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

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  High Speed Noise - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Gchaz - December 30 - 6:26 pm

  I purchased an Altima 3.5 SE just before Christmas. A shrill, shearing sound occasionally crops up emanating from somewhere in the front on the drivers side when travelling at speeds above 70 mph. It last for up to a minute or so. The dealer first thought it was the tire, then the strut, and now wind noise. Have not been able to pinpoint the cause at this point. I am about ready to invoke my Lemon Law rights and ask Nissan to replace the vehicle.

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  Not Exactly Happy - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By tejewa - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I was really taken aback when I realized how terrible it handled in snow/icy conditions. It slid and slid, and the ABS made huge sounds but never stopped the car. Never felt safe in snowy/icy weather after that. The fabric on the seats attracts so much dog hair and yet our dogs have never even been in the car. And you cant get the hair out. Twice in a year weve had to take it to the dealership because the memory in the computer system goes out and all the radio settings, clock, etc. have to be re-set.

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  Cool Ride! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By jrbrad89 - November 19 - 11:18 pm

  Had an 02 Altima 2.5 auto as my first car in 06. Loved it. Found this 3.5 SE with about 95k on it. Great condition. Some minor scratches here and there. Leather interior is sweet. Bose sound system great. Wish it had an MP3 port in the 02. Drove this one from San Diego to upstate NY with no problems. Lowered it 2" for faster handling. Looks cool too. Only thing I dislike is the extensive procedure to change the rear 3 spark plugs. You have to drain the coolant, release the fuel pressure, set the climate control system to a specific settings, remove the intake manifold, replace the spark plugs and replace the intake gaskets. Wheel bearing gone bad now.

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  Nissan Delivers Again - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Joseph - October 23 - 8:46 pm

  This car is great,I bought it the same year it got the new body in 2002.I always trusted nissan,my first was a 1985 maxima,then a 1990 maxima,a 2001 quest and of course the 2002 altima.This car only has 49000 miles on it to this day it is always in mint condition.

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  2002 Altima Review - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By JabbaJ766 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car overall. Since I bought the car about a year ago, I have had to replace the boot on my shifter, because it came apart, and I have had to get the black part of my window repaired twice. Wish the dealership was a little better. Have gone there along time, since they changed owners they have been going down hill. The car handles great, I wish they offered sunroofs in the 2.5S, that is all I wanted when I bought my car, but I could not afford to go up the next step.

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  wow - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By joebobster - October 15 - 5:50 pm

  I have done alot of research, and this car is something else...finally purchased it and the stick is very smooth, the ride is excellent...and aweseome acceleration...i got it with the wood trim and emerald green...absoluletly beautiful car...

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  Car #58! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By ronco - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the 58th car Ive owned and one of the best! While this dippy website dings me for the "seafoam green" color, I still get compliments nearly 2 years after purchase. In fact, I have people tell me theyd buy the same car color as mine but then there would be two in the neighborhood. I test the V6 and said, "what for?" The powerful 175 HP 4 cyl out performs the boring Honda and Camry by far! I added aftermarket wheels and it looks like a much more expensive car.

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  Honest Opinion - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By bob - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for my wife in March. She adores it. She loves the way it looks, rides, and, most importantly, accelerates.I have a 2000 V-6 Passat w/ 5 speed and it is not even in the same league as far as horsepower. The VW is far superior in steering, shifting, and workmanship. The Altima is far superior in raw power, sport style handling, looks, and the Bose system rocks! Basically, I adore both cars for different reasons. If you love a stick, all drivers should try both and let your heart decide. Before buying either car with an automatic, please learn to drive a stick and enter the "drivers" world.

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  Honest Opinion - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car for my wife in March. She adores it. She loves the way it looks, rides, and, most importantly, accelerates.I have a 2000 V-6 Passat w/ 5 speed and it is not even in the same league as far as horsepower. The VW is far superior in steering, shifting, and workmanship. The Altima is far superior in raw power, sport style handling, looks, and the Bose system rocks! Basically, I adore both cars for different reasons. If you love a stick, all drivers should try both and let your heart decide. Before buying either car with an automatic, please learn to drive a stick and enter the "drivers" world.

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  Chose Altima over Maxima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 03RxAlty - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Altima: 5 speed; 245 hp; new styling; independent rear suspension; bigger; less expensive; moderate fit/finish interior Maxima: 6 speed; 255 hp; dated styling (makeover pending); beam rear susp.; smaller; more expensive; better fit/finish interior I thought that I got more for my money with the Altima since the performance was equivalent, and there were more pluses with the Altima. BTW, my other car is a 97 Maxima.