2003 Nissan Altima S 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Reliable!

Faults:

I have not had to put any money into the car, other than the normal maintenance of oil changes every 3,000 miles, and I have replaced the front and rear brakes.

General Comments:

This is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Would buy another Nissan Altima in a heart beat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2008

2003 Nissan Altima 2.5S from North America

Summary:

Will not buy Nissan from now on

Faults:

My parents helped me buy a 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5S as a graduation gift. It's been running decently and have been good with maintenance (oil change, brakes, tires). I brought it in for a recall back in 04/07 for an ECM reprogramming. Then, the past month I've had multiple issues. First, while driving on the expressway, the car de-accelerates. Also, when driving at slow speeds (15-25), the car stops. This has happened on 4 different occasions in the past 2 weeks. Another problem I've had is that at times, the car does not start up. Even when it was running perfectly well 30 minutes prior. I've brought it into my mechanic on 4 different occasions to have the fuel injector cleaned ($150). Then, when that didn't solve the problem, I had the air flow sense replaced ($600). My mechanic found a recall on my car (my VIN # falls into the category). 2 dealerships had no recall and I called Nissan Corporate but to no avail. nothing is being recalled, which is ridiculous since I have the paper with the recall information. Like the other posts, I need the crank shaft sensor replaced but Nissan is not going to cover it. This is our 3rd Nissan and will not be buying any more from no own. I'm ready to get rid of it and buy a Honda or a Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd April, 2008

5th Jul 2010, 16:31

Just bought a camshaft sensor today. $24 and change. Takes about 30 minutes to change. Not much sense of going to Nissan Corp for this little bit of money. Fix it yourself.

4th May 2011, 09:29

One of the reasons your car might not be starting up has to do with the electrical part of the car...

Sell it now before it's too late.

29th Jul 2012, 14:07

You might as well replace both the crank and cam shaft sensor, because both are the same identical part, and both are poorly designed plastic from Nissan engineering. Auto Zone has the new aluminum redesigned sensor for $35 each.

I agree with the above people to quickly sell your lemon, because the next thing to go is the poorly designed catalytic converter. The debris will be sucked up by your engine if the catalytic converter goes bad, and guess what? Yes, Nissan will deny coverage, because they don't want to replace a $4000 engine for free. 2002-2006 Nissan Altimas are total rubbish.

2003 Nissan Altima SL from North America

Faults:

New engine at 150K.

General Comments:

At only 150000 KM, my Nissan Altima started billowing smoke from the exhaust and loss of power. I took it to the dealer and they told me I need a new engine. They couldn't tell me exactly why, but only that it was definite.

I've been reading on this forum that so many people had problems with their Altima's. I only wish I had this insight before I bought it. I think Nissan should pay for my new engine, and anyone with the same issues should join me and fight this.

I changed my oil regularly. This shouldn't be happening. My email is mmiocev@yahoo.ca if you have a similar situation. If we can get enough of us together, Nissan might just do something about this. Not holding my breath, but it is possible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th March, 2008

2003 Nissan Altima S 2.5 from North America

Summary:

The best car I have ever owned, a pleasure to drive!

Faults:

I have noticed the belt is a bit squeaky, but other that that it has been perfect!

General Comments:

Fantastic vehicle!!! Good performance in a roomy sedan, I love this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2008