2003 Nissan Altima 2.5SL 2.5 from North America

Summary:

It is worth buying because you will not regret it

Faults:

Nothing in particular, except that when it was really cold like -30 degree centigrades, the windshield washed froze though I was using the one recommended by the manufacturer.

General Comments:

I am very happy with the car and from previous experience, I know that these cars are very reliable. The thing which I like most about this particular model is that it comes fully equipped, like the leather seats, the sunroof, 6 disc CD changer, heated seats, keyless entry.

The car is quick on the road too and spacious. The trunk is big one.

The ride is smooth and the braking is excellent.

Overall I am very satisfied with the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2004

2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 3.5 V6 from North America

Summary:

Incredible bargain

Faults:

The only problem that we've had with this car, is when we left it in the cold for a week when we went on vacation. When we returned, the engine was making valve noise, and still is. This was 3 weeks ago.

General Comments:

This car flies. The power is amazing.

The comfort factor is also incredible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th January, 2004

9th Mar 2004, 09:39

The power is very good, but the comfort level is NOT amazing.

Actually for a 23K family sedan I would say that the ride is under average.

18th Jul 2004, 08:21

I think the ride is good. It is very quiet in the cabin at most speeds. It absorbs quite a bit of bumps and problems on the road. Here in Hawaii we have some of the worst streets and highways. The ride is so good sometimes I am going 70 mph and don't feel it. If I don't keep an eye on the gage's I end up driving to fast.

25th Apr 2005, 11:12

I agree with the sneaky speed. I'm just cruising along and then I notice that I'm way over the limit. The car just wants to be up there. But if you're up for it, it's an absolute blast when you're doing 70 to throw it into 3rd and slam it to the floor. It only takes about 10 seconds to be over 100!

2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE 6 cylinder 3.5 liter from North America

Summary:

Smartest best Luxury/Sports Sedan!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong, but I have some reasonable issues which help keep the price as reasonable as it is:

The interior door handles and lock levers (not used because of power option) are plastic-chrome which doesn't match the rest of the car quality.

The leather is a bit thin, doesn't seem to give that aged cracked thick look that you'll find in more expensive cars, but it IS totally comfortable and if you have the heated seats option, it allows quicker butt comfort.

General Comments:

Holy smokes, this car is a rocket! The 3.6 liter V6 automatic has a Mercedes-style gated patern shifter, allowing an easy left-right/and back tap to transition between D and 3rd gear, which gives you an incredible power jump anywhere from 40mph+ and is within reasonable RPMs (3500) when tapped to 3rd at about 75-80 mph, thrusting you forward instantly and giving your gas pedal the responsiveness and sensitivity of an RC car on crack!

The body style design (int/ext) is incredibly smart & roomy, and feels like a compact 2dr sports coupe until you try to park or load up people in it... my back seat passengers always comment on the comfort.

The trunk is huge - would fit a snowboard in width easily if it wasn't for the usual upper trunk side lips - I can just fit my 150cm board width if I bend it slightly then it easily rests behind wheel wells.

Climate setting is awesome! It auto changes vents, front defrost, temp & fan speed and reduces my temp control activity by at least 80% and provides you with an Econ button option to get cool air without using AC in summer.

The BOSE audio 8spkr system cranks! It's got a trunk amp (factory) and powers techno-classical with incredible clarity & volume, sometimes grabbing attention from local Asian audio Acura buffs, yet cruising with class!

Heated mirrors! Auto-Dimming interior mirror, rear-window antennae, dual DC power outlets, trip meter/economy/temp controls are super options that come with the standard leather package on the 3.5.

The standard leather pkg safety driving features are awesome, dual airbags, dual curtain air bags, ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution), traction control are all superb - I tested trac & ABS in Tahoe this weekend and was very impressed: I tried to lock brakes in lot while turning and I heard ABS working and the car turned sharp with no skid! Traction was instant when I gunned it because it automatically reduced the gas and prevented wheel-spin! Did I mention 0-60mph in appx 6.3-6.9 seconds?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th April, 2003

9th Jan 2004, 15:21

An Altima is not a luxury sedan. That would be a Maxima; Altima's are the in-between...

25th Mar 2004, 07:29

Replying to the comment above... The Maxima isn't also considered a luxury vehicle.. its still considered a normal Midsize car..It's just the Maxima has more up level features for the prices in comparison to the Altima in for which you have to pay extra.

9th May 2004, 07:59

I bought a 2003 Altima, and agree with your comments. I have one problem. I chose black paint, and it scratches very easily. It appears that the paint is skimpy as any small scratch shows the undercoat. Has anyone else had this problem?

24th Jul 2004, 11:17

I have owned 2 Maxima's and they both scratched easily. Nissan should consider upgrading their paint system. By comparison I have a 1990 Buick Riviera and the original paint is like new.

23rd Nov 2005, 22:10

All late models Nissans have the paint problem. It's thin, and chips very easily.