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2003 Nissan Altima

2003 Nissan Altima
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 2003 Nissan Altima Links

2003 Nissan Altima - Specs
2003 Nissan Altima - Photos
2003 Nissan Reviews

2003 Nissan Altima - Price Quote

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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.

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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Fast Stats
Seats

5

MSRP from
$17,189
Engine
2.5L I4
3.5L V6
Horsepower
175 @ 6000
245 @ 5800
Transmission
4-speed auto
5-speed manual
MPG: City/Hwy
I4 auto: 23 / 29
I4 man: 23 / 29
V6 auto: 19 / 26
V6 man: 21 / 26

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