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 21 through 30 of 394.00

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By S Cantino - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car with 56,000. Soon discovered what others have been talking about. Prepared myself for the worse and at 90,000 the catalytic converter self destructed. Caught it in time and replaced with new. Shortly thereafter the head gasket problem surfaced and the transmission needed to be replaced. Far more repairs than one would expect from Nissan. The engine problems should be addressed. There are better cars out there.

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  Dont buy 02, buy 03 or higher! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By kelly - May 3 - 10:36 am

  Loved the car, but after having to have the engine replaced, i didnt feel comfortable driving anymore. Engine was replaced under warranty at 60K miles, but i was told it was ok to drive until engine came in...only slight risk of fire! Problem caused by catalytic converter separating and being pulled into engine. I will never buy a first year production car again!

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  Be afraid, be very afraid - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Super T - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I loved the design of the 02 Ultima and thought it would be a good switch from my 95 ford thunderbird. The car was O.K. until it died in traffic at 46,000 miles. After being towed to the dealer and a new crank sensor later, my check engine light came on. Problem with the catalytic converter. I then read the recall report on NHTSA website - the Ultima has a major flaw with the converter that can destroy the engine. I should have bought a Ford! I think you will be hearing much more about the problems with this car. Im thinking of selling mine before I had planned.

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  Pretty Car but.... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By woodstudio - August 17 - 5:00 am

  Ive had various problems with this car that I didnt expect on a new car. Such as: crankshaft sensor (dead in driveway), rear rotors replaced at less than 40K (fronts I could understand), defective latch on console door (cant close it), no heat, and improper rear suspension (bottoms out with people in rear seat). I do not recommend.

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  Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Joe Molica - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Fast car but quality needs improvement desperately.

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  This car is a lemon. - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By chrisbuck1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been in the shop for 4 days out of the 21 that Ive had it. There is a thump/rattle that they cant find, a vibration when the AC is on and car stopped, and the other day the remote entry stopped working and the doors would randomly lock and unlock themselves as I drove around.

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  Fast & Basic - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By NJMike - June 4 - 10:36 am

  Ive had the vehicle for a year and a half, it was a demo. Good everyday driver with usable power @ all speeds. A decent handling car. Im 62" & it fits me well w/ good head & leg room. Interior feels like "Rubbermaid" was the designer. I know of other people who have the 3.5SE model and they are happy with them. I am too, but when the sticker price is getting close to 30k, I become real critical. Bose stereo is fine, but over-rated. No direct-in for MP3 player. This is a "bang-for- the-buck" car (I didnt pay anywhere near sticker as a demo) and as such it succeeds. Its just not going to overwelm you with fit / finish, style & sophistication, vault-like solidity

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  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.

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  Nissan Altima Problems - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By E. Delisle - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have a problem with a thump in the front end of the car. Nissan will do nothing about this and said all standards do this. Problem was not there when car was purchased. Started about 300 miles into the car.

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  Can Look but Cant Drive the Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Unhappy Altima Owner - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Altima for 2.5 years and have had 2 major breakdowns. First off, the catalytic converter went out. This was under factory warranty. Next the fuel pump went out. These are the types of breakdowns that should happen to MUCH OLDER cars. Overall I am pretty unhappy with this car. The interior is cheap, rattles, it has had a LOT of recalls, and breaks down a lot. Overall it is a good looking but if you cant drive it, what good is it? I think this will be my last Nissan.