Overview & Reviews
The all-new third-generation 2002 Altima represents a total revision and rethinking of Nissan's midsize sedan -- it brings a level of design and performance that currently does not exist in its class. With a choice of a 240-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 or 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder and an all-new four-wheel independent suspension, the Altima offers spirit with state-of-the-art technology. An aggressive new exterior design with increases in all major dimensions and a driver-oriented interior with myriad convenience and luxury features set the Altima apart in the highly competitive sedan marketplace.
- Sports car power in a midsize sedan body, high level of features, distinct new shape.
- All-new design could mean first-year teething problems and dealer mark-up.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 394.00-
Do not buy this car! - 2002 Nissan Altima
By Drew - October 20 - 10:10 pmI had my engine and cat converter replaced in Aug of 07 free of charge due to only having 78,000 miles on my car. But they charged me for replacing my O2 sensors which was $450.00. Just last month in April one of my ignition coils went bad. Dealership wanted to replace all four. I declined and just got the bad one replaced. Two weeks ago my car stalled out on me when I was getting off the freeway, and I was barely able to drive it to the nearest dealer. Intake manifold and gaskets were damaged; they also recommended changing my spark plugs. Bottom line is these cars are pieces of crap, no matter how much money you invest in these cars to fix them something else is bound to go wrong.
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Complaint - 2002 Nissan Altima
By Cadet - September 17 - 5:03 pmIt is better to buy car in the 90s now. Nissan Altima 2002 is a piece of trash. After only 61000 miles, I have to replace the head gasket which is cost a lot of money.The car consumed more oil than gas. Please stay away from Nissan Altima. I used to be in love with Nissan for so many years but know,many I will buy the older one .
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Gas Guzzler - 2002 Nissan Altima
By clang - May 24 - 10:00 amIt eats gas. Be careful. The stated consumption is nowhere near reality.
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Average car.. Awful service - 2002 Nissan Altima
By KGRAY - April 23 - 10:00 amThis car has a great engine and very spacious interior. That is where the good things stop. Nissan service departments are awful. Car dead for no reason and dealer has it for 3 days each time with no loaner car offered for me or my family. Still cannot tell me whats wrong. Multiple other small issues. This is the 1st and last Nissan I will buy. Going back to Honda
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DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! Looks good but repairs are needed every couple of months - 2002 Nissan Altima
By chelsey_payne - April 9 - 4:54 pmI bought this car my sophomore year of college with 109K on it. As soon as I brought it back to school I started seeing problems immediately. It made this rattling noise when the AC was on at idle and so I took it to the dealership and they said it was the belt. Got that fixed for close to $400 and it still to this day rattles when the AC is on at idle. Had to get the crankshaft pos sensor fixed a few months ago. Every time I get it fixed the check engine light is back on about 2 months later. Now it is losing tons of oil and coolant and I am just being told it needs a cat converter and I dont have the money for it. Only has 123K on it. I am def looking for new car. This car is JUNK!
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Beware when you go over 100K miles - 2002 Nissan Altima
By Bill - August 18 - 8:43 pmThe car was great until 100K miles. Since then replaced cat converter, O2 sensors, fuel door and driver side door handle and now the head gasket blows. Went on other forums and its a typical problem that was known by Nissan. Wont buy another Nissan. Dont buy a used 2002 Altima.
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Finally got it right - 2002 Nissan Altima
By Clifton - May 27 - 2:00 amWe purchased a 2002 model 5 months ago. Since the date of purchase, the car has been serviced 6 times. We took the vehicle home, and the car had a strong pull. The dealership has aligned the front end 2 times, replaced struts, tires, and the wheel. That being said, the car has been very good on gas and quick with the 4 cylinder engine. My wife enjoys driving the car, and the space that is available. The car is a little noisy traveling on the interstate, but around town driving is good. Car averages 21 mpg in town and 27 highway. If you are in the market for a nice car that will not break the bank, take a look at the Altima. Just take a long test drive.
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Safety issues - 2002 Nissan Altima
By sadsack - April 15 - 3:43 pmThis car was bought new in 2002. I loved the styling, room, and power. It seemed to be a a great value compared to Toyota and Honda. Then the recall notices started. One involved the crankshaft sensor. It seemed the car could lose power while driving at any speed. It shut down while on the interstate at 65 mph. Sheer panic!! I was lucky to make it off to the shoulder. The crankshaft sensor was replaced (2005). Just two weeks ago it went out again while pulling out across traffic. I was almost broadsided. We paid for this new sensor. Forget customer service, five unreturned calls and no help. This could have been a really good car, but it is dangerous. I am trading.
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Not Impressed! - 2002 Nissan Altima
By Crystal Clark - September 27 - 2:00 amI have had my Altima in the shop a couple of times now because it just wont start. The first time I was able to get it started by pressing on the gas several times. But, the last time it happened, that didnt work, so I had to have it towed from my garage. The first time the service dept. said they had no idea what was causing it. This last time all they said was basically it was my fault because I didnt have the 15,000 mile RECOMMENDED service done. But, thats not the problem because the first time I took it in with this problem, I only had 10,000 miles on it!
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Defective Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
By John - June 5 - 4:46 amThe 2002 Altima has defective catalytic converters. The media comes apart and gets sucked into the engine and destroys the rings. That is why so many folks complain about high oil usage. Nissan has abandoned owners and refused to do a recall. Buyer beware when dealing the this car company. My daughter purchased this junker and now cant afford the $4000 to fix it. Google "Altima engine failures" before you buy a Nissan. Who knows what other Nissans might have wrong with them after 70,000 miles. Owners beware.
