The third-generation Altima, introduced as a 2002 model, has enjoyed record sales in Canada in its first year and was named the AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) Car of the Year and the 2002 North American Car of the Year.

For 2003, the V6 engine has been retuned to produce five additional horsepower – an increase to 245 hp. Other changes include several quality and appearance improvements to the interior and the introduction of a new Personal Security Package that includes ABS brakes and front seat side-impact.

Highlights of the 2003 Altima include:

Body

• 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)

Engine and Driveline

• 245-horsepower (an increase of five horsepower for 2003) 3.5-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 with 246 lb-ft of torque and dual exhaust in 3.5 SE models
• Standard 175-horsepower 2.5-litre DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder producing 180 ft-lbs of torque
• Both engines feature modular cylinder head design, lightweight pistons, continuously variable valve timing, variable induction system
• Choice of five-speed manual or four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission
• Available traction control on V6 automatic transmission models

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Four-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 3.5 SE
• Four-wheel disc brakes with available four-wheel ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution

Interior Features

• Contemporary, relaxed interior design with “cockpit” three-gauge instrument panel, driver-oriented controls
• Distinctive “atmospheres” – complete interior appearance with different colours and textures for the seating areas and dashboard
• Optional Bose® Premium audio system with eight speakers, in-dash six-disc CD autochanger

Safety

• Dual-stage supplemental airbags with seatbelt sensors, available front seat side-impact supplemental airbags and roof-mounted side-impact curtain airbags for front and rear occupants

Models and Manufacturing

• Offered in three well-equipped models: 2.5 S, 2.5 SL and 3.5 SE
• Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing, Smyrna & Decherd, Tenn. Plants