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 11 through 20 of 394.00

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  New model Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Debbie Jara-Lorek - May 16 - 2:00 am

  The car was brand new off the lot. During the first year the following needed replacing: clutch pedal, exterior molding, clutch boot and casing, entire exhaust system, some other oil parts that were recalled because of fire potential. Tail light and head light. Unable to get tail light out of casing to change (still out for 6 mo. now). Very disapointed!!!

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  Happy New Honda Owner!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mastercaster - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the 2.5s 5spd. in 11-2002. aside from the several recalls, we had to have the oxygen sensor,camshaft sensor and fuel cap replaced. that was after it left my wife stranded. died 2 times in the middle of driving. had to be towed to the dealer for repair. nissan was not pleasant to deal with at all! wouldnt recommend nissan at all. should have listened to my gut when i bought it, and gone with the HONDA then. just bought a 03 Accord EX 5spd. LOVE it!! there is absolutely no comparison between the two. the accord is like climbing into a lexus after the nissan! really! every single aspect of the honda is better in my eyes, wallet and piece of mind!

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  Would not reccomment another Nissan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Prof - March 29 - 12:16 pm

  I bought the Nissan altima 02 new and had planned o drive for at least 10 yrs. In the beginning it had recalls every other 3 mths. Every thing was ok since I made sure I took it in for every service the manufacturer recommended. This was until it go to 95,000 miles. It could not start in the mornings and the dealer said I had to replace the head gasket ($1500). This is after they replaced the body throttle 2 weeks before ($600). 3 mths later it just loses power while driving on the highway. I took it to the Nissan dealer 3 times ad they could not figure the problem out. I drove it to 3 mechanics who could not fix the problem. I had to buy another car. I do not recommend Nissan car to anyone. That engine?

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  Biggest Mistake - EVER!!!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Belle - May 3 - 9:40 am

  I purchased this brand new vehicle in October 2001 to ensure my 3 week old had a safe, reliable vehicle. The style of the vehicle, roominess, and overall design drew me to this purchase. I have since had 5 recalls, two of which are being re-done, the vehicle would not start on three separate occassions as well as the vehicle stalled while driving the vehicle on three separate occassions. Both the dealership and Nissan Corporation have had no empathy for my $23K purchase nor for the safety of my family. Additionally, the OEM tires were the worst ever. Had to replace at 30K and paying more than $500 for new tires. Never another Nissan - EVER!!!!

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  Great looking but not mechanically sound - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Andy - April 14 - 9:56 pm

  only 32k miles: Having been a short term owner thus far I have had to replace many parts: from brake rotors to master clutch and rear shocks all not built well from factory having speaking with many owners whome also replaced many parts either under warrenty or not. Otherwise I am thrilled with the look and functionality of this car and its relatively low weight makes the mid powered 2.5L feel more powerful than other cars with similar engines. It also handles excellant in corners and bumpy roads.

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  dissatisifed - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By dissatisified - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Handles great, a blast to drive. Plagued with problems. This car has burned oil from the day I got it. Two service managers and the GM agree it should have a long block. I have had this problem tracked by driving to the dealer every 500 miles for documentation. Nissan wont stand behind their car. I shouldve stayed with Toyota!

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  Stay Away!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Muhammad Akhtar - February 4 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my Altima 7 months ago, and I finally got rid of it. I feel sorry for the person who bought it. I am a college student and cannot afford huge maintenance cost on this lemon. I have noticed most of the complaints are with S, and SL trims. The only major flaw with this car is the excessive oil consumption, and this model burns oil like crazy it does not even leak. It surely is a lemon, I didnt spend a lot on it except had keep up with oil replacement twice a month, which sounds really awful for a car that was rewarded as car of the year back in 2002. Nissan got bad reputation because of this car. Now I am looking forward to buy MAXIMA 6th GEN. They are a lot powerful and reliable.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 02 Nissan Altima - January 31 - 4:56 am

  Ever since i bought the car the clutch would stick down in the bottom but it never happened frequently enough for the problem to get resolved and they always claimed that there was nothing wrong with. At 114000 miles my engine started to knock and i later found out coolant was leaking into my engine through a bad head gasket. $3000 later a used engine was installed and now Im looking to repair a head gasket issue on this newly installed engine at 160000 miles. Never again will i purchase and Altima!!

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  Never Buy a Nissan Again - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By kevin from Rochester - October 16 - 10:00 am

  have had for almost 3 years now. Lots of recalls, interior road noise, gas from fuel tank sloshes around while cornering, turning radius is horrible, breaks went at 28 K. (not turable rotors so it cost me around $400). Slippery in the snow and when wet, interior fogging is the worst I have even experienced. Has been like an American car, will not buy a nissan again

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  Dont let them fix it! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brandon11111111 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Yeah, it sounds strange, but dont take your car in forthe "cold weather shutdown" recall. They will install a screen that is capable of blocking ice crystals from getting to the fuel pump. Since that was done to our car, the car has shut down 3 times in any weather! Basically the accelerator stops working. Its as if you put your car in neutral, but if you try to use your accelerator, nothing happens. Doesnt even rev. I know this has happened to several Altimas because the dealership couldnt figure out what was wrong and called Nissan who said they have no idea, but that these complaints are coming in heavy.