Nissan Announces 2003 Altima Pricing
GARDENA, Calif. (August 21, 2002) – Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing on the 2003 Altima sedan, which went on sale August 15. For 2003, Altima again features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $16,649 for the Altima 2.5. Other models maintaining 2002 pricing include the most popular Altima model, the 2.5 S with automatic transmission at $18,999, and the top-of-the-line Altima 3.5 SE with V6 engine and automatic transmission at a MSRP of $23,149.
The Altima 2.5 SL (with standard automatic transmission) - the one exception to the no-price-increase positioning - has increased content for 2003, including heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and simulated wood trim. The 2.5 SL has a MSRP of $22,999, an increase of just $100.
Altima, which was named 2002 North American Car of the Year, enters its second model year of production in 2003 with five additional horsepower for 3.5-liter V6 equipped models (now 245 horsepower) and a number of other refinements.
"The fact that we've been able to hold prices despite a number of key refinements for 2003 greatly increases Altima's already strong value story," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. "For 2003, we've also simplified our option packaging, making it even easier for our customers to select the new Altima of their choice."
Along with the more powerful V6 engine, other changes for 2003 include numerous interior refinements, bright titanium-tinted interior accents and two new exterior colors. The new packaging philosophy simplifies option choices by combining the most popular optional equipment into a less complex ordering system.
The 2003 Altima is available with a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine or the 245-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6, which is part of the VQ engine series that has been recognized as one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World magazine for eight consecutive years.