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 271 through 280 of 394.00

• 

  consider yourself forewarned - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By lmth10 - May 20 - 9:28 pm

  I bought my 02 altima in 2005 with 26k miles. Loved it at first; did all the recommended maintenance; highway mpg 26 but it seemed like I was always spending money on things going wrong that never occurred with my familys hondas and toyotas. My catalytic converter was replaced and less than a year later the engine light came on signaling it needed to be redone. My car also wouldnt start and I got a new crank shaft sensor and that took care of the problem for a few months until it happened again. Got another crank shaft sensor and cam shaft sensor and it still wouldnt start regularly! Finally the mechanic said I needed a new gasket which could cost $2500. I traded it in for $2k with 114k mil

• 

  Driv It, Youll buy it - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Nick DeLeo - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Just Drive the car and youll see, the only bad point is when it rains, if you smoke and the windows open even a crack, you get drenched, not so big a deal though.

• 

  A gift and a curse - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By autobuffsince5 - April 21 - 11:22 pm

  This car is a gem to look at even at 8 years, however, I will NEVER buy another Nissan product. After very wet weather the car has a hard time starts. The head gaskets wore and have leaked coolant which fouls the plugs and the 02 sensors. This problems has re-occured every since I hit 80k. Any bump dings it up easily and the car feels very unsubstantial. Abslolute must to change the stock tires. (terrible in snow). The AC does not defrost and it struggles to cool the car down. Overall the car has a phenomenal engine, but it seems that Nissan knows the engine craps out. They refuse to be accountable for this. Wonderful engine but go cart fit, finish and quality. Ur lucky to get 6 good years..

• 

  Great looking car... thats all - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mcitv08 - April 5 - 2:36 pm

  My "used to have" 2002 Nissan Altima was a great looking car, even up to the end when I traded it in last week. The comfort and ride quality is excellent. Amenities with the vehicle are to a minimum but overall the car is very nice. However this car does have many issues. The car at 97k miles had been burning oil (a qt a week) thus flooding the motor to where it cant start. 02 sensors were bad, fuel pump went out twice, recalled gas tank, very cheap interior materials. However when the car did run, of which it did very well 90% of the times, it drove smoothly and quietly.

• 

  Edmonds pays off again - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By jerry45205 - March 18 - 12:29 pm

  My son re3ceived this car as a gift. It was very clean for the age. As soon as he got it he did an Edmonds review and this is what happened: He ordered a direct bolt on stainless steel racing header from optionimports on e bay motors, The main cat had already been removed. We eliminated the orig header/manifold which contains the problem pre-cat and the header went right on. Upon further examination of the car it looked like the engine had been replaced. Tell tale signs were the junkyard yellow marker markings on the side of the engine. Car body has 90,000 miles-after even more inspection could very well be a newer 2.5 engine as it was clean-as in oil and tranny fluid.So looks like a win.

• 

  Good job for a first year - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 1943211 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  The car has a few minor issues, but that is to be expected from a car in its first year of production. Overall it is a very good driving experience

• 

  Great Compromise - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By FoggyKnight - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Didnt want a big SUV, and didnt want a little 2 seater, but wanted something in between. This fits the requirements very nicely. Fine acceleration and yet very roomy. Has some of the handling capabilities of my previous 2 seater and much of the load carrying ability of my P/U truck. Overall, a good choice, I think.

• 

  Anyone else with WIND problems?? - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Snowflake - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car, really euphoric to drive. Would improve the interior quality, as others have stated. Little dissapointed in the wind noise, but its still fun to drive. Havent read this complaint anywhere, but the car handles EXTREMELY poorly in windy conditions, almost dangerously difficult to handle. also, sometimes the transmission seems to stick.

• 

  Altima Valus (Ultimate Value) - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Claude McDowell - February 13 - 3:06 am

  We had a used 94 Altima SE for 3 years, enjoyed the car and had good resale value. We now have the 02 Altima SE. My wife and I believe it is truly the sexiest auto on the road.The V6 deserves its acclaim. Power and decent MPG (21.6). I love to drive it. It meets our expectations and more.

• 

  My first and last Nissan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By unleaded - February 5 - 2:00 am

  My first Nissan and last Nissan. Problems with itermittent flooding, build quality, rattling panels, harsh transmission, mediocre mileage for a 4 cylinder, terrible stock Continentals in the snow, oil consumption and awful dealership support. Dunno, maybe I received a lemon but at least it is beautiful.