2002 Nissan Altima Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.35/5 Average
394 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Sports car power in a midsize sedan body, high level of features, distinct new shape.
Cons:
  • All-new design could mean first-year teething problems and dealer mark-up.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 394.00
  • Altima after 4 years - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    This car has been the best car Ive owned (and Ive owned a lot). I bought it because it was stylish, affordable, spacious (both passenger and truck space) and fun to drive. It has also turned out to be very economical (23 MPG city) and extremely reliable. On the highway, it has over a 500 mile range and it has never left me stranded. And with the 5 speed it is a lot of fun to drive. A lot of power for a 4 cylinder.

  • Holy Smokes - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Ive put 5k on this car in about 2 months and love it more everyday. Great balance of power and economy. I drive about 45 miles to work each way with about 25 of it highway and the car constantly gets 27mpg or more. Not bad for 240 hp. Interior is not nearly as bad a people say. It is different but most importantly it is tight, no rattles nothing so far. Cupholders could hold a small child, or at least a 32 gatorade bottle, brakes are great as Ive already missed a deer thanks to them. Other note, states it needs premium fuel, runs on (89) no difference in milage or pickup and it does not ping. I HIGHLY recommend this car.

  • Im ready to buy another.... - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I have a rare five speed. This big (by todays standards) four cylinder sedan easily pulls away from traffic and rides comfortably on the highway. I rent cars often because of frequent travel but when I use the Altima on trips Im a lot happier. Never happy with the factory tires-when I swapped tires at about 50,000 miles the new Yokohama Avids provided a huge improvement in ride, handling and wet weather safety. Otherwise this is the best car Ive ever owned. Brakes, tires, oil changes, normal maintenance, thats it!

  • Beware when you go over 100K miles - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    The 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.

  • Very Happy...so far - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    After 10+ months I am very happy with the Altima 2.5 S. Owned all Hondas in the past, and was a little worried about Nissans reliability. Very fun car to drive, nice stereo, and you cant beat the looks on this car. Mine is Super Black with the convenience package, and it looks very sharp when its all shined up. I really hope this car proves to be as reliable as my Accord was. Its a shame Honda makes such bland looking cars these days (even the new accord), otherwise I might have purchased another instead of the Altima.

  • Design+Performance = Best Buy - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    No wonder this was the North American Car of the Year. The design/style and the performance of the 3.5SE engine is unmatched for a vehicle in this price range. Nissan has outdone its competitors! I cant wait for the aftermarket performance parts from Stillen or Jim Wolf Technology to become available. The engine has untapped resources waiting to be unleashed.

  • My dream car! - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I love this car! Its stylish, zippy, yet larger than the average sports car. Theres plenty of room for 4 (or even 5) adults -- lots of legroom in the backseat. The trunk is huge, the interior is beautiful. It gets pretty good gas mileage for a car its size (I probably drive 60% city/ 40% highway on average and get about 23 mpg). And its so much fun to drive!

  • My 2003 Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    This car is a hot ride. Even though I have the 4 cyl., it handles great-- nimble and sporty and has enough pep without having to sacrifice premium fuel (as the v6 requires). I really love the car but I just bought it in June, have 3,500 mi. on it and have already had to bring it to the dealership for a recall and a new radiator. There was a small leak in the seal of the radiator. Its kind of early to tell how reliable this car will be, but overall I would buy it all over again. It seems solid and has great precision!

  • Finally got it right - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    We 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.

  • New Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    This is a great vehicle to drive. Quick and agile. Build quality could use improvement. A few rattles. Passenger side door leaked water. It took 3 visits to the dealership to fix it.

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