Used 2002 Nissan Altima Consumer Reviews
Stay away from thw 2002 Altima
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.
My Altima 3.5 SE
Have had my Altima 3.5 SE for 2 weeks. Pros: Performance, Exterior(I've had at least 8 total strangers compliment my car..3 of whom thought it was a Lexus), Interior (huge, luxurious & nice in black). Cons: Large turning radius, slightly noiser & roughier ride than Camry/Accord, Some cheap plastic Overall...great, livable car for the commute/family with awesome power & fun to drive aspects....Now I just have to worry about tickets...
- 2.5 S SedanMSRP: $3,90089 mi away
- 2.5 S SedanMSRP: $5,495354 mi away
- 2.5 SL SedanMSRP: $4,995359 mi away
My 2003 Altima
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. It's 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!
Lemon
Two months into the second year of ownership, the car started to burn oil. Nissan replaced the engine block. Next, the clutch would not disengage. The car went to the shop and Nissan adjusted the clutch. This helped for about one month. Next, the car stranded my wife on the side of the interstate. Dealership towed the vehicle to their shop. They then replaced the Clutch master cylinder and seals. Now you can feel the bearings grinding through the clutch pedal. Today, the dealership will get the car back for more work. This car has been driven more by Nissan than by me or my wife. I intend on asking Nissan to replace the whole car.
A gift and a curse
This car is a gem to look at even at 8 years, however, I will NEVER buy another Nissan product. After very wet weather the car has a hard time starts. The head gaskets wore and have leaked coolant which fouls the plugs and the 02 sensors. This problems has re-occured every since I hit 80k. Any bump dings it up easily and the car feels very unsubstantial. Abslolute must to change the stock tires. (terrible in snow). The AC does not defrost and it struggles to cool the car down. Overall the car has a phenomenal engine, but it seems that Nissan knows the engine craps out. They refuse to be accountable for this. Wonderful engine but go cart fit, finish and quality. Ur lucky to get 6 good years..