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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  High Speed Noise - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Gchaz - December 30 - 6:26 pm

  I purchased an Altima 3.5 SE just before Christmas. A shrill, shearing sound occasionally crops up emanating from somewhere in the front on the drivers side when travelling at speeds above 70 mph. It last for up to a minute or so. The dealer first thought it was the tire, then the strut, and now wind noise. Have not been able to pinpoint the cause at this point. I am about ready to invoke my Lemon Law rights and ask Nissan to replace the vehicle.

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  Family car thats fun to drive - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By nbarry - December 26 - 5:53 am

  Had the 3.5SE 2 weeks now - great performance, gas mileage better than the EPA rating even with my lead foot. The ride isnt as smooth as my moms Camry, but the Camry lacks real personality. Huge back seat, great drink holders. Mirror remote control seems cheap, as well as the interior door handles. A fun car that doubles as a family transport.

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  Not Exactly Happy - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By tejewa - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I was really taken aback when I realized how terrible it handled in snow/icy conditions. It slid and slid, and the ABS made huge sounds but never stopped the car. Never felt safe in snowy/icy weather after that. The fabric on the seats attracts so much dog hair and yet our dogs have never even been in the car. And you cant get the hair out. Twice in a year weve had to take it to the dealership because the memory in the computer system goes out and all the radio settings, clock, etc. have to be re-set.

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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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  Excellent car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By earlk - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Best new car I have ever owned in fifty years.

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  BEST CAR FOR THE MONEY - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By LOUIE L.. - November 20 - 10:00 am

  BEST CAR FOR THE MONEY EITHER FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC.GREAT HIGHWAY CAR WITH 25 MPG RESULTS.GOOD LOOKING WITH A VERY COMFORTABLE INTERIOR.I HAVE 2 NEGATIVES.FROM DAY ONE I HAVE A VALVE TAP AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANS IDLES QUIETLY OUT OF GEAR AND VERY ROUGH IN GEAR.AT MY 1500 MILE FIRST OIL CHANGE THE DEALER TOLD ME HE HEARS AND FEELS NOTHING.ILL SEE WAHT HE SAYS AT 4500 MILES.

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  Cool Ride! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By jrbrad89 - November 19 - 11:18 pm

  Had an 02 Altima 2.5 auto as my first car in 06. Loved it. Found this 3.5 SE with about 95k on it. Great condition. Some minor scratches here and there. Leather interior is sweet. Bose sound system great. Wish it had an MP3 port in the 02. Drove this one from San Diego to upstate NY with no problems. Lowered it 2" for faster handling. Looks cool too. Only thing I dislike is the extensive procedure to change the rear 3 spark plugs. You have to drain the coolant, release the fuel pressure, set the climate control system to a specific settings, remove the intake manifold, replace the spark plugs and replace the intake gaskets. Wheel bearing gone bad now.

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  In Your Face Camry - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Erik_From_FL - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Best 25K i ever spent, leather, moonroof, bose system, 17" rims, 240 horsies to paly with? what is there not to like? Can the camry even compare with its fish looking tail end and sorry 192hp engine?

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  Fabulous Car!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By JC 90210 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I am 100 o/o happy with this car. I have had many cars, and this one is right at the top. The only negative is the steering wheel radio and speed controls are not lighted. The rest is Perfect!

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  Nissan Delivers Again - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Joseph - October 23 - 8:46 pm

  This car is great,I bought it the same year it got the new body in 2002.I always trusted nissan,my first was a 1985 maxima,then a 1990 maxima,a 2001 quest and of course the 2002 altima.This car only has 49000 miles on it to this day it is always in mint condition.