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2003 Nissan Altima
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.
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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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Competing 2003 Models to the Nissan Altima
 Chevrolet
Impala
Dodge
Stratus
Ford
Taurus
Honda
Accord
Hyundai
Sonata
Toyota
Camry
Volkswagen
Passat
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either expressed or implied with respect to the data presented here. All
specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice.
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2005
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