After a complete redesign in 2002, the indisputably popular
Nissan Altima returns in 2003 with a new-look interior that
will no doubt keep it on the path to awards. Considered
one of the top midsize sedans, it drives smoothly and comfortably,
looks great, and offers a plethora of features for the money.
Its 20-gallon fuel tank is the largest in its class.
Available Models
The 2003 Nissan Altima is available in 4 models: the 2.5,
2.5 S, 2.5 SL, and 3.5 SE. All are 4-door sedans, and all
except the 2.5 SL come with either manual or automatic transmission.
Several options packages are offered, including the Sport
Package, the exciting new Sport Plus Package, the Leather
Package, and the new Leather Sport Package, all available
on the 3.5 SE.
Interior Features
Inside, the 2003 Nissan Altima boasts titanium-colored trim.
Standard features on all models include a height-adjustable
center armrest, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a tachometer,
and a split folding rear seat. The 2.5 S, 2.5 SL, and 3.5
SE also feature air conditioning, remote keyless entry,
and cruise control. The 2.5 SL goes even further, offering
the consumer leather upholstery, faux wood interior trim,
heated front seats, and a Bose AM/FM radio with in-dash
6-disc CD changer.
Options for interior features are particularly geared to
beautifying the 3.5 SE. The Leather Package provides this
model with leather upholstery and automatic climate control,
while the Premium Leather Package includes woodgrain interior
trim.
Exterior Features
The 2.5 SL and 3.5 SE are equipped with automatic headlights
and alloy wheels, and the 3.5 SE also has fog lights as
a standard feature. The SE's Sport Package provides a rear
spoiler and a power sunroof, while the new Leather Sport
Package equips the SE with xenon lights.
Performance
The 2.5, 2.5 S, and 2.5 SL models contain a 2.5-litre 16-valve
4-cylinder engine that gives 175 hp at 6000 rpm, and 180
lbs-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The 2.5 and 2.5 S are available
in either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission,
while the 2.5 SL comes with 4-speed automatic transmission
only. The 3.5 SE is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, which
provides 240 hp at 5800 rpm, and 246 lbs-ft of torque at
3600 rpm. The 3.5 SE is available in either 5-speed manual
or 4-speed automatic transmission. This model is capable
of 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds, making it one of the most powerful
in its class.
Safety and Security
Standard safety and security features on all models include
4-wheel disc brakes, dual front airbags, and a theft-deterrent
system. Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and anti-lock
brakes are available as options on all models except the
2.5. The 2.5 SL and the automatic versions of the 2.5 S
and the 3.5 SE offer optional traction control as well.
2003 Nissan Altima Highlights
Dramatically
styled body with dynamic and sporty forms and wheels
pushed out to the corners for an aggressive look
Large,
roomy interior and trunk space
All-steel
unibody with a 170 percent increase in torsional rigidity
(versus previous generation Altima)
245-horsepower
(an increase of five horsepower for 2003) 3.5-liter
DOHC 24-valve V6 with 246 lb-ft of torque and dual
exhaust in 3.5 SE models
Standard
175-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder
producing 180 lb-ft of torque
Both
engines feature modular cylinder head design, lightweight
pistons, continuously variable valve timing, variable
induction system
Choice
of 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronically controlled
automatic transmission
Available
traction control on V6 automatic transmission models
Suspension, Steering and Braking
4-wheel
independent suspension with extensive use of aluminum
components, featuring a rear multi-link suspension
design
16-inch
wheels with 205/65R16 tires on 4-cylinder models,
17-inch wheels with 215/55R17 tires on V6
4-wheel
disc brakes with available 4-wheel ABS, Brake Assist
and Electronic Brake force Distribution
Contemporary,
relaxed interior design with cockpit 3-gauge
instrument panel, driver-oriented controls
Distinctive
atmospheres complete interior appearance
with different colors and textures for the seating
areas and dashboard
Dual-stage
supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors, available
front seat side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted
side-impact curtain air bags for front and rear occupants
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Get
a Free Price Quote on a Nissan Altima.
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Fast Stats
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Seats |
5
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MSRP
from |
$17,189
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Engine |
2.5L I4
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3.5L V6
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Horsepower |
175 @ 6000
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245 @ 5800
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Transmission |
4-speed auto
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5-speed manual
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MPG:
City/Hwy |
I4 auto: 23 / 29
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I4 man: 23 / 29
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V6 auto: 19 / 26
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V6 man: 21 / 26
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