2003 Nissan Altima Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Nissan's mainstream sedans expand some options for 2003. Altima comes as the 4-cyl 2.5 and 2.5 S models with manual or automatic transmission, plus a leather-upholstered 2.5 SL version that now comes only with automatic. The top-line 3.5 SE has a V6 and continues with manual or automatic transmission. All Altimas have 4-wheel disc brakes. All but base 2.5 models offer a Braking and Airbag option that bundles ABS with front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags; traction control can be added on SE automatics. SEs come with 17-inch wheels vs. the other models' 16s. The 3.5 SE expands its options with a Sport Package that includes a sunroof and rear spoiler, and a Sport Plus Package that adds premium audio and xenon headlamps. The 3.5 SE's Leather Package now includes premium audio, sunroof, and heated seats, all separate options before. A new 3.5 SE Leather Sport Package adds a rear spoiler and xenon lights; a Premium version adds simulated wood inside.

Competition

Perennial Best Buys Honda Accord and Toyota Camry continue to shine with refinement, model diversity, and comfort. Both offer economic 4-cylinder or sporty V6 power, have room for four adults, and are reasonably priced. Camry was new last year and Accord holds that honor this year.

Recommended models include the import-flavored Chevy Malibu, sporty Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Stratus twins, and the good-looking Pontiac Grand Prix. All come with V6 power, offer lots of standard equipment, and have pleasing road manners that will suit a variety of driving styles. Despite relatively high prices, the refined Volkswagen Passat is also Recommended. Sedan and wagon models are offered with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and four-, six-, or class-exclusive eight-cylinder power. Budget-level interior materials and assembly disappointments aside, the Nissan Altima is Recommended for its impressive interior room, road manners, and reasonable price.

News

The latest Altima has played its part in helping Nissan back from the financial brink, proving a popular profit-maker in the large and thus critical North American market. How popular? Well, year-to-year sales rose a healthy 36 percent in calendar 2002, impressive for a mainstream car with lots of competition in a troubled market. Even so, Altima remains far behind class leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Industry gossips say Altima will get a mild update for model-year 2005. Among the expected changes are better-quality materials to make interiors look and feel more luxurious. We'd guess full redesign won't happen until 2008.

2003 Nissan Altima Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (3.5 SE)	Engine noise (4 cyl)

Handling/roadholding

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
5	5	7	7	5.2

Test 2.5 S with automatic transmission did 0-60 mph in 8.6 sec. Against like-powered rivals, that matches Honda Accord and slightly beats Toyota Camry in our tests. But Altima's 4 cyl is noisier and coarser than those rivals' engines. Altima's robust V6 is as smooth and responsive as any, and makes this one of the quicker midsize sedans. Test automatic-transmission 3.5 SE did 0-60 in 6.9 sec; Nissan claims 6.3 sec with manual transmission.

Fuel Economy

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	5	5.3

Extended-use 2.5 S averaged 25.7 mpg in mostly highway driving over its 22,663-mi test. Test automatic-transmission 3.5 SEs averaged 17.6-21.4 mpg, but 24.9 mpg in mostly highway travel. Nissan recommends premium fuel for the V6. Altima's 20-gal fuel tank is largest in midsize-car class.

Ride Quality

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.3

Generally comfortable and controlled, though some testers complain of too much high-speed "float." More-aggressive tires make 3.5 SE somewhat firmer over bumps than 4-cyl models, but it's not jarring.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.1

Wider tires give 3.5 SEs better roadholding than other models, but all Altimas are responsive and balanced in turns. Steering annoys with overly sensitive yet numb straightline feel. A wide turning circle frustrates around town and in parking lots. Biggest flaw is torque steer--unwanted pulling to one side in brisk acceleration. It's especially marked in the 3.5 SE. ABS-equipped models have good brake performance, but sudden stops from high speeds upset stability on non-ABS test cars.

Quietness

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.5

Good suppression of road and wind noise, though some test Altimas suffered a metallic drumming resonance on coarse pavement. Growly 4-cyl engine intrudes under full throttle.

Controls

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.5

Deep-set but brightly backlit gauges are highly legible even in daylight. Controls user-friendly, but not all testers like wiggle-worm automatic-transmission gate, and some manual-transmission test cars had crude shift action. Obvious cost-cutting leaves cabin awash in low-grade plastics. And tinny clang of trunklid and exterior panels disappoints. Altima frustrates here, where Accord, Passat, Camry shine.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.9

Generous head room. Good leg room, seat comfort, and bolstering. Driver seat height-adjustable in all but base model. All have height-adjustable center armrest. Separate levers for steering-wheel tilt and telescope. Outward visibility hampered slightly by tall rear deck and occasional reflections from light-colored dashboard tops.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.4

Large, wide door openings. Comfortable, well-contoured seating. Plenty of knee and toe space. Head room limited for those over 5-ft-8.

Cargo Room

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.7

Wide trunk, low liftover, but lid hinges dip into cargo area. Standard 60/40 split fold rear seatback adds versatility.

Value within Class

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.2

Altima isn't as refined or well-built as a Camry, Accord, or Passat, but it is strong on features for the money and has a spunky personality--though torque steer makes the 3.5 SE a bit too spunky at times. The 4-cyl models easily satisfy most needs and are the best values. The ABS/side airbags option is money well spent on any Altima.

Total Score

2.5 S, man.	2.5 S, auto.	3.5 SE, man.	3.5 SE, auto.	Class Average
59	58	60	60	56.1

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		43
Average Score		56
High Score		72

2003 Nissan Altima Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 06/05/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5 4-door sedan, manual	$16,749	$	$540

2.5 4-door sedan, automatic	$17,249	$	$540

2.5 S 4-door sedan, manual	$18,599	$	$540

2.5 S 4-door sedan, automatic	$19,099	$	$540

2.5 SL 4-door sedan, automatic	$23,099	$	$540

3.5 SE 4-door sedan, manual	$22,649	$20,592	$540

3.5 SE 4-door sedan, automatic	$23,149	$21,046	$540

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.5

Powertrain

2.5-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, visor mirrors, map light, remote fuel-door and decklid release.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 205/65R16 tires, wheel covers.

2.5 S adds to 2.5:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, cruise control, height-adjustable driver seat, power mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player.

2.5 SL adds to S:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, heated power mirrors, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night inside mirror, outside-temperature display, trip computer, universal garage-door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Alloy wheels.

3.5 SE adds to SL:

Powertrain

3.5-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

AM/FM/CD player.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: leather upholstery, heated front seats, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.

Fog lights, upgraded suspension, 215/55VR17 tires (manual), 215/55HR17 tires (automatic).

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Convenience Pkg.
2.5 S	$1,679	$1,457
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, upgraded sound system, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo net, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, alloy wheels.

Convenience Plus Pkg.
2.5 S	$2,499	$2,167
Convenience Pkg. plus power sunroof.

Premium Convenience Pkg.
2.5 S	$3,299	$2,861
Convenience Plus Pkg. plus Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Leather Pkg.
3.5 SE	$2,999	$2,726
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener.

Sport Leather Pkg.
3.5 SE	$3,899	$3,545
Leather Pkg. plus xenon headlights, rear spoiler.

Premium Leather Pkg.
3.5 SE	$3,999	$3,635
Sport Leather Pkg. plus woodgrain interior trim.

Sport Pkg.
3.5 SE	$1,249	$1,084
Power sunroof, rear spoiler.

Sport Plus Pkg.
3.5 SE	$2,599	$2,254
Power sunroof, Bose AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear spoiler, xenon headlights.

Braking and Airbag Pkg. T01
S, SL, SE	$799	$693
Antilock brakes, front side airbags, curtain side airbags.

Braking and Airbag Pkg. T02
SE automatic	$1,099	$953
Braking and Airbag Pkg. T01 plus traction control.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
2.5 SL	$849	$737


Interior air filter
2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SE	$49	$42


Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Base, 2.5 S	$229	$167
Includes compass, outside-temperature indicator.

Floormats
2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 3.5 SE	$79	$61


Fog lights
Base, 2.5 S, 2.5 SL	$279	$233

2003 Nissan Altima Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Altima 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	110.2

Overall Length, in.	191.5

Overall Width, in.	70.4

Overall Height, in.	57.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	2983

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	15.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.0

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.9

Rear Head Room, in.	37.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /152	3.5 /214

Horsepower @ rpm.	175 @ 6000	245 @ 5800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	180 @ 4000	246 @ 3600

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	23/29	21/26

4-speed automatic	23/29	19/26

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Altima 4-door sedan

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	3

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	None/--	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2003 Nissan Altima Photos

Also in the 2003 Nissan Altima Review:

Nissan Altima

Nissan Altima Road Test

Nissan Altima Prices & Equipment

Nissan Altima Specs & Safety

Nissan Altima Photos

Nissan Altima Full Review

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