Used 2002 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews
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Never to the shop
Many, many miles in a short time. Nothing like driving a sports car while paying sedan insurance!
What a BLAST to own !
This being my first car was not on my list because I didn't think I could afford it. Not only could I afford it,I would never have known what I was missing out on. Performance,luxury,style,class,etc. Nissan is good,this cart is great. It is the Lexus of Nissan. Who needs a Maxima! Hurry,go buy one,so you too can write your review.
- 2.5 S SedanMSRP: $6,49551 mi away
- 3.5 SE SedanMSRP: $5,900240 mi away
- 3.5 SE SedanMSRP: $5,900281 mi away
not bad, but not perfect either
Bought the 2002 2.5s in sept2002 Nice car but some quirks, burns oil, interior is a little on cheap side. Some problems including: ride gets a little mushy-maybe the tires, steering wheel shakes and pulls alot while braking, crankshaft sensor went out- luckily car was at home and still under warranty-the dealer said this is a known problem, worst of all a very noisey interior especially at highway speeds - OK for normal low mileage usage around town. Cold weather starting. check out the nissan website for 'volunteer' recall work, there are about six (esp ice crystals forming in fuel line) ask about the crankshaft sensor!
Early Mid-Life Crisis Revenge
I have found the 2002 Altima to satisfy that craving to have a sporty car with zip while realizing I have to have room for my wife and son. Even the 4 cylinder is quiet yet responsive. Interior offers plenty of space and good trunk space as well. Nissan's strong performance history and fully adjustable "race-car" driving compartment was also a selling factor for me. But truthfully, the primary feature which drew me to the Atima was the beautiful exterior, crowned by the jeweled rear lights which are classy and reflective of a generation gone by.
Fast & Basic
I've 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. I'm 6'2" & 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 didn't pay anywhere near sticker as a demo) and as such it succeeds. It's just not going to overwelm you with fit / finish, style & sophistication, vault-like solidity
Lost that lovin' feeling
the 2002 Nissan Altima is definately worth a test drive. This car majors in straight line acceleration and looks sweet from the rear. These are the two main reasons that I bought it. I thought I'd get over the things I didn't like...odd looking grill/front end, cheapish interior materials, front-end wheel gap, mediocre handling despite a punishing suspension, wind noise... The newness has worn off and I'm ready to trade but I'm finding it hard to match the Altima's overall bang for the buck. Nissan built one heck of an engine and the car has gobs of space in the cabin and trunk. I'd put it up against any 4-door car under $35,000.
Ron's Altima
A great blend of performance, comfort, and reliability on a beautiful exterior package. The most fun new car I have ever owned.
LES PLAISIRS DE CONDUIRE
I HAVE DRIVEN MY ALTIMA FOR 7000 MILES SO FAR AND HAD NO PROBLEMS.AVERAGE FUEL MILEAGE IS GREAT:28,1M/GAL(65% HIGHWAY).ZIPPY ENGINE,POWERFULL BRAKING,VERY CONFORTABLE ON LONG TRIPS.
Car #58!
This is the 58th car I've owned and one of the best! While this dippy website dings me for the "seafoam green" color, I still get compliments nearly 2 years after purchase. In fact, I have people tell me they'd buy the same car color as mine but then there would be two in the neighborhood. I test the V6 and said, "what for?" The powerful 175 HP 4 cyl out performs the boring Honda and Camry by far! I added aftermarket wheels and it looks like a much more expensive car.
Buy this Car before your Neighbor does
I puchased this car in November of last year. I have put 12,000 miles on the car so far without any major problems and only two minor ones. A spring broke in the lid for the cupholders and the car was delivered without the steering wheel controls for radio. Both of these were fixed by the dealership with no problems. I do notice some wind noise at high speeds, but not enough that it would deter another purchase.
Altima 3.5se
I like it alot.
Loved it, but time to move on?
I bought this car used from a rental company about 5 years ago. It had 37,000 miles and I am very near 110,000 now. Most expensive repair was window switch which was less than $100.00. Just had to replace the sending unit to the transmission yesterday and my mechanic said not to expect more than 25,000 - 30,000 more miles before needing a new transmission. Now trying to decide if I should sell it or spend the $2500 - $3000 on the transmission and hope it lasts me a few more years. Overall this car has been very reliable and I love it. Hope I can find a reliable newer one as my next car!
Happy, Happy
Have only owned the car for a few weeks, but am very impressed with the spunkiness of the 4 cyl and the handling is very nimble. My first 4cyl since college (many years ago) and I'm very happy with it.
SPEED DEMON!!!!
I purchased this car while overseas. It was great gift for myself coming back. I took it instantly on the highways of Southern California. It is great and fun to drive. Passing is a breeze and handling the car at high speeds was also simple. Oh I have to say that its top end speed is the most alluring factor. While on a late night drive on I-15 I hit 140 with pedal to spare.
4 Years of Altima 2.5s
This has been a very good family car. It rides well, handles family needs for trips and still looks sharp going down the road. There is more than enough power in the 4cyl. model to get the job done and still provided decent city drive MPG of around 25 - 27 (Standard) depending on driving style. I do not recommend the OEM tires that came with the car as they proved to be junk. With a decent set of all season after-market tires. I had no issues driving around in the snow of VT. granted I live in the city area. I recommend this car as both new and used model. Has potential for tuning if that is your desire.
First Time Nissan Buyer
The exterior styling and colors are outstanding! The Bose sound system, sunrf, ABS, Traction control and 3.5 engine performance are hard to beat for under $25k. The ride is comfortable but steering is a bit too light at higher speeds (80+). But lots of room (I'm 6'4 1/2") with room to spare. Getting 26.5mpg which is great based on the speeds I've been averaging!
Great Vehicle!!
I love my car. I have owned it for 2 years now, and I can say from experience that it is the best auto purchase that I've ever made. The driver's seat squeaks when driving over bumpy areas for some reason, but the problem is minor. There have been a few recalls on the car, also, but all of the repairs were free.
BEST CAR IN THE MARKET FOR 2002
I have had my car for 6 months and I love it. I love the performance I get from it. Even on a 4 cylender this car picks up speed fast.
Our Great Touring Car
We have thoroughly enjoyed our travels in this vehicle. We use it for our longer travels and find it to be a very comfortable vehicle, very inexpensive to run with gas mileage over 30 MPG on the interstate. No maintenance problems, although Nissan has had a number of recalls for air bag modifications. These were scheduled with regular maintenance and did not interfere with vehicle use.
Altima 3.5 SE Manual
I have had the car for two months and the car as been great so far except for the tires seam to wear fast. You can't help but lay into the pedel making the car it the 60mph mark in around 5.9 seconds. I would recomend replacing the stock air filter with an after market air filter with a K@N filter charger. You can expect a little savings at the pumps and a bit more throttle response as well. Heated seats are a plus.
Happy Nissan Owner
I loved my '94 Altima so much that buying another was an easy choice. My '02 has its ups & downs. Its performance is great, though 3rd-to-2nd-gear shifting could be crisper. My mileage with the automatic transmission is good enough (26.5 mpg freeway). this car's andling is good as well. Its fun to throw around. I have not experienced any mechanical problems, other than several annoying sensor problems. the body style is gorgeous, and the interior is plain, but it doesn't bother me. I agree that its wet weather traction isn't as good as older models. the sun visors are too small, so sunset driving can be challenging. But all things considered, I'd buy another.
Altima after 4 years
This car has been the best car I've owned (and I've 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.
This is the best car I have ever owned!
I've only had this car for a week and I already love this car. I have no complaints, the car handles and looks great. Every day people are telling me how great the car looks. I can't think of a car both American or Asian that is a better value. I was debating between a manaul and automatic transmision, I'm very happy with the automatics performance. I would definitely recommend this vehicle.
still like new
I bought my 02 Altima S model with moonroof, bose, pwr seat and 5-spd. I LOVE IT. Got rid of the crappy continental tires and put on 18 X 8.5 OZ racing wheels with Sumitomo tires, much better ride now. I haven't had a problem with squeaks, rattles parts breaking or breaking down. Wish I could say the same for the 50K 2003 Navigator I bought. What you get for the price is far more fun than the bland style and performance of the Camry and Accord 4 cyl. My brakes squeal under light stopping but the dealership can't figure out why...oh well, all in all I love it and don't have to pay a grand to get the timing belt replaced at 90K like the honda's :- 0
the best
the best, the best, the best, the best is a Nissan Altima
Gas Guzzler
It eats gas. Be careful. The stated consumption is nowhere near reality.
2002 Nissan Altima 2.5
When the car works it's great, when it doesn't, it's such a hassle. Had problems from the beginning, bought it the first year they came out with the new body style. In winter, back doors wouldn't shut until the car warmed up. Had TONS of recalls! Very inconvenient. Car still has problems starting, something about the gas flooding into something, and I have to sit there with my foot on the gas holding it down until it does start. And supposedly there's no way to fix this problem. Such a headache. The car isn't worth all this trouble.
Never Again
I am having the same difficulties starting my 2002 Nissan Altima's engine this winter as last which was supposedly fixed by two recalls and numerous trips to the dealership. My dealer blames this problem on too much fuel in the cylinder if the car is not fully warmed up in cold weather before turning off engine. I have never experienced this problem with the American made, Honda, or Toyota vehicles that I have owned. I had to take my car in for five recalls, everything from the headlight assembly to the tail pipe hanger. This car is terrible in the snow or on wet roads. It pulls to the right when accelerating on a wet surface. Its power window regulator malfunctioned. The quality of workmanship in this vehicle and dealer worst I have ever experienced. I am unloading this dog before the warranty runs out.
Great Buy
I just bought a Pewter color 2.5S and i really like it. The exterior looks very sleak and classy. I got mine with the auto dimming rear-view mirror with temp and compass, incabin microfilter,splash guards, and floor matts. I got it for about 18,400. So far I really like the car. Compared to the Accord, Camry, and Stratus, I think the Nissan Altima was a good choice for me.
Average car.. Awful service
This car has a great engine and very spacious interior. That is where the good things stop. Nissan service departments are awful. Car dead for no reason and dealer has it for 3 days each time with no loaner car offered for me or my family. Still cannot tell me whats wrong. Multiple other small issues. This is the 1st and last Nissan I will buy. Going back to Honda
good car BUT...........
Bought this car with 109,000 miles on it. reallygood deal, the car was awesome, but after 3 months the check engine came on so we took it to the dealership they said it needed new spark plugs $120. After it got fixed we drove about 300 more miles and the check endine light came on again. so we took it to the dealer again. after a few days the dealer said that the car had a blown head gasket in the engine and the coolant was getting inside the engine, the estimate for repairing was $2000 and that is a lot of money. i think that he was lying because it doesn't cost more than $900 to fix it. I think i am going to sell this car and buy another 2002 altima with lower miles.
fast
This car is quick, the bose system is great and the traction control is a great option
This car is fast!
I've had this car for over two years now and no problems and I still love getting behind the wheel. It's just so much fun to drive. I find excuses to drive this car.
Great car for the $$$
Great car for the money! Fun to drive and very reliable. Mine has 2600 miles and has never given me no problems yet. This is a great vehicle to own!
Beautiful
The first car was the Mazda 626. The 626's V6 170 hp engine was seriously lacking power for its weight. Although it did have a close ratio 5spd manual which did have good usage of the power it still is not powerful. Next, I test drove the Volkswagen Passat. While the car is extremly practical their are too many of them out on the road and they look too generic. Same problem with the Honda Accord. Every one and their mother owns a honda accord. Then, I test drove the Chrysler sebring Lxi. Good car but, lacking in power and room. The trunk is small for the size of the car. Drove the Altima. With 240hp and 246lb ft torque it beats the others
Altima User
We purchased our first Nissan Maxima in 1981. We found it so dependable and trouble free that we then purchased 3 more Maximas over the next 20 years. On all of these cars we have experienced no repairs during the 100K miles and few after that. Earlier this year it was time to upgrade our 1996 Maxima, but found the 2002 Altima with a much better looking exterior body, yet basically the same size of car and power under the hood. Hopefully the 2002 Altima will prove to be as reliable as the Maxima.
Great Restyle
Great power,room and design
love my new car
We just bought this use car and I have fallen in love with it! It has so much get up and go. It is sharp looking. I drive a lot for work and am so glad I bought this car!
Motors are junk
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!
Excellent
Fun car to drive. Beautiful design. No problems at all.
A Satisfied Customer
In general, I am very pleased with the performance of my 02 Altima. I have already put almost 80k miles on it, mostly due to commuting in Los Angeles traffic. I have had only one repair that wasn't due to maintenance. One year ago, after a long road trip in the middle of the summer, the oxygen sensor needed replacing. I don't know if the trip had anything to do with it.
Ultimate
Ultimate Altima, great sporty looking car with a quick 4 cylinder engine. Very comfortable ride, although wind noise in drivers door which can be corrected at Dealer. There is a hole in the drivers door that they fill. Otherwise very quiet, great on gas.
What a Bang for the Buck
My parents just bought me this car for my first vehicle and it's a blast. It's a bullet when accelerating, quite when crusiing, and has a sweet tune when the engine is revved. It's faster than my dad's V8 sedan and my brothers sports car. I couldn't have asked for a better car.
Awesome car for the money
I bought the car a month ago and can't stop enjoying driving it. Considered the accord and camry but altima offers way more for the money (paid 18200). The 4 cilinder offers very lively performance - cruises effortlessly at 85 mph. The design is outstanding. Nissan reliability is awesome(had a 96 altima for 6 years - not a single problem with 95000 miles on the odometer). Yes some plastic detailes have not yet been perfected in the interior but that is expected in the first year with a completely redesigned car. Altima just can't be beat at the price. Test drive one and you will see the difference. Way to go nissan.
Altima
I was really looking for a car to haul a lot of stuff and I looked at the Altima and was compelled!!! The exterior is awesome thuoght the interior is very plasticy and cheap. IMO Nissan should redo the whole interior for all our sakes.
Excellent car
Best new car I have ever owned in fifty years.
Like it
Smooth family sedan lines, hot muscle-car performance. Can tell what brand of auto your driving at a glance. roomy inside, not outside.
I LOVE this car!
Rides nice, and handles exceptionally well...and it looks good too!
Altima
This car is great.It is fun to drive my only complaint is that my brakes are making a squeeking on occasion but otherwise this car is great. It has more standard horsepower than any full size vehicle under 30$cdn. Thank you for your time Shaan
2002 Altima a Winner!!!!
EXCELLENT CAR!!!! LOOKS FABOLOUS AND IS A REAL HEAD TURNER. I GOT AT LEAST 20 compliments the first week I had it. The drivetrain is excellent. The 4 speed performs without flaw. Fun to drive!!!! I got the "plus" package which adds a power sunroof. This feature is a lot of fun. It also adds the alloy wheels which are nice and it adds a couple other amenities.