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 1 through 10 of 394.00

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  Engine Failed at 95k miles - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - December 3 - 7:20 am

  Pre-catalyst came apart at 95k miles after a recall supposedly fixed the problem. The pre-cat came apart and is close enough to the cylinders that it ruined the engine (the 2005+ models have the pre-cat moved farther away to permanently solve this problem). Nissan has rejected all warranty claims on any cars outside of 60k miles. $4600 to fix it. The only permanent fix is an aftermarket header that puts car out of emissions compliance.

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  Stay Away! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By unchainedskydiver - November 19 - 10:00 am

  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!

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  Overpriced!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Furrball - October 9 - 10:00 am

  A mediocre car, especially for the price. Like others, I had problems with the cars handling in wet weather. The interior cant get much cheaper, there are more recalls on this car than one can imagine, and the engine flooding and not starting was a major nuisance. Also, the power windows intermittently stop working. The dealership, like other Nissan owners have mentioned, is not very helpful. Oh, and if you need to replace a tire, good luck! They are a rare size that must be special-ordered unless you pay the dealers price to replace.

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  Stay away from thw 2002 Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Gone Driving - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The car is just shy of 2 years old and has had a new catalytic converter, radiator, engine mount, heater core and ABS sensor. It has ongoing problems with vibration and wind noise which have still not been corrected . There is rust on one of the engine brackets which according to Nissan has no metal in it. The car had starting problems. The brakes have no power assist in very cold weather for the first minute or two after starting the car. Unfortunately all the excitement that I had when I bought this car has turned into lack of confidence in Nissan Products.

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  WHAT A LEMON !! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Ty01453 - June 11 - 2:40 pm

  bought this car 6 months ago (used) and it already needs a new motor. What a waste of my $$. For your own sake stay away from 2002 used altimas.

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  Worst Car EVER DRIVEN - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By SteveJ - May 7 - 10:00 am

  From day one this car has been a problem! It was delivered with an outward ding (factory installed), that the dealership happily fixed, then it was stalling every other time I put it into reverse, the dealership fixed after three visits, then there was the locking problem, that was fixed but is now back again, it has also been repainted on the bottom sills because the paint was just flaking off of the car, the blinkers often dont work and now there is a headlamp problem. I traded in a 99 with NO problems, I wish I had been as luck with this car.

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  new engine - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 87000 - December 22 - 6:06 pm

  my car is not over 100,000 miles and already had to get a new engine and other expensive parts

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  unreliable and annoying - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By abelanger - July 27 - 2:10 am

  First car I ever bought new. Had fun driving for a few years, but had 1 serious engine problem (a screw came loose and fell into the piston chamber, would have destroyed the engine if not caught. Had many many many problems with body interior and exterior. Gas cover bent so badly I couldnt open to fill my tank anymore. Replaced, and a year later it happened again. Gave up replacing and now I just drive without the cover... Looks ridiculous. Inside everything is falling apart: standard shifter cover broke within months, doors and glove comp. Rattle, moldings fall off and break... Body not only looks and feels cheap in/out, it really is cheap. I will never buy Nissan again.

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  Altima is a nightmare!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Dont buy this car!! - July 22 - 3:43 am

  Dont buy a 2002+ Altima! I bought one and even the Nissan mechanics always tell me how unreliable it is. At just 1 1/2 years old, they replaced the engine! 6 months later my car was overheating and they put in a new radiator. Then it was under warranty, but I still got charged $800 because, when it was stalling and the dealer didnt realize it was the faulty engine (not unusual for these cars) they said I must pay the money to get it "fixed" and it wouldnt stall anymore. I never was refunded the money, even though it was under warranty, it kept stalling even with the $800 worth of "repairs", and the engine was replaced three weeks later.

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  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