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 81 through 90 of 394.00
  • Exhilirating Ride with 175 Ponies - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Bought mine 4/13/02 as my first new car. Whate a rush :) I was considering the 3.5L SE (more power) but changed my mind when I test drove the 2.5L S. Very smooth ride and with todays gas prices cannot beat the 32 miles per gallon on the highway. All models have the same interior unless you get leather. I am extremely happy with the purchase and I totally recommend it, especially for a young woman, you will turn heads, I was told that it looks like a new Lexus.

  • What an engine!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I was thinking about buying something smaller, but the test drive sold me. The wonderful 3.5L V-6 engine is this cars best selling point. After having lived with the car for 3 months, the engine is still the cars strongest point. It just never fails to impress. Handling is another strong point, although it does get a little unsettled on bumpy pavement, but never enough to throw the car offline. The exterior of the car very pleasing to the eye. I think the profile is the cars best view IThe interior is very quiet. Road noise is very subdued, as is wind noise, except for an air leak from the sunroof.

  • Good, but. . . . - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Nice car, but not quite up to the hype. Nice thrust/acceleration for a 4 cyl. Could use more noise dampening to block out road noise. The heater/cooling fan is TOO NOISY!!

  • Stay Away! - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I bought this car after saving money for two years. As a college student, my commute only involved going to college and back, and work almost everyday. The car started giving me problems from the day I bought it. Cam/crank position sensors, which had already been replaced before because of a recall went bad. Had to pay $400. The head gasket is faulty in these models. Consumes more oil than gas. Ac/heater problems. Suspension has issues. The backlight for radio stopped working. Its a very fragile car. Unless you love wasting your hard earned money, dont buy this car, even if it is handed to you for free. Its a complete piece of junk!

  • What a Difference - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I owned a 93 Altima GLE which I enjoyed very much but the 02 Altima is by far the best car I have ever owned "Great Job Nissan"

  • driven-2002 Altima 3.5 SE - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Purchased my vehicle in January. I do an extensive amount of driving as a sales rep and find the vehicle comfortable even for extended trips and extremely fun to drive. Performance is impressive and mileage is reasonable for that performance. I am very satisfied to date.

  • Motors are junk - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    I will never buy another nissan altima or nothing in nissan the motors are junk and will not hold up i have spent a fortune on this junk pile and i am going to buy another car as soon as possible shame on you nissan for selling junk!

  • The best Ive ever had! - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    Only two weeks old but first impressions are that this is an outstanding car. Purchased the 3.5 V-6 and happy that I did. Test drove the 2.5 and it was very good but the V-6 is like a rocket. Tip, hold down your cost buy selecting a model without Sunroof/Bose/Leather, that can run you up 3 grand. Good negotiations and shrewd comparisons with on line quotes got me the rear spoiler. It doesnt do anything but looks sharp. The 3.5 model is loaded with CD/Power seat/ 17"alloys/Keyless entry/alarm just about everything. Digital gas usage tells me Im getting 25.9 to the gallon. Im very happy with this car. My advice GO FOR IT.

  • 2nd Gen 1st Yr (2002) Nissan Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    The 2002 Altima underwent a big design change resulting in many new and some not so improved or appreciated changes.New body is nice, but too low. The interior is appealing and comfortable. The interior lights need to be much brighter, as in the Sentra. The heater in our car has had problems since we got it at 14,000 miles. The car is taken to the service dept at least once a year to make it work as well as my 95 . Nissan PU,so far to no avail. Our car has had several recalls and problems peculiar to 2002 Altimas. Exhaust header replacement recall at 30K mi, muffler recall at 60K mi,front converter selfdestructed at 88K & Killed eng ($3.5K) The 100Kmi $2K warranty was a wise choice. purcased

  • get a honda - 2002 Nissan Altima
    By -

    for the most part the i happy with my altima. i have had it in for repairs 4 time in a year and a half. transmition and stalling problems. the trunk now leaks, the cup holder doesnt close, and the rear window doesnt roll up by itself(i need to wiggle it as i raise it). i am selling it soon.

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