2003 Nissan Altima S 2.5 from North America

Summary:

It is OK, might get a Honda or Toyota next time

Faults:

I have had my 2003 Altima 2.5S and I have had recalls on the car done. I had a leak in the radiator, and had that fixed within the first 10k. I have also done my 3000 oil change, and I rotate the tires every 6000.

Earlier this year I did have an issues when I drove to pick up my son from daycare. I drove there, turned my car off, and then came back and the car would not start. After 30-40 minutes, the car did start, so I decide to drive it right to the maintenance garage. On the way there, the engine stopped and I rolled into a parking lot. After another 30 minutes, it started again and I got it there. The camshaft sensor was not working. Never heard of it, but it fixed the issue.

I got new tires at 60k, and I am over 80k miles and just getting the brakes fixed.

Have had pretty good luck with the car, but there are inconvenient times when I have issues. But they are rare.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th November, 2009

2003 Nissan Altima SE 2.5 from North America

Summary:

Average

Faults:

Just got home from a $40.00 taxi ride. Fortunately, my Altima broke down next door to a repair shop. No clue how much it's going to be to get it restarted so I can drive it to a dealership and trade it in for a new car. This is the 3rd time it wouldn't start this month. Dang it, I missed the $8000.00 tax credit President Obama was passing out. It's going to be a sad Christmas.

General Comments:

Good when it can start.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st November, 2009

2003 Nissan Altima S 2.5 DOHC inline-4 from North America

Summary:

Amazing

Faults:

Nothing!

General Comments:

I love this car! It is absolutely the most thrilling drive I have ever experienced! For a 4-cylinder, it absolutely leaves other cars in the dust at stoplights and will let you pass anyone at any speed on the interstate.

The sporty, tight suspension lets you communicate with the ground you're driving on, and the smoothly shifting transmission would lead you to believe you never even changed gears.

The NDSS FM/AM/CD player works extremely well, and the bass output is great!

The power steering is as tight as the day I purchased the vehicle.

It turns heads every time I take it out!

Never had a single issue with it! LOVE MY ALTIMA!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th August, 2009

2003 Nissan Altima 2.5L from North America

Summary:

This is a very roomy, dependable and comfortable car, and I recommend it whole-heartedly

Faults:

I had issues starting my 2003 Nissan Altima. The Service Engine Soon light came on. It would turn over but the engine wouldn't fire. It had lots of fuel and battery power. I replaced the spark plugs because they were getting old, but they were dry (not getting fuel. The fuel pump was running fine (two clips at front of back seat will allow you to remove the seat, when cranking the motor you can hear the pump hum). The next day it started, I drove it home (a few miles) and it wouldn't re-start for the next few days.

I tried a few suggested things on the Internet like taking the posts off the battery to clear the computer and letting it sit and cool down, but with no luck.

The crankshaft and camshaft sensors are identical. I replaced the CAM position sensor in about 5 minutes after picking one up. The old one was plastic (and full of oil). The after-market one ($35 as opposed to $77 at the dealers) had a newly designed metal cylindrical cover. The car started and stalled immediately after. I restarted it and revved it for a few seconds. It is starting and ran well afterward.

I intend on checking out the voluntary ECM reprogramming recall tomorrow. I am concerned about the possible fuel mileage loss, but am more concerned about the car shutting down while running.

I bought the car new over 6 years ago, have 110,000 kilometers or 68,200 miles on it and have had no other issues. This is a glitch that should be repaired at the dealership by Nissan to prevent marring an otherwise well engineered vehicle's reputation. From the redesigned sensor, it is obvious that the problem was uncovered, a solution determined and the part modified.

Despite feeling somewhat abandoned by Nissan in this circumstance, and even if I had to pay $150-$200 to have this problem fixed, I would not regret buying the vehicle.

General Comments:

4 Cylinder - 175 HP engine is well suited to the size of the car.

Extremely roomy car.

Comfortable seats.

Very dependable, other than the camshaft positioning sensor.

It is a pleasure to drive and ride in.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd June, 2009