2003 Nissan Altima S 2.5

Summary:

Excellent car, just inspect first, can be risky

Faults:

For me this has actually been a very good running car. But I'm curious to know how it can consume 4 quarts of oil in 3 thousand miles. Yes 4 QUARTS of oil. Service Engine Light was on when I bought the car, had the oil changed out right away, light was still on. Has gone off about 3 or 4 times, but is usually on.

Had the car diagnosed at Auto-zone, and the guy said I may need a new catalytic converter. The car does seem a bit more sluggish when I take off, but it still has a good degree of pep in it, and the car itself drives as if it were brand new.

Going back to the oil, I added 4 quarts today. I had noticed several weeks ago my car had been making a small but noticeable grinding noise when I would accelerate from 0. It would stop after reaching a certain RPM. The sound has now gone away since I added the oil. The oil light has never come on, and the SES light stays on all the time.

I also noticed my gas mileage is not what it used to be, I think the car may need a tune up, and is due for another oil change next week anyway. Nothing really major with this car.

General Comments:

Like I said this car has a lot of pep, and even with the problems I have had, it drives like it's brand new, acceleration and braking are smooth and I've saved so much gas using cruise control.

The interior is also roomy and extremely comfortable, and the A/C blows ice cold (which is good if you live in Orlando, Fl like me).

The stereo system is standard, but has top quality sound and is even better than a few custom systems.

The engine itself is very powerful for a 4 cylinder, and I'm amazed at how fast my car can go (got it up to 120 on the freeway once... ONCE) And it gets about 32 mpg on the highway (using cc at 70 mph) and I get anywhere between 22mpg and 26mpg in town, depending on how many red lights I hit.

This is a wonderful car and I would recommend it, just take a very thorough look inside and out before you go through with actually buying it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2009

2003 Nissan Altima S 2.5

Summary:

Never buy one!

Faults:

This car was purchased in perfect shape in Nov 2003, and ran perfect til a few weeks ago when it would not start. Keep in mind, I grew up on Nissan's, never had a problem or an extended warranty.

Found out the engine died and had 0 compression. $3500.00 later we have a used engine. What a crock. A vehicle that should last easily to 200,000 miles died at 100200 miles. We will never own a Nissan again.

Mechanic's have shared with us that this is becoming typical of Nissan because they cut corners on their manufacturing processes and try to save money by buying inadequate metals and parts. To cover their butts, they offer the extended warranty. So, if you are going to buy, get hooked up with an extended warranty, you will probably need one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th March, 2009

2003 Nissan Altima S 3.5

Faults:

Six months after purchasing, I had to replace the radiator, fortunately it was under warranty.

Had to pay to have the rear window resealed (how does a window become unsealed?)

Most recently, I have replaced the crank shaft sensor twice in the last six months because of the service engine soon light coming on. All recently started stalling and failing to start.

Nissan Corp. has not responded to an email I sent after finding these issues with other owners, and the dealership is telling me my VIN does not fall under the 2006 recall. After researching on the Internet, I have learned these cars have had these and numerous other problems for years. I don't understand, if this is ongoing, why the problems are not rectified and they are not known to the public? When consumers stop purchasing Nissan cars, will Nissan be the next to ask the government for a bail out?

I will never buy a Nissan again. As nice as they look, there are too any problems. My next vehicle will probably be a Toyota.

General Comments:

I cannot believe Nissan will not stand by their product and work to make problems better. I cannot believe they are permitted to continue their business this way.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th January, 2009