 8:56 pmI 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.
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Shop Around..... - 2003 Nissan Altima
By Ryan Young - April 19 - 2:00 amExterior 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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Cheap at an expensive price - 2003 Nissan Altima
By Bruce McShane - March 2 - 10:00 amThe car looks good and has a decent mechanical reputation. The paint is rough the clearcoat is thin the dealer even made it a point that the car should not be washed except by hand or pressure washed. Putting on a coat of wax showed a porous uneven surface. The inside is appointed cheaply the cloth seats are a course mesh rough to the touch. Someone must have decided to shave a few yen off costs by shortening the seat backs and narrowing them. Anyone over six foot will need to duck down in the back seat and find a way to get in and out without hitting their head on something. The ride is sensitive to any and all bumps and roadway transitions
