2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE review from North America

Center console lid broke. Replaced under warranty.

36000 miles. car is starting to burn 1.5 liters of oil. The car holds 4.0 liters.

Waiting for next oil change to check if it is still burning oil. I use synthetic mobil 1 oil.

36000 miles. cup holder lid broke and tore a hole shifter boot and the center lid below the a/c controls broke. All were replaced under warranty.

I bought this car from Douglas Nissan in College Station Tx. for $ 15,300. They are friendly and aren't looking to scam anyone. All problems were fixed in a nice and polite way just like many ford dealerships I have been to.

I know a lot about racing and the stresses of pounding on a motor like most people looking to buy this car. All I have to say is research for yourself and you will come to the same conclusions. The VQ35DE motor is rock solid except for the rods unless you plan on supercharging it. The bottom end has 4-bolt mains, from one end to the other and a main girdle. This menas it is built for high RPM's. The block is made from a high grade of alluminum and uses a unique vaccum forming process to form the block.

My only complaint about the motor is while driving on the highway the RPM's are around 2700 at 70 mph. That is rather high for a large v-6. Other than that, the hauls butt. Yes, this car will out accelerate older sports cars from the 80's and 90's. I have experienced this first hand and at the same time saving on high insurance rates.

So is the a sacrifice somewhere? Yes, the interior while very spacious lacks head room and the quality of the materials are beneath that which is found on the Maxima, Accord or Camry.

The new Altimas have a 6-speed; although I don't know if it has a lower o/d ratio. If anyone knows, please respond.